Get a 12‑Month Inside Look at Biopharma – NBI Youth Employment Service 2026
The National Bioproducts Institute (NBI) is opening a special job program for young people in South Africa who are not currently working. This is the NBI Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S) Programme 2026, a 12‑month training and work placement that will give you real hands‑on experience in a top‑class biopharmaceutical factory in Durban, KwaZulu‑Natal. If you’re between 18 and 34, you’re a South African citizen, and you want to learn about how lifesaving medicines are made, keep reading.
Why NBI is a Great Choice for You
NBI is one of Africa’s leading makers of therapeutic proteins and diagnostic tools. The company’s mission is simple: help people stay healthier by producing high‑quality products that can be used in hospitals and clinics. By joining the Y.E.S Programme, you will spend a year working in a cleanroom environment where every step is carefully monitored. You’ll learn the basics of manufacturing plasma‑derived medicines, a field that saves thousands of lives each year.
What the Programme Looks Like
- Length – 12 months of full‑time work and training.
- Place – Durban, KwaZulu‑Natal.
- When – The application deadline is 27 November 2025. After that, the program will start in early 2026.
- Who you’ll work with – You’ll team up with Process Technicians, Fractionators, and Pooling Technicians. These are experienced staff who guide you through the production line and show you how to keep everything safe and efficient.
Do You Meet the Basic Criteria?
- Age: 18–34 years old.
- Nationality: South African citizen.
- Job status: Unemployed and not enrolled in a full‑time course.
- Education: Finished Grade 12 with at least D grades in English, Maths, Science, and Biology.
- Work experience: No more than two years in any job.
- Previous Y.E.S: This is your first time in the program.
- Commitment: You must be willing to finish all 12 months.
Bonus points if you have:
- Basic or advanced training as a pharmacist assistant.
- A university qualification in engineering or life sciences.
What You’ll Be Doing Every Day
Safety First –
The plant deals with chemicals and biological materials. You’ll need to wear protective gear, complete medical checks, and attend safety training sessions.
Shift Work –
The facility runs 24/7. You may work a 12‑hour shift (either 6 am‑6 pm or 6 pm‑6 am) or an 8‑hour shift during the day. Overtime, weekends, and public holidays could be part of the job.
Hands‑On Tasks –
- Preparing and checking equipment.
- Sampling and performing quality checks.
- Filling out documents and following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Keeping cleanroom rules in mind at all times.
Skills You’ll Gain
- Leadership and teamwork – Learn to guide others and work well in a group.
- Business impact – Understand how every small task helps the company run smoothly.
- Relationship building – Communicate with colleagues from different backgrounds.
- Personal growth – Take charge of your own learning and development.
Who Will Get a Chance to Apply?
NBI is committed to helping transform the South African workforce. Candidates from designated groups under the Employment Equity Act will receive priority if they meet the qualifications. The goal is to create a more diverse team and give people from all walks of life a fair shot.
Ready to Start Your Career in Biopharma?
If you’re excited to learn, work hard, and join a team that makes a difference in people’s lives, this is your chance. You can find more details and submit your application online.
Apply now for the NBI Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S) Programme 2026.
https://nbisa.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Jobs/View/NBI250912-1 (click the link above)
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to start a career in a field that is both challenging and rewarding. The deadline is 27 November 2025 – make sure you get your application in on time. Good luck!