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Learnership at National Bioproducts Institute – 2025 Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S) Programme
The National Bioproducts Institute (NBI) is inviting passionate young South Africans to apply for its Learnership at National Bioproducts Institute under the Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S) Programme. This exciting opportunity is designed to empower unemployed youth by offering 12 months of hands-on experience in a world-class biopharmaceutical production environment.
Guided by its mission to provide life-enhancing products that alleviate pain and improve patients’ quality of life, NBI is recognized as a leading African manufacturer and supplier of quality therapeutic proteins and diagnostic products. This learnership offers a rare opportunity to gain exposure to the production of lifesaving plasma-derived medicines, while developing valuable skills and industry knowledge.
Programme Overview
The Learnership at National Bioproducts Institute places interns across various production areas, including working alongside experienced Process Technicians, Fractionators, and Pooling Technicians.
Interns will gain exposure to critical manufacturing processes, documentation compliance, quality assurance procedures, and cleanroom practices, building a strong foundation for a future career in the biopharmaceutical industry.
This program combines practical work experience with professional development in a structured environment, preparing young professionals to contribute effectively to the healthcare sector.
Key Details
• Programme Type: Temporary Learnership / Y.E.S Programme
• Job Reference: NBI250912-1
• Closing Date: 27 November 2025
• Department: API Manufacturing
• Workplace Type: On-site
• Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Job Category: Pharmaceutical
• Job Grade: Ungraded
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the Learnership at National Bioproducts Institute, candidates must meet the following criteria:
• South African citizen aged 18–34 years
• Currently unemployed and not studying full-time
• Grade 12 / National Higher Certificate with minimum D marks in English, Mathematics, Science, and Biology
• Pharmacist Assistant Training (PAT Basic or PAT Post Basic) is an added advantage
• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or Life Sciences are beneficial
• No more than 2 years of work experience
• Must not have previously participated in a Y.E.S Programme
• Commitment to the full 12-month programme
Duties and Responsibilities
As a participant in the Learnership at National Bioproducts Institute, you will support production teams across NBI’s manufacturing units. Your responsibilities will include:
SHE (Safety, Health, and Environment) Requirements
• Completion of pre-employment, routine, and exit medicals is mandatory
• Attendance at all SHE-related training
• Strict adherence to SHE instructions and site rules
• Use of proper PPE when handling hazardous or biologically active chemicals
Operational Requirements
• Normal working hours: either 45 hours/week (Monday to Sunday) or 40 hours/week based on functional area
• Shift work: 12-hour shifts between 06:00–18:00 or 18:00–06:00 OR 8-hour shifts as rostered
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, and public holidays if required
Production Support Tasks
• Equipment preparation and maintenance
• Sampling and performing quality checks
• Compliance with SOPs and proper documentation
• Adherence to cleanroom practices and safety protocols
Core Competencies
Successful candidates for the Learnership at National Bioproducts Institute will develop and demonstrate the following skills:
• Leading and Influencing Others: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and support production goals
• Business Impact: Understand the role of your work in contributing to lifesaving healthcare products
• Managing Relationships: Build effective relationships with colleagues and supervisors
• Personal Leadership: Demonstrate responsibility, commitment, and ethical conduct in all tasks
Benefits of the Learnership
• Practical, hands-on experience in a globally recognized biopharmaceutical production environment
• Exposure to critical processes involved in lifesaving plasma-derived medicines
• Development of technical, operational, and professional skills
• Mentorship from experienced technicians and industry professionals
• Opportunity to enhance career prospects in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors
Employment Equity
NBI is committed to promoting employment equity. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Act. The institute actively encourages applications from youth, women, and individuals with disabilities.
Application Process
Candidates interested in the Learnership at National Bioproducts Institute are encouraged to apply online through the official NBI careers portal. Applicants must provide:
• Updated CV
• Certified copies of qualifications and certificates
• Proof of South African citizenship
• Any supporting documents demonstrating suitability for the role
Important Notes:
• Only online applications will be considered
• Pre-employment, routine, and exit medical examinations are compulsory
• Personal information will be processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), No. 4 of 2013
• If no response is received within 30 days after the closing date, consider the application unsuccessful
Why Apply
This Learnership at National Bioproducts Institute is more than just an internship—it is a career-launching opportunity that offers:
• Exposure to a world-class biopharmaceutical production environment
• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge processes in plasma-derived medicine manufacturing
• Professional growth through mentorship and training
• The chance to contribute to healthcare innovation and patient-centered care
If you are a motivated young South African looking to start your career in the pharmaceutical industry, the NBI Y.E.S Programme is an excellent platform to gain invaluable experience, build professional skills, and make a real difference in healthcare.
How to Apply:
Other learnerships / Internships
• Apply for apprenticeship opportunities at DHL
• Apply for maintenance learnership at Toyota
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