If you’re an aspiring artisan looking to gain real industrial experience, the PepsiCo Apprenticeship Olifantsfontein 2026 could be one of the most practical entry points into South Africa’s manufacturing and supply chain sector.
PepsiCo has opened two temporary apprenticeship positions at its Olifantsfontein Cereals Plant, offering structured technical training that combines classroom learning with hands-on workplace exposure.
For candidates with Matric and N3 Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, this opportunity provides a clear pathway toward trade test readiness and long-term technical career growth.
The PepsiCo Apprenticeship Olifantsfontein 2026 is structured to develop practical trade skills in a real production environment.
Position: Apprenticeship (Temporary) x2 Location: Olifantsfontein, South Africa Division: Supply Chain Company: PepsiCo Programme type: Apprenticeship / Trade training Employment equity: Yes – standard EE applies
Successful candidates will undergo a structured learning journey that prepares them for the final trade test at accredited trade centres.
About PepsiCo South Africa
PepsiCo is one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, with products consumed more than one billion times daily across 200+ countries.
In South Africa, PepsiCo operates major manufacturing and supply chain facilities that support brands such as:
Lay’s
Doritos
Cheetos
Pepsi
Gatorade
Quaker
The company’s pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) strategy places strong focus on:
Sustainability
human capital development
skills growth
responsible production
This makes the PepsiCo apprenticeship South Africa programme particularly valuable for candidates seeking structured industrial exposure.
What the PepsiCo Apprenticeship Olifantsfontein Programme Offers
Unlike short courses, this apprenticeship is designed as a full trade development pathway.
Participants will receive:
✅ Structured workplace training ✅ Classroom-based technical instruction ✅ Pre-learning assessments ✅ Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) support ✅ Gap training where required ✅ Final trade test preparation ✅ Exposure to a high-performance manufacturing environment
This blended model helps apprentices build both theoretical knowledge and practical competence.
PepsiCo Apprenticeship Olifantsfontein: Training Structure
1. Learner Readiness Assessments
Before formal training begins, candidates may undergo pre-learning assessments to determine their current competency level.
This helps PepsiCo:
identify skills gaps
customise training support
ensure candidates are trade-ready
2. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Where applicable, apprentices may go through the RPL assessment process, which evaluates existing knowledge and experience.
This step is important because it:
avoids duplication of training
accelerates development
aligns learning pathways
3. Gap Training
If gaps are identified, apprentices will complete targeted gap training to strengthen weak areas before the final trade test.
This ensures higher success rates during certification.
4. Classroom and Practical Training
The core of the PepsiCo apprenticeship South Africa programme combines:
scheduled training classes
workplace exposure
supervised practical work
Apprentices must:
attend all classes
submit assignments on time
participate actively in workplace learning
5. Final Trade Test
At the end of the programme, apprentices must complete a trade test at an accredited trade centre.
Passing the trade test is a major milestone toward becoming a qualified artisan in South Africa.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the PepsiCo Apprenticeship Olifantsfontein 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Educational Requirements
You must have:
Matric / Grade 12 certificate
N3 in Mechanical Engineering or
N3 in Electrical Engineering
These technical subjects are essential because the apprenticeship involves mechanical and electrical trade exposure.
Additional Expectations
Successful candidates must also:
commit fully to the training programme
sign the learning programme contract
communicate learning challenges early
maintain strong attendance
show discipline and accountability
Who Should Apply?
The PepsiCo Apprenticeship Olifantsfontein programme is best suited for:
aspiring artisans
N3 engineering graduates
technically minded youth
candidates seeking manufacturing exposure
individuals committed to trade careers
If your long-term goal is to work in maintenance, electrical, mechanical, or production engineering, this apprenticeship can be a strong foundation.
Why This Apprenticeship Matters in 2026
South Africa continues to face a shortage of qualified artisans, particularly in manufacturing and food production.
Programmes like the PepsiCo apprenticeship South Africa help address this gap by:
developing scarce technical skills
strengthening youth employability
supporting industrial productivity
building future maintenance specialists
For many candidates, an apprenticeship is the most reliable pathway into skilled technical employment.
What You Will Learn During the Programme
While duties vary by department, apprentices typically gain exposure to:
equipment maintenance fundamentals
electrical and mechanical systems
plant operations
safety procedures
troubleshooting techniques
production support processes
industrial compliance standards
This real-world exposure is highly valued by employers across manufacturing sectors.
Workplace Expectations
PepsiCo emphasises professional discipline. Apprentices are expected to:
attend all scheduled training
meet assignment deadlines
follow safety procedures
work collaboratively
communicate proactively
maintain professional conduct
Failure to meet programme commitments may affect continuation in the apprenticeship.
How to Apply for the PepsiCo Apprenticeship Olifantsfontein
Applications must be submitted through the official PepsiCo careers platform.
✔ Highlight N3 subjects clearly ✔ Emphasise technical modules ✔ Keep your CV clean and professional ✔ Ensure documents are certified ✔ Apply early before positions fill
Apprenticeships at major companies like PepsiCo are highly competitive.
Selection Process
While the exact process may vary, shortlisted candidates typically go through:
application screening
qualification verification
assessments
interviews
medical or fitness checks (where required)
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Completing the PepsiCo apprenticeship Olifantsfontein can open doors to roles such as:
artisan assistant
maintenance technician
electrical technician
mechanical technician
plant maintenance roles
production support technician
Many artisans begin their careers through programmes like this.
PepsiCo Apprenticeship Olifantsfontein 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the PepsiCo Apprenticeship Olifantsfontein paid?
The advert does not specify the stipend. Most apprenticeships in South Africa include training support, but confirmation is provided during recruitment.
How many positions are available?
There are two (2) temporary apprenticeship positions available at the Olifantsfontein Cereals Plant.
Do I need work experience?
No prior work experience is required, but having relevant technical exposure can strengthen your application.
What qualification do I need?
ou must have: Matric N3 Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Both are mandatory.
Is this a permanent job?
No. This is a temporary apprenticeship programme. However, it significantly improves future employment prospects.
Where is the apprenticeship located?
The programme is based in Olifantsfontein, South Africa, at the PepsiCo Cereals Plant.
With structured training, trade test preparation, and hands-on plant experience, this programme offers more than short-term learning — it provides a credible pathway into South Africa’s artisan workforce.
If you meet the requirements and are serious about building a technical career, submit your application early and ensure your documents are complete and professionally prepared.
Opportunities at global manufacturers like PepsiCo remain highly competitive — but for prepared candidates, they can be career-defining.
Nonhlanhla Ndlovu is the founder and publisher of EduFeeds, a South Africa–focused platform that shares verified learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job opportunities for young people and job seekers.
With a strong focus on helping South African youth access real career opportunities, Nonhlanhla researches and verifies programmes from official company sources and public announcements before publication. EduFeeds aims to simplify the application process by providing clear guidance, requirements, and practical tips to help applicants apply with confidence.
Nonhlanhla continues to monitor updates from SETAs, companies, and training providers to ensure information on Edu Feeds remains current and useful. She focuses on publishing timely and accurate opportunity updates for the South African youth employment market.
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