Woodlands Dairy (Pty) Ltd | Humansdorp, Eastern Cape

Are you a recent engineering graduate eager to launch your career in automation and control systems? Woodlands Dairy, a leading player in the FMCG sector, is offering an exceptional opportunity for a motivated Trainee Automation Engineer to join our dynamic Operations team in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape.

About the Opportunity

This contract position represents more than just a job—it’s a comprehensive training program designed to transform talented graduates into skilled automation professionals. You’ll be immersed in a fast-paced dairy manufacturing environment where precision, efficiency, and innovation are paramount. Working alongside our experienced Automation team, you’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge control systems while contributing to the reliability and sustainability of our manufacturing operations.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Trainee Automation Engineer, you’ll participate in a structured development program that encompasses all aspects of industrial automation. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include maintaining and optimizing control systems across our manufacturing departments, ensuring they meet production requirements in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.

You’ll play an active role in reducing process losses and driving continuous improvement initiatives—key priorities that directly impact our operational excellence. Your involvement in automation projects will provide invaluable exposure to real-world engineering challenges, from initial concept through to implementation. You’ll also develop production and process performance reports, learning to translate technical data into actionable insights.

A significant portion of your training will focus on programming and troubleshooting PLC and SCADA systems, essential skills for any automation engineer. You’ll work with industry-standard platforms and technologies, building a strong foundation for your future career.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking candidates with a B-Tech or higher qualification in Mechatronic, Electrical, or Electronic Engineering. While we welcome applications from recent graduates with 0–3 years of experience, we particularly value candidates who have some exposure to automated manufacturing environments, especially in sterile packaging or liquid beverage production.

Practical exposure to specific technologies will give you a head start: Allen Bradley PLCs, Aveva Application Server, Aveva InTouch, Aveva Historian, Veeam, VMware, and Allen Bradley Stratix Switches are all part of our technology ecosystem. However, if you don’t have experience with all these systems, don’t let that discourage you—our training program is designed to develop these competencies.

What Makes This Role Special

This position offers a unique opportunity to work in the dairy manufacturing sector, where precision and quality control are critical. You’ll be part of a Maintenance Process business unit that takes pride in keeping our operations running smoothly and efficiently. The exposure you’ll gain to sophisticated automation systems and manufacturing processes will be invaluable as you build your engineering career.

Join Our Team

At Woodlands Dairy, we’re committed to developing the next generation of engineering talent. This trainee position provides the perfect environment to apply your academic knowledge in a practical setting while learning from experienced professionals who are passionate about what they do.

Contract Type: Contract
Location: Humansdorp, Eastern Cape
Closing Date: 7 November 2025

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in automation engineering, we want to hear from you. Submit your CV today and join a team that values innovation, continuous improvement, and professional development.

Woodlands Dairy is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

APPLY HERE