About Woodlands Dairy

Woodlands Dairy (Pty) Ltd is one of South Africa’s leading dairy producers and is recognised for delivering high-quality dairy products to local and international markets. The company operates in a highly advanced manufacturing environment where engineering excellence, maintenance reliability, and production efficiency are essential to daily operations.

Working at Woodlands Dairy provides apprentices with exposure to modern manufacturing systems, advanced processing equipment, and highly skilled technical teams. The company places strong emphasis on employee development, continuous learning, workplace safety, and operational excellence.

The Millwright Apprenticeship Programme forms part of the company’s commitment to skills development and creating opportunities for future artisans within South Africa’s manufacturing and engineering industries.

Purpose of the Apprenticeship Programme

The purpose of the Millwright Apprenticeship Programme is to provide structured artisan development through both theoretical and practical training. Apprentices will gain experience in:

• Mechanical maintenance and repairs
• Electrical maintenance and installations
• Industrial fault finding and troubleshooting
• Preventative and breakdown maintenance
• Equipment inspections and servicing
• Production plant operations and engineering systems

Throughout the programme, apprentices will work under the supervision of experienced artisans and maintenance personnel while gradually developing the confidence and competence required to operate independently within an industrial maintenance environment.

Key Responsibilities

Training and Skills Development

• Enrol and actively participate in the registered Millwright Apprenticeship Programme
• Attend and complete all required technical and theoretical training modules
• Participate in practical workplace learning activities
• Develop both mechanical and electrical engineering competencies
• Work toward successful completion of trade testing requirements
• Demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement and technical development

Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance Exposure

• Assist maintenance teams with daily maintenance activities
• Learn to maintain and repair industrial machinery and production equipment
• Assist with installation and servicing of electrical and mechanical systems
• Gain exposure to fault-finding and troubleshooting procedures
• Support preventative and scheduled maintenance activities
• Learn safe operation of engineering tools and equipment

Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to workplace health and safety regulations at all times
• Follow FoodBev SETA apprenticeship requirements and assessments
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and operational procedures
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment
• Use tools, equipment, and protective gear responsibly and correctly

Minimum Requirements

Educational Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following minimum educational requirements:

• Technical Grade 12 qualification OR
• N3 qualification

Candidates should also possess qualifications or subjects related to:

• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Applicants with strong mathematics, technical, and engineering backgrounds will have an added advantage.

Skills and Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Strong interest in mechanical and electrical engineering
• Basic understanding of industrial maintenance concepts
• Technical aptitude and willingness to learn practical skills
• Ability to understand technical instructions and engineering drawings
• Interest in working with industrial machinery and automated systems

Personal Attributes

• Good work ethic and professional attitude
• Reliable, disciplined, and eager to learn
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness
• Positive attitude toward training and development
• Willingness to work in a physically demanding industrial environment

Working Environment

The apprenticeship takes place within a busy FMCG manufacturing and processing environment. Apprentices will gain exposure to modern production equipment, automated machinery, electrical systems, and mechanical maintenance operations.

The role may involve:

• Working shifts when required
• Exposure to machinery noise and production environments
• Physically demanding maintenance activities
• Working at heights or confined spaces where necessary
• Adherence to strict health and safety procedures

This environment provides excellent practical exposure for apprentices who are serious about building a long-term technical career.

Benefits of the Apprenticeship Programme

Joining Woodlands Dairy (Pty) Ltd as a Millwright Apprentice offers several long-term career and development benefits.

Programme Benefits

• Structured technical training and workplace exposure
• Opportunity to become a qualified trade-tested Millwright
• Industry-recognised FoodBev SETA aligned apprenticeship
• Mentorship from experienced artisans and engineers
• Exposure to advanced industrial manufacturing systems
• Career development opportunities within engineering and maintenance
• Valuable practical experience within the FMCG industry

The apprenticeship programme is designed to prepare candidates for successful careers in industrial engineering, manufacturing, and technical maintenance.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare and submit the following documents:

• Updated CV
• Certified copy of Grade 12 or N3 qualification
• Certified copies of engineering qualifications or statements of results
• Certified copy of South African ID document

Applicants should ensure all documents are complete, clearly certified, and submitted before the closing date.

Closing Date: 22 May 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments or interviews.