Industrial Engineering Internship | 12-Month Programme | Maydon Wharf Factory, Durban

Transform Your Potential into Performance

Are you a recent Industrial Engineering graduate ready to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world impact? Unilever’s Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme offers an exceptional 12-month opportunity to kickstart your career with one of the world’s most iconic consumer goods companies.

Why This Programme Matters

With 3.4 billion people across 190 countries using Unilever products daily, this isn’t just an internship—it’s your gateway to meaningful work that touches lives globally. From household brands to sustainable innovation, you’ll be part of a company that believes doing business the right way drives superior performance.

What You’ll Experience

This immersive programme places you at the heart of our Maydon Wharf Factory operations in Durban, where theory meets practice. You’ll take on vital support responsibilities across factory operations, gaining accelerated, hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Every day presents new challenges, learning opportunities, and the chance to contribute to processes that ensure millions of consumers receive quality products.

Your Development Journey

Over 12 months, you’ll develop technical competencies while building essential professional skills. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers and cross-functional teams, gaining exposure to real business challenges, problem-solving scenarios, and continuous improvement initiatives. This programme is designed to equip you with practical skills that employers value—project management, analytical thinking, teamwork, and communication.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking passionate South African citizens aged 18-34 who have completed a BSc or BTech in Industrial Engineering. You should be currently unemployed, not studying full-time, and have no more than two years of work experience. Most importantly, you must not have previously participated in a YES Programme.

You’ll stand out if you have:

• A strong academic record demonstrating your commitment to excellence
• Solid computer literacy and technical aptitude
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective time management abilities
• A collaborative mindset and positive attitude
• Genuine willingness to learn and grow professionally

Our Culture & Values

At Unilever, we don’t believe in ‘one size fits all.’ Our inclusive, collaborative environment celebrates diversity and empowers you to bring your whole self to work. We live by four core behaviours: Care Deeply, Focus on What Counts, Stay Three Steps Ahead, and Deliver with Excellence. These principles guide how we work, innovate, and make a difference.

Your Investment, Our Commitment

We’re asking for your full commitment to this 12-month programme. In return, we’re investing in your future—providing structured learning, mentorship, and exposure to a professional environment that will serve as a powerful foundation for your career.

Application Requirements

Submit your updated CV and a copy of your highest qualification in Industrial Engineering. As part of our transformation objectives and commitment to Employment Equity, we particularly encourage applications from suitably qualified individuals from designated groups.

Make Sustainable Living Commonplace

This is more than a job—it’s your chance to be part of reimagining the future of work while making a tangible difference in communities. If you’re ready to launch your engineering career with purpose, join us in creating a better business and a better world.

Apply now and start your journey with Unilever’s YES Programme.

Unilever is committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will provide any necessary support throughout your recruitment journey.

APPLY HERE