Dunlop YES Learnership Programme 2025/26

Dunlop YES Learnership Programme 2026/2027 – South Africa

The Dunlop Youth Employment Service (YES) Learnership Programme for 2026/2027, offered by Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA), provides a unique opportunity for young South Africans to gain professional work experience and enhance their career prospects. SRSA, the manufacturer of Dunlop, Falken, and Sumitomo tyres, is a leading supplier of automotive and industrial rubber products in Southern Africa. This programme is part of the national Youth Employment Service initiative, designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping young people with relevant skills and practical experience.

Programme Locations

The learnership programme is available at two key SRSA locations in South Africa: the Durban Head Office and the Ladysmith Manufacturing Plant. Durban represents the corporate business environment, allowing learners to gain exposure to administration, customer service, finance, marketing, and other office-based functions. Ladysmith focuses on industrial and manufacturing operations, providing learners with hands-on experience in technical and production-related areas. These locations ensure that learners receive practical training suited to their field of interest, whether it is business or technical operations.

Fields of Learning

The Dunlop YES Learnership caters to a wide range of business and technical disciplines. Some of the main areas include:

• Business and Administration: Includes office administration, management assistance, and business operations.
• Finance and Accounting: Learners gain experience in bookkeeping, financial reporting, and basic accounting practices.
• Marketing and Public Relations: Focuses on promoting products and services, understanding market trends, and assisting with campaigns.
• Information Technology: Provides exposure to IT systems, data management, and technology support.
• Supply Chain and Logistics: Covers inventory management, procurement, and distribution processes.
• Manufacturing and Technical Operations: Includes production processes, quality assurance, and maintenance of industrial machinery.
• Human Resources and Health & Safety: Offers experience in HR administration, workplace safety, and compliance.

By offering such a variety of disciplines, SRSA ensures that learners can align their educational background with a practical work environment, thereby improving employability.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the programme must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be currently unemployed and not previously registered on a YES programme.
• Be 34 years or younger at the time of application.
• Hold a relevant qualification, such as a certificate, diploma, or degree in an approved field.
• Demonstrate strong soft skills, including communication, time management, and teamwork.
• Show willingness to learn, adapt, and take initiative in a professional work environment.

Meeting these criteria ensures that the programme targets young people who can fully benefit from structured workplace learning and mentorship.

Key Skills and Competencies

The Dunlop YES Learnership develops both technical and soft skills. Learners will gain:

• Professional communication skills, including verbal and written interactions with colleagues and customers.
• Organizational and administrative skills for managing tasks efficiently.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities for addressing operational challenges.
• Attention to detail in executing tasks accurately.
• Adaptability and resilience to thrive in dynamic work environments.
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills, enabling collaboration across departments.

These skills are valuable across any industry, making the learnership a strong foundation for long-term career development.

Programme Benefits

Participation in the Dunlop YES Learnership offers several benefits:

• Hands-on workplace experience in a reputable company.
• Exposure to industry processes and best practices in both business and manufacturing environments.
• Professional mentorship from experienced employees.
• Completion certificate or reference, improving future employability.
• Opportunity to network with professionals and gain insights into corporate and industrial operations.

The programme is designed to provide learners with real-world experience that complements their academic knowledge, preparing them for permanent employment in various sectors.

How to Apply

To apply for the Dunlop YES Learnership Programme 2026/2027:

1. Prepare a CV, including qualifications, contact details, and any relevant experience.
2. Write a cover letter expressing your interest and motivation to join the programme.
3. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including age, unemployment status, and prior YES programme participation.
4. Submit your application via the designated SRSA email or careers portal with the subject line “YES Learner Programme.”
5. Complete all applications before the closing date, 7 November 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage, which may include interviews, assessments, or orientation sessions.

CHECK ALSO: GRADUATE YES PROGRAMME

Conclusion

The Dunlop YES Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offers young South Africans a valuable opportunity to gain experience in both corporate and industrial environments. With structured mentorship, practical exposure, and skills development, learners are better prepared for long-term employment. For motivated, proactive, and career-oriented individuals, this programme is a stepping stone toward a successful professional future in South Africa’s automotive and manufacturing sectors.

This initiative demonstrates the importance of structured youth employment programmes in reducing unemployment, improving skill levels, and fostering economic participation among young people in South Africa.

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Submit your application via email with subject line: “YES Learner Programme” to the appropriate address as specified in the listing.

You can apply for the Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Dunlop) YES Learnership Programme by emailing your CV and supporting documents to: Careers@srigroup.co.za