Unilever Production Engineering Graduate Training Program 2025
The Unilever Production Engineering Training Program is designed for top-tier graduates in Mechanical, Chemical, and Industrial Engineering who are ready to work at the cutting edge of manufacturing excellence, digital transformation, and process efficiency.
This is a 12-month structured training program that blends on-site learning, project leadership, and lean manufacturing systems for future leaders in production engineering.
Location: South Africa
Application Deadline: 31 March 2025
Qualification Level: Degree
Programme Type: Engineering Graduate (Fixed Term)
What You’ll Gain
- Hands-on work experience with Autonomous Maintenance (AM), Preventative Maintenance (PM), Quality Control (QC), and Focused Improvement (FI) tools
- Exposure to Unilever Manufacturing System (UMS) and R2S (Right to Start) programs
- Project management skills and leadership experience
- Mastery in applying Lean, Six Sigma, and digital technologies to drive plant performance
- Practical knowledge in waste elimination, root cause analysis, data analytics, and continuous improvement strategies
Key Responsibilities
- Complete all expected milestones: training, assessments, logbooks, presentations
- Use UMS methods to solve root causes and develop sustainable countermeasures
- Lead process improvement projects in areas like Safety, Quality, Cost, Service, and Agility
- Drive digital transformation in plant operations
- Coordinate AM, PM, FI and QC processes
- Collect and analyze operational data for performance enhancement
- Ensure compliance with all SOPs, safety, and business code of conduct
Minimum Requirements
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Excellent written and verbal communication in English
- Analytical mindset with a love for numbers
- Self-driven with an agile, growth-oriented attitude
Not Qualified Yet? Here’s How to Qualify
If you’re not eligible for this year’s intake, here’s how to get ready for the next one:
1. Enroll in an Accredited Engineering Program:
Pursue a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng or BSc) in Mechanical, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering from a recognized institution such as:
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Wits University
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
2. Build Technical Skills Early:
Get proficient in Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD, or data analytics tools like Power BI or Python for engineers. These skills matter in real factory environments.
3. Learn Lean Manufacturing Principles:
Take online courses or certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to gain an edge.
4. Stay Involved in Practical Projects:
Join engineering student societies or competitions like SAICE Bridge Building, Sasol Solar Challenge, or Eskom Expo to build relevant experience.
5. Network with Industry Mentors:
Follow Unilever and similar manufacturing leaders on LinkedIn. Attend career expos, webinars, and open days to understand the corporate culture and internship expectations.
Why Choose Unilever?
Unilever is a global leader in sustainability and innovation. You’ll join a network of professionals driving change through engineering, automation, and digital manufacturing. This program is your best bet at getting exposure, working on real-world challenges that impact millions of consumers.
How to Apply
To apply for the Unilever Production Engineering Training Program, visit the application portal via the link below:
Deadline Reminder: Submit your application online before 31 March 2025.
