RCL Foods Learnership Programme 2026 (Pretoria West) – Start Your Career in Baking & Manufacturing

If you’ve ever dreamed of working in the baking or food manufacturing industry, this opportunity is for you. The RCL Foods Learnership Programme 2026 is now open, offering young South Africans a chance to earn a SETA-accredited qualification, gain 12 months of real workplace experience, and enter one of the country’s most stable and in-demand industries.

This is more than just a learnership—it’s a chance to gain skills, confidence, and a real pathway to a future career.

Quick Overview

Opportunity	Details
Programme	RCL Foods Learnership Programme 2026
Location	Pretoria West, Gauteng
Reference Number	RCL251120-3
Closing Date	04 December 2025
Duration	12 months
Accreditation	SETA-accredited qualification (SAQA-endorsed)
Fields	Baking & Manufacturing Operations
Stipend	Not disclosed (learnerships typically include a monthly stipend)
Minimum Requirements	Grade 12 with Hospitality & Maths Literacy, willingness to learn, creativity

What This Opportunity Really Means for You

Many young people want to enter the food manufacturing, retail, or hospitality sectors, but struggle because they don’t have experience or a formal qualification. RCL Foods is stepping in to close this gap.

Through the Supreme Siyabhaka Academy, the company trains young people to become skilled, employable professionals in baking and food production.

Here’s why this programme is special:

It is SETA-accredited, meaning your qualification is recognized everywhere in South Africa.
You’ll learn practical baking skills directly in the workplace.
You will receive mentorship and coaching, not just classroom theory.
RCL Foods wants to grow you, not just use you for labour.

If you’re hardworking, creative, and willing to learn, this could be your first real step into a stable career—whether in a bakery, food manufacturing plant, hospitality environment, retail store, or your own future business.

About RCL Foods

RCL Foods is one of South Africa’s largest food manufacturers, producing well-known brands such as Supreme Flour, Yum Yum, Rainbow Chicken, Sunbake, and Nola.

Through the Supreme Siyabhaka Academy, RCL Foods is committed to:

Developing young, employable baking professionals
Improving baking standards across South Africa
Growing talent for the country’s food manufacturing industry
Uplifting communities through education and skills training

The academy focuses on best-in-class baking techniques, workplace readiness, theory, and hands-on learning. Graduates from the programme often move on to exciting roles in:

Retail bakeries
Food manufacturers
Hospitality kitchens
Artisan bakeries
Production plants

This is not simply a learnership but a stepping-stone into a growing sector.

Programme Details

The RCL Foods Learnership Programme 2026 runs for 12 months and includes:

Baking Process Training

You’ll learn every step of the baking process—from mixing ingredients to operating baking machinery.

Mentorship & Coaching

Industry professionals train, support, and guide you throughout the programme.

Practical Workplace Experience

You won’t just sit in a classroom. You’ll work in actual bakery and manufacturing environments.

SAQA-Accredited Qualification

Once you complete the learnership and assessments, you receive an official qualification endorsed by SAQA.

This qualification increases your job opportunities in bakeries, manufacturing plants, food retail, hotels, and catering companies.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify, you must meet the following:

Grade 12 / Matric with Hospitality Studies and Maths Literacy
Computer literacy (MS Office) is advantageous
A genuine willingness to learn and grow
Creativity and problem-solving skills
Motivated, disciplined, and committed to completing the programme
Ability to work well with others
Interest in the baking, food production, or hospitality field

What You Will Gain from This Learnership

This is what makes this opportunity life-changing:

A Recognised Qualification

You receive a certificate that opens doors in retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and food production.

Real Work Experience

Companies prefer candidates with experience. This learnership gives you exactly that.

Industry Exposure

You’ll learn from experts in one of South Africa’s biggest and most successful food companies.

Career Confidence

By the end of the 12 months, you will have real skills and the confidence to enter the job market.

A Foot in the Door

RCL Foods often absorbs high-performing learners into permanent roles.

Career Growth Path After This Learnership

Once you complete the RCL Foods Learnership, you can pursue roles such as:

Entry-Level Careers

Bakery Assistant
Production Line Operator
Dough Mixer
Food Processing Assistant
Packaging Operator
Hospitality Kitchen Assistant

Intermediate Careers (With Experience)

Bakery Supervisor
Quality Control Assistant
Food Production Technician
Baking Technologist
Retail Bakery Manager

Advanced/Long-term Careers

Food Technologist
Production Manager
QA Manager
Bakery Owner / Entrepreneur
Manufacturing Plant Supervisor

You can also use this qualification to open your own small bakery or supply baked goods to your community.

This is a real chance to build a career, not just get a temporary job.

Edupstairs Advice: How to Stand Out and Improve Your Chances

Here’s how to make your application shine:

Write a Strong CV

Use the Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool to create a clean, professional CV.

Practice Your Interview Skills

Use the Edupstairs Interview Q&A Coach + AI Practice Simulator to prepare.

Get Ready for Learnership Tests

Use the Edupstairs Learnership Readiness Quizzes to build confidence.

Show Passion for Baking

Mention your interest in baking, food production, or hospitality.

Be Honest About Your Strengths

Highlight teamwork, creativity, and willingness to learn.

Follow All Application Instructions Carefully

Errors can cause your application to be rejected.

How to Apply

Prepare the following:

Your updated CV
Certified copy of your Matric certificate
Certified copy of your ID
Any short courses (optional but helpful)
A short motivational paragraph explaining why you want to join the programme

APPLY FOR THE RCL FOODS LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE

Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do learners get paid during the programme?

Learnerships normally include a monthly stipend, but the exact amount is not specified in the advert.

Can I apply without Hospitality Studies?

No, Hospitality Studies is a requirement for this specific programme.

Is Maths Literacy accepted?

Yes — Maths Literacy is accepted.

Do I need computer skills?

Computer literacy is advantageous but not mandatory.

Can I apply if I live outside Pretoria?

Yes, but you must be able to attend training and work in Pretoria West daily.

Will I get a job after completing the learnership?

Employment is not guaranteed, but many learners are absorbed into RCL Foods or find jobs elsewhere.

How long is the programme?

12 months.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes, the programme is SETA-accredited and SAQA-endorsed.

Is previous experience required?

No — this programme is designed for youth with no experience.

Can I reapply next year if I’m not chosen?

Yes. RCL Foods runs learnerships regularly.

CLOSING DATE: 04 DECEMBER 2025

You can also:

Disclaimer

Edupstairs is not affiliated with RCL Foods.
We do not charge any fees for job, internship, or learnership applications.
Always apply through official company channels and never pay for employment opportunities.

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