Coca-Cola Engineering In-Service Trainee Programme

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has opened applications for its 2026 Engineering In-Service Trainee Programme, offering a 12-month workplace training opportunity for engineering students based in Wadeville, Gauteng. The programme targets unemployed South African students currently studying towards a National Diploma in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering who require in-service training to complete their qualification. Applications close on 9 February 2026.

The opportunity forms part of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s manufacturing and engineering development pipeline and provides practical exposure within a high-demand industrial environment at one of the company’s Gauteng operations.

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What the Engineering In-Service Trainee Programme Is

The Engineering In-Service Trainee Programme is a structured workplace learning opportunity designed for students who are required by their institution to complete practical training as part of their engineering qualification. According to the company, the programme runs for 12 months and allows selected candidates to gain hands-on experience while working under the supervision of qualified engineers and maintenance teams.

The position is classified as an internship and falls within the manufacturing job category. It is based at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s Wadeville site in Gauteng.

Who the Programme Is Aimed At

The programme is aimed at students who are currently studying towards a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field. Applicants must still require in-service training in order to complete their qualification.

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has confirmed that applicants must meet employment equity requirements and must have been unemployed at the time of appointment.

Key Responsibilities and Learning Areas

Successful candidates will be exposed to core engineering maintenance and operations within a manufacturing environment. According to the job description, trainees will support the inspection, maintenance, and repair of equipment while learning how to improve equipment efficiency and reduce downtime.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Conducting inspections on building systems and production equipment
• Assisting with routine maintenance to ensure operational efficiency
• Supporting fault finding and repairs under the guidance of senior engineers
• Recording maintenance activities and equipment performance data
• Analysing trends in maintenance data to identify improvement opportunities
• Applying electrical, mechanical, physics, and mathematical principles in practical scenarios
• Following safety standards and regulatory requirements at all times
• Participating in team meetings and process improvement initiatives

The programme also includes mentoring and on-the-job guidance to support skills development and professional growth.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has outlined clear minimum requirements that applicants must meet to be considered.

Applicants must have:

• Passed Grade 12 Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy with at least 40 percent
• Passed two South African languages with at least 40 percent
• Be studying towards a National Diploma in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or a related qualification
• Be a South African citizen
• Be between the ages of 18 and 35
• Be unemployed at the time of appointment
• Not have previously completed the same qualification or learnership at another organisation

Selection will be based primarily on academic performance, according to the company.

Skills and Attributes Required

The company has indicated that successful candidates should demonstrate the ability to work in a fast-paced and pressurised environment. Other key attributes include strong problem-solving skills, sound decision-making ability, and a clear interest in engineering systems and processes.

Applicants are also expected to show initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from experienced professionals within the engineering and maintenance teams.

Documents Required for Application

Only applications that include all required documentation will be considered. Applicants must submit:

• A detailed curriculum vitae
• An official work-integrated learning letter from their institution
• A certified copy of their matric certificate
• A certified copy of their South African identity document

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

What This Means for Gauteng Residents

For engineering students based in Gauteng, particularly those studying at technical institutions and universities of technology, this programme provides a critical pathway to qualification completion and industry exposure.

Many engineering diplomas require mandatory workplace training, and securing placement remains a challenge for students without industry connections. This programme offers an opportunity to gain experience within a large-scale manufacturing operation while meeting academic requirements.

The Wadeville location also makes the programme accessible to students living in the East Rand and surrounding Gauteng regions.

Employment Equity and Fair Recruitment

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has confirmed that its recruitment processes align with employment equity legislation and national labour laws. According to the company, appointments are made based on merit, qualifications, and role-related competence.

The company has also stated that it does not accept unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies and that all applications must be submitted directly by candidates.

Application Closing Date

Applications for the Engineering In-Service Trainee Programme close on 9 February 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a learnership or an internship?
This is an internship classified as an in-service training programme required for diploma completion.

How long does the programme run?
The programme runs for a period of 12 months.

Where is the programme based?
The programme is based in Wadeville, Gauteng.

Who can apply?
Unemployed South African students studying towards a National Diploma in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering who still require in-service training.

Is prior work experience required?
No prior work experience is required, but applicants must not have completed the same qualification or learnership elsewhere.

What Happens Next

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa will review applications after the closing date and shortlist candidates based on academic performance and eligibility criteria. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted directly as part of the selection process.

The company reserves the right to apply additional criteria during shortlisting where necessary, in accordance with its recruitment policy.