Global Manufacturing Company Offers Workplace Experience Opportunity for Trade-Tested Artisans Looking to Build Industrial Careers
Published: 2 June 2026
Author: Lerato Chabalala
Reviewed By: Engineering and Technical Training Editorial Team
Location: Lanseria, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Young South Africans who have completed their Millwright Trade Test but are struggling to secure industry experience now have an opportunity to gain valuable exposure through the ALPLA Millwright YES Programme 2026.
The international packaging manufacturer has opened applications for a 12-month Youth Employment Service (YES) placement at its Lanseria manufacturing facility in Johannesburg North.
The programme is aimed at unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 34 who hold a Millwright Trade Test qualification and are eager to develop their skills in a modern production environment.
As South Africa continues to face a shortage of experienced artisans, workplace programmes such as this provide an important stepping stone between qualification and long-term employment.
Why Opportunities for Qualified Artisans Matter
Many newly qualified artisans complete their trade qualifications only to discover that employers often require practical workplace experience before offering permanent employment.
This creates a difficult situation where young artisans need experience to find work, but need work to gain experience.
Programmes such as the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative help bridge this gap by giving young professionals the opportunity to work in real industrial environments while developing their technical abilities.
For Millwrights, this experience can be especially valuable because the trade combines both electrical and mechanical skills that are essential to modern manufacturing operations.
About ALPLA
ALPLA is a global packaging solutions company that manufactures plastic packaging products used across multiple industries.
The company operates manufacturing facilities around the world and supplies packaging solutions to sectors including:
- Food and beverage
- Household products
- Personal care
- Healthcare
- Industrial manufacturing
Its South African operations continue to support technical training, skills development and workplace learning initiatives aimed at developing future manufacturing talent.
What Is the YES Programme?
The Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme is a national initiative that encourages businesses to provide workplace opportunities for unemployed youth.
The programme helps participants gain:
- Workplace experience
- Industry exposure
- Professional skills
- Technical development
- Improved employability
For many participants, YES programmes become an important first step toward securing long-term employment.
What Participants Will Do During the Programme
The successful candidate will work alongside experienced maintenance professionals and gain exposure to various aspects of plant maintenance and operations.
Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance
Participants will assist with:
- Mechanical maintenance activities
- Electrical maintenance tasks
- Equipment servicing
- Production machinery support
This exposure helps strengthen technical skills within a real manufacturing environment.
Breakdown Repairs and Fault Finding
A key part of the programme involves learning how industrial maintenance teams respond to equipment failures.
Participants will:
- Support senior Millwrights during repairs
- Assist with fault diagnosis
- Learn troubleshooting techniques
- Participate in equipment restoration activities
Developing fault-finding skills is one of the most important aspects of becoming an effective Millwright.
Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance helps businesses avoid costly breakdowns and production interruptions.
Participants will gain experience in:
- Scheduled maintenance activities
- Equipment inspections
- Reliability improvement initiatives
- Maintenance planning
These competencies are highly valued across manufacturing, mining and engineering sectors.
Equipment Installations and Upgrades
The programme also provides exposure to:
- New equipment installations
- Plant upgrades
- Commissioning activities
- Machinery improvements
Understanding how equipment is installed and integrated into production systems can broaden an artisan’s technical expertise.
Learning Modern Maintenance Systems
Industrial maintenance increasingly relies on digital technology.
During the programme, participants may gain exposure to Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), including platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics 365.
These systems help maintenance teams:
- Schedule work
- Record maintenance activities
- Track equipment performance
- Improve operational efficiency
Digital maintenance skills are becoming increasingly important within Industry 4.0 environments.
Health and Safety Remains a Priority
Manufacturing facilities operate under strict safety and environmental standards.
Participants will learn to:
- Follow workplace safety procedures
- Identify hazards
- Report unsafe conditions
- Maintain clean workspaces
- Support environmental compliance requirements
Strong safety awareness is a critical skill for any technical professional.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Age Requirement
Applicants must be:
✔ Between 18 and 34 years old
Employment Status
✔ Currently unemployed
YES Programme Requirement
✔ Must not have participated in a YES Programme previously
Qualification Requirements
Applicants must possess:
✔ Grade 12 (Matric)
✔ Millwright Trade Test Certification
The programme is specifically intended for individuals who have already qualified as Millwrights and are seeking workplace experience.
Applications on Alpha Portal Online
Skills and Attributes ALPLA Is Looking For
The company is seeking candidates who demonstrate both technical ability and professional behaviour.
Preferred attributes include:
Strong Communication Skills
The ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form.
Computer Literacy
Basic computer skills are required within modern maintenance environments.
Planning and Organisation
The ability to manage tasks efficiently and work according to schedules.
Teamwork
Maintenance teams often rely on collaboration and effective communication.
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Manufacturing environments can be fast-paced and require quick responses to technical challenges.
Career Opportunities After the Programme
Millwrights remain among the most versatile artisans in South Africa’s industrial economy.
Experience gained through a manufacturing programme can support future opportunities in:
- Manufacturing plants
- Packaging industries
- Food and beverage processing
- Mining operations
- Automotive production
- Engineering services
- Industrial maintenance companies
Qualified Millwrights with practical industry experience are often well positioned for long-term career growth.
Expert Analysis: Why Millwright Skills Remain Highly Valuable
Industry analysts continue to identify artisan trades as critical skills within South Africa’s economy.
Millwrights are particularly sought after because they combine expertise in:
- Electrical systems
- Mechanical systems
- Automation
- Maintenance
- Diagnostics
- Equipment reliability
As manufacturers continue investing in advanced production technologies, the need for artisans capable of maintaining sophisticated equipment is expected to remain strong.
For young artisans entering the workforce, gaining practical experience inside a modern manufacturing facility can significantly improve future employment prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the programme?
The programme runs for 12 months.
Where is the placement located?
The opportunity is based at ALPLA’s Lanseria Plant in Johannesburg North.
Do I need a trade qualification?
Yes. Applicants must hold a Millwright Trade Test Certification.
Can I apply if I previously participated in a YES Programme?
No. Previous YES participants are not eligible.
Is previous work experience required?
Previous experience may be advantageous, but the programme is intended to provide workplace exposure for young qualified artisans.
Sources and References
- ALPLA Millwright YES Programme Advertisement 2026 (Reference AP-8).
- Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa.
- Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA).
- National Artisan Development Strategy.
- Department of Employment and Labour.
Editorial Transparency Statement
This article is based on information published by ALPLA regarding its 2026 Millwright YES Programme. Additional industry context and career guidance have been included to help applicants understand the opportunity and the broader demand for artisan skills within South Africa’s manufacturing sector.
Prospective applicants should verify all programme details directly with the employer before submitting their applications. Participation in the programme does not guarantee permanent employment.
