If you’re a young South African looking to break into manufacturing, engineering, or supply chain, this could be the opportunity that changes everything. Unilever has officially opened applications for its Automated Packaging Learnership Programme 2026, based at the Maydon Wharf Factory in Durban — and the closing date is 21 January 2026.
- Check if You Qualify for this Learnership here (Avoid Rejection)
- Are you Ready for these Learnerships? Take the Learnership Readiness Quiz here
- Track Your Daily Career Score here
- Create and Download your CV for these Learnerships here
- Create a Motivational Letter for these Learnerships here
- Practice Interview Questions and Answers for these Learnerships here
- View more 2026 Learnerships here
This is not a classroom-only programme. It’s real factory exposure, hands-on automated machinery experience, and a paid learnership with one of the most respected FMCG companies in the world.
Quick Overview
Programme Name: Unilever Automated Packaging Learnership Programme 2026
Job Requisition ID: R-1172888
Function: Supply Chain
Location: Maydon Wharf Factory, Durban, South Africa
Duration: 12 months
Type: Full-time Learnership (Onsite)
Stipend: Monthly stipend provided
Closing Date: 21 January 2026
Minimum Qualification: Matric with Maths & Science OR N2/N3/N4 Engineering
Relocation Support: Not provided
Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities (What You’ll Actually Do)
During the 12 months, you will rotate through structured tasks that build your competence step by step.
Production Line Operations
- Perform general line operations
- Assist with cleaning activities aligned to operational plans
- Ensure machines and work areas are clean, safe, and ready
Pre-Start-Up Safety Checks
- Conduct checks to confirm:
- Equipment safety
- Area cleanliness
- Compliance with SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)
Quality Monitoring
- Check products and packaging against quality standards
- Identify and report defects immediately
- Prevent wastage and production delays
Process Monitoring & Problem-Solving
- Detect process abnormalities
- Take immediate corrective action
- Escalate issues before they become costly breakdowns
Machine Cleaning & Maintenance
- Clean machinery following:
- Manufacturer guidelines
- Site-specific hygiene rules
Raw Material Preparation
- Prepare packaging and raw materials
- Ensure correct materials are available for production runs
Sustainability & Safety
- Promote eco-efficient manufacturing
- Maintain personal and team safety
- Contribute to Unilever’s sustainability goals
Learnership Compliance
- Complete:
- Logbooks
- Assignments
- Assessments
- Meet all training requirements
Minimum Requirements (Do You Qualify?)
You must meet at least ONE of the following:
- Matric (National Senior Certificate) with:
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
OR
- N2 / N3 / N4 Engineering qualification
Important Notes:
- You must be able to work full-time onsite
- You must already live in or relocate to Durban at your own cost
- This role is not remote
- No relocation assistance is provided
If you meet the qualifications — apply, even if you feel “underqualified.” Learnerships are designed for potential, not perfection.
Behaviours Unilever Is Looking For
Unilever doesn’t only hire skills — they hire mindsets.
They want learners who:
- Take personal ownership
- Show resilience and reliability
- Care about quality and safety
- Are proactive and curious
- Think ahead and spot problems early
- Communicate clearly with team members
- Care about customers and consumers
Tip: Reflect these behaviours in your CV and motivation answers.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE UNILEVER AUTOMATED PACKAGING LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice (Read This Carefully)
This opportunity is time-sensitive. With only a few days left before closing, you should:
- Apply immediately
- Use a clear, factory-ready CV
- Highlight:
- Maths & Science results
- Engineering subjects
- Willingness to work shifts
- Safety awareness
- Avoid copying generic CVs
- Prepare for basic aptitude or screening questions
Many applicants miss out not because they don’t qualify, but because their application is weak.
Career Growth Path After This Learnership
Completing this programme can lead to roles such as:
- Packaging Machine Operator
- Production Line Operator
- Manufacturing Technician (with further studies)
- Process Controller
- Maintenance Assistant
- Supply Chain or Operations Learnerships
- Apprenticeships in engineering fields
This learnership gives you industrial credibility — something many employers demand but few provide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is this learnership paid?
Yes. Successful candidates receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the programme.
- Is this permanent employment?
No. This is a 12-month learnership, not a permanent job — but it opens doors.
- Can I apply if I only have Matric?
Yes — if you passed Maths and Science.
- Do I need experience?
No. This programme is designed for entry-level learners.
- Will Unilever hire me after the learnership?
There is no guarantee, but many learners move into:
- Contract roles
- Further training
- Permanent factory positions
- Better-paying manufacturing jobs elsewhere
- Can I apply if I live outside Durban?
Yes — but relocation is at your own cost.
CLOSING DATE: 21 JANUARY 2026
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
- This article is for informational purposes only
- Always verify details on Unilever’s official careers portal
- Edupstairs is not responsible for selection decisions
- Late or incomplete applications are not considered
- Meeting requirements does not guarantee selection
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE