SAB Trainee Programmes | Various Positions
Looking to build a career in manufacturing, engineering, or brewing? The SAB Trainee Programmes offer exciting opportunities for graduates who want to gain hands-on experience in a world-class production environment. SAB (South African Breweries) is inviting qualified candidates to apply for trainee positions across various technical fields.
These structured 18-month programmes are designed to equip graduates with practical exposure, technical expertise, and leadership skills. If you are ready to grow your career in a fast-paced production environment, this opportunity could be the perfect starting point.
About SAB
SAB is one of South Africa’s leading beverage companies, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence. With a strong presence across the country, SAB offers graduates the opportunity to work in modern brewing and packaging facilities while learning from experienced industry professionals.
The Technical Trainee Programme is structured to develop future leaders in engineering, brewing, packaging, utilities, and maintenance functions.
Trainee Packaging Production
The purpose of this role is to provide graduates with a strong technical foundation and practical exposure within the Packaging Department. Through a structured and rigorous development programme, trainees will gain hands-on experience and build the confidence needed to take on defined responsibilities within the business.
The Technical Trainee programme runs for 18 months.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Gain a full understanding of packaging equipment theory, principles, and operations across the Packaging Hall
- Participate in packaging-related projects aligned with brewery priorities
- Apply VPO (Supply Excellence) principles in daily operations
- Diagnose systemic and situational problems and perform troubleshooting
- Participate in packaging team structures, including acting in identified leadership roles
- Communicate learnings and implemented solutions across various business levels
Minimum Requirements:
- BSc, BTech, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering
- Approximately 2 years of packaging experience
- Legal work authorization (full citizenship) in South Africa
- Willingness to relocate and demonstrate geographical mobility within South Africa
Trainee Packaging Maintenance
This role focuses on developing graduates in the maintenance and reliability of packaging equipment. The programme combines structured learning with hands-on technical exposure in a production environment.
The goal is to prepare trainees to step into defined maintenance roles after successfully completing the 18-month programme.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Develop a full understanding of packaging equipment operation and maintenance
- Participate in projects aligned with brewery and packaging objectives
- Apply VPO (Supply Excellence) principles
- Diagnose equipment faults and conduct troubleshooting activities
- Participate in team structures and take on acting leadership roles where required
- Share learnings and solutions across departments
Minimum Requirements:
- BSc, BEng, or B-Tech qualification in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
- Strong technical aptitude and interest in maintenance or reliability engineering
- Packaging experience is advantageous but not mandatory
- Full South African citizenship
- Willingness to relocate within South Africa
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
- Ability to adapt quickly to new technical systems
Trainee Technical Services
The Trainee Technical Services role focuses on utilities within the brewery environment. This includes exposure to systems such as steam, water, refrigeration, and compressed air. The programme equips graduates with in-depth operational knowledge of utility systems that support production processes.
Like other trainee roles, this programme runs for 18 months and is structured to ensure progressive development and responsibility.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of utilities equipment theory and operations across the brewery
- Participate in utilities-related projects aligned with brewery goals
- Apply VPO (Supply Excellence) principles
- Diagnose operational challenges and implement troubleshooting solutions
- Participate in utilities team structures and act in leadership roles when required
- Communicate insights, improvements, and solutions across business levels
Minimum Requirements:
- BSc, BEng, or B-Tech qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Interest in utilities systems and industrial operations
- Full South African citizenship
- Willingness to relocate within South Africa
- Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Office)
Brewing Technical Trainee
The Brewing Technical Trainee programme is designed for graduates who are passionate about the science and technical processes behind brewing. Trainees receive structured exposure to brewing operations, quality control systems, and production standards.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Develop a strong understanding of brewing processes and quality standards
- Monitor brewing parameters and ensure production consistency
- Participate in brewing-related improvement projects
- Apply VPO principles within brewing operations
- Support continuous improvement initiatives
- Communicate operational findings and best practices
Minimum Requirements:
- BSc or BTech in Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Science, or related field
- Strong interest in brewing science and production
- Full South African citizenship
- Willingness to relocate if required
- Strong analytical and attention-to-detail skills
Maltings Technical Trainee
The Maltings Technical Trainee programme focuses on the malting process, which plays a critical role in brewing. This role provides exposure to grain processing, quality assurance, and technical operations within maltings facilities.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Understand malting processes and equipment operations
- Monitor production standards and quality controls
- Participate in continuous improvement projects
- Apply VPO principles in maltings operations
- Troubleshoot operational challenges
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams
Key Attributes and Competencies:
- Strong problem-solving ability
- Analytical thinking
- Leadership potential
- Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
- Good communication skills
Minimum Requirements:
- BSc or BTech qualification in Engineering, Food Science, Agricultural Science, or related field
- Interest in grain processing and malting operations
- Full South African citizenship
- Willingness to relocate within South Africa
Why Apply for SAB Trainee Programmes?
These trainee programmes offer more than just employment. Participants gain structured development, exposure to modern manufacturing systems, and the opportunity to build long-term careers in a respected organization.
If you are a motivated graduate ready to take on technical challenges and grow within a production environment, consider applying for one of the SAB Trainee Programmes today.
How to Apply ,
