In-Service Trainee: Processing (Manufacturing)
Company: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA)
Job Type: Internship / In-Service Training
Department: Manufacturing
Locations: Pretoria, Polokwane, Nigel, Heidelberg (Gauteng & Limpopo)
Closing Date: 27 February 2026
Reference Number: CCB260123-6
Job Overview
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) invites applications for an In-Service Trainee: Processing position within its Manufacturing department. This opportunity is ideal for students currently studying toward a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering who require workplace experience to complete their qualification.
The successful candidate will gain hands-on exposure in a highly automated manufacturing environment and will work under the guidance of the Unit Manager: Processing. The role provides practical experience in syrup preparation, quality assurance, process control, and continuous improvement within a world-class beverage manufacturing operation.
Key Purpose of the Role
The primary purpose of this role is to support the Syrup Room by producing final syrup for supply to production lines while ensuring that all products meet Coca-Cola quality, safety, and regulatory standards. The trainee will perform checks and analyses on final syrup, support process validations, and assist with identifying and implementing process optimisation opportunities.
This role offers exposure to advanced automation systems, process control technologies, quality auditing, and lean manufacturing principles.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Specialist Analysis
- Prepare syrups according to approved specifications for production lines.
- Use SAP and related systems to ensure governance and compliance with process requirements.
- Monitor systems and controls to identify trends, deviations, and improvement opportunities.
- Conduct process validations and assist with implementation of projects where applicable.
- Perform basic troubleshooting of automation and control systems.
- Conduct specialised quality analyses and accurately record results on approved information systems.
- Analyse data to identify process inefficiencies, quality issues, or improvement opportunities.
- Communicate findings clearly to relevant stakeholders.
- Apply lean manufacturing principles to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
- Calibrate specialist laboratory and process equipment and support calibration activities where required.
- Assist with raw material stock control and data archiving.
Quality Auditing
- Conduct scheduled and ad-hoc quality audits and complete all required documentation.
- Review quality analysis procedures used by shift-based production teams.
- Identify training gaps or procedural issues and communicate findings to team leaders.
- Audit calibration procedures and initiate corrective actions where necessary.
Problem Solving
- Support production teams with problem-solving initiatives and provide technical input.
- Participate in formal problem-solving processes as a functional contributor.
- Ensure learnings from investigations are incorporated into standard procedures.
Training and Development
- Assist with identifying training needs for production teams.
- Participate in competency assessments related to quality analysis.
- Contribute to the development of training material.
- Support training of shift-based teams on quality and analytical procedures.
Continuous Improvement
- Conduct specialised analyses to support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist in evaluating process optimisation opportunities at plant, regional, or divisional level.
- Participate in team-based improvement projects where required.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Grade 12 (Matric) with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
- Currently studying toward a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering.
- Letter from a recognised tertiary institution confirming the requirement for workplace experience.
- Ability to analyse data, follow structured processes, and work accurately.
- Strong planning, organisational, and communication skills.
- Basic understanding of manufacturing, quality systems, and supply chain principles.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-based, operational environment.
Additional criteria related to employment equity, citizenship, age, and employment status may apply in line with company policy and applicable legislation.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants should submit the following:
- A detailed and updated CV.
- Certified copy of Matric certificate.
- Copy of tertiary institution curriculum or in-service training requirements.
- Letter from the institution requesting workplace experience.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee shortlisting. Management reserves the right to use additional criteria during the selection process.
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa is committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices and encourages suitably qualified candidates to apply.