If you’re a South African teen who’s finished high‑school and looking for a real job, this is a chance to learn a skill that can last a lifetime. The Packaging Learnership Programme at AB InBev, the company that makes famous drinks like SAB, is open to unemployed youth in South Africa. You’ll earn a National Certificate in Food and Beverage Packaging (NQF Level 3) while working on a real production line and taking classroom lessons. The program runs for one year, starts in 2026, and ends on 12 February 2026 – that’s the last day you can sign up.
Who runs the program?
AB InBev is the biggest brewing company in the world and one of the biggest employers in South Africa. The company loves to train young people and gives them real experience with a mix of on‑the‑job and off‑the‑job learning. If you finish the programme, you’ll have a nationally recognised qualification and a solid skill set that can help you get a steady job in manufacturing or in the beverage industry.
What you’ll learn
The programme is split into two parts:
- On‑the‑job learning – You’ll work inside a factory. You’ll see how bottles and cans are packaged and learn to keep the line running smoothly. You’ll be watched and asked to show what you’re doing to prove you’re getting the job done right.
- Off‑the‑job learning – You’ll attend classes or online courses that cover the theory behind packaging. You’ll study how materials work, how to read technical drawings and how safety rules protect you and your coworkers.
The whole training follows SAQA‑registered unit standards. That means the skills you learn match what employers across South Africa are looking for.
What you’ll do every day
- Go through a structured learning plan that mixes classroom work and factory shifts.
- Complete exams and assignments during your off‑the‑job training.
- Apply the concepts you learn in the classroom to real packaging problems on the line.
- Show your progress with regular checks and practical tests.
If you finish the year, you will get a certificate that shows you can pack food and drinks safely and efficiently.
Who should apply?
- You must have finished Grade 12, with Maths and English.
- If you already have a technical qualification (like N3, N4, N5 or N6), that’s a plus.
- You should be self‑driven and eager to learn.
- Paying attention to small details and being good at working with a team are key.
Where can you work?
If you’re accepted, you may start at any of these sites in South Africa:
- Chamdor
- Alrode
- Rosslyn
- Polokwane
- Prospecton
- Ibhayi
- Newlands
Each location gives you a chance to see different parts of the packaging process.
How to apply
When you’re ready, click the link below to fill out the application form. Make sure you submit it before 12 February 2026 – late applications won’t be accepted.
Apply now for the AB InBev Packaging Learnership Programme 2026
Final thoughts
This isn’t just a job – it’s a stepping stone. By the end of the year, you’ll have a certificate, a job‑ready skill set and hands‑on experience from a top company. If you’re looking to start a career in manufacturing or in the world of food and drink packaging, this program could be the perfect fit.
Good luck, and don’t miss the chance to turn learning into a real career.