Defy Appliances | Durban South, KwaZulu-Natal

Are you ready to step out of the lecture hall and into the real world? Defy Appliances, one of South Africa’s leading home appliance manufacturers, is calling on ambitious university students to join our Fresh Start Vacation Work Programme this summer.

This is more than just a holiday job. It’s your chance to gain hands-on industry experience, work alongside seasoned professionals, and see how the engineering concepts you’ve studied translate into products that millions of South Africans use every day.

Programme Details

Duration: Wednesday, 17 December 2025 – Friday, 30 January 2026

Location: Defy Jacobs & Defy Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal

What You’ll Experience

From day one, you’ll be immersed in the fast-paced environment of appliance manufacturing. Forget fetching coffee or sorting paperwork—our vacation workers tackle real projects with real impact. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams spanning design, production, quality assurance, and operations, giving you a comprehensive view of how a major manufacturing business runs.

Under the guidance of experienced mentors, you’ll learn how to transform raw data into actionable decisions, solve problems on the factory floor, and contribute ideas that could shape future products. By the end of the programme, you won’t just have a line on your CV—you’ll have stories to tell and skills to prove.

Who We’re Looking For

We have 10 positions available for students currently enrolled in their 3rd or 4th year of study in the following disciplines:

• Mechanical or Mechatronic Engineering – 3 positions
• Electronic or Electrical Engineering – 4 positions
• Industrial Engineering – 3 positions

Academic performance matters, but so does attitude. We want students who arrive with positive energy, genuine curiosity, and a hunger to learn. If you’re the kind of person who asks questions, embraces challenges, and gets excited about turning ideas into reality, you’ll thrive here.

Why Choose Defy?

For over 100 years, Defy has been at the heart of South African homes. Joining our vacation programme means becoming part of that legacy while gaining exposure to modern manufacturing techniques, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable practices. You’ll also build a professional network that could open doors long after the programme ends.

Many of our past vacation workers have returned as full-time employees, launching successful careers in engineering and operations. This could be the first chapter of your story too.

How to Apply

Applications close on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, so don’t wait.

To apply, submit your CV through the Graduate Portal. Make sure your application highlights your field of study, year of enrolment, and any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your passion for engineering.

Take the Leap

Summer is coming. You could spend it wondering what your future holds, or you could spend it building it. The Fresh Start Programme is your opportunity to gain the experience, skills, and confidence that will set you apart when you graduate.

Defy is ready to invest in your potential. Are you ready to show us what you’ve got?

Apply now and start your journey with Defy Appliances.

Defy Appliances is an equal opportunity employer committed to developing South Africa’s future engineering talent.

APPLY HERE