Are you a qualified Millwright looking to gain valuable workplace experience? The ALPLA Youth Employment Services (YES) Programme is offering an exciting 12-month opportunity for unemployed South African youth to develop their technical skills within a manufacturing environment. Based at the Lanseria Plant in Johannesburg North, this programme provides hands-on exposure to mechanical and electrical maintenance, equipment reliability, troubleshooting, and industrial operations.
The YES Programme is designed to help young artisans bridge the gap between qualification and employment by providing practical workplace experience under the guidance of experienced professionals. Successful candidates will work alongside senior Millwrights and maintenance teams while gaining exposure to modern maintenance systems and manufacturing processes.
Programme Overview
- Position: Millwright (YES Programme)
- Company: ALPLA
- Programme Duration: 12 Months
- Location: Lanseria Plant, Johannesburg North
- Job Type: Contract
- Work Level: Junior
- Salary: Market Related
- Programme: Youth Employment Services (YES)
- Reference Number: AP-8
- Closing Date: 25 May 2026
This programme offers a structured learning environment where participants can build practical experience and improve their future employment prospects within the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
Purpose of the Programme
The Millwright YES Programme aims to provide unemployed youth with practical exposure to maintenance operations, equipment reliability, troubleshooting, and industrial engineering support.
Participants will gain experience in:
- Mechanical maintenance
- Electrical maintenance
- Preventative maintenance planning
- Equipment diagnostics
- Industrial troubleshooting
- Maintenance documentation systems
- Health and safety compliance
- Manufacturing operations
The programme is ideal for recently qualified artisans seeking workplace experience within a professional manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will assist maintenance teams with a variety of operational and technical activities.
Maintenance and Repairs
Participants will:
- Assist with mechanical and electrical maintenance on plant machinery
- Support senior Millwrights during breakdown repairs
- Participate in preventative maintenance activities
- Assist with restoring equipment after breakdowns
- Help improve equipment reliability and operational efficiency
The role provides valuable exposure to real-world maintenance challenges and industrial production environments.
Fault Finding and Troubleshooting
Learners will gain practical experience in:
- Diagnosing basic electrical faults
- Identifying mechanical failures
- Learning structured troubleshooting methods
- Supporting equipment inspections
- Assisting with root cause investigations
This hands-on experience will strengthen technical problem-solving abilities and maintenance expertise.
Maintenance Planning and Systems
The programme includes exposure to maintenance management systems and maintenance planning processes.
Responsibilities include:
- Completing job cards accurately
- Recording maintenance activities
- Learning maintenance standards and procedures
- Using Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) such as D365
- Maintaining accurate maintenance records
These skills are highly valuable within modern manufacturing and engineering environments.
Equipment Installation and Commissioning
Participants will assist with:
- New equipment installations
- Plant upgrades and modifications
- Equipment commissioning activities
- Maintenance improvement projects
This provides practical exposure to equipment lifecycle management and industrial engineering processes.
Health, Safety, Environment and Quality
Safety remains a key focus within the programme. Participants will be required to:
- Follow all Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards
- Report risks and unsafe conditions immediately
- Maintain safe working practices
- Support hygiene and quality requirements within the plant
- Ensure compliance with operational procedures
Successful candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace safety and responsible work practices.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the YES Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be between 18 and 34 years old
- Must be unemployed
- Must not have participated in the YES Programme previously
- Must possess a Grade 12 qualification
- Must have a Millwright Trade Test Certification
Only candidates who meet all programme requirements will be considered.
Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate should possess:
- Grade 12 Certificate
- Qualified Millwright Trade Test
- Computer literacy skills
- Excellent planning and organisational abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Strong teamwork skills
- Relationship-building capabilities
Previous maintenance or manufacturing experience will be advantageous but is not essential.
Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate the following skills:
Technical Skills
- Mechanical maintenance knowledge
- Electrical maintenance knowledge
- Equipment troubleshooting abilities
- Maintenance planning awareness
- Technical problem-solving skills
- Computer literacy and system usage
Personal Skills
- Effective communication
- Professional conduct
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Reliability and accountability
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Adaptability and willingness to learn
These competencies will help participants succeed within the programme and future technical careers.
Living the ALPLA Identity
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate and promote the ALPLA Identity through their daily actions and workplace behaviour.
Our Promise
- We create trust
- We build respect
- We develop potential
- We ensure excellent results
Our Principles
- Be Reliable
- Solve Problems
- Make Decisions
- Communicate Effectively
These values form the foundation of ALPLA’s workplace culture and employee development philosophy.
Benefits of Joining the YES Programme
The Youth Employment Services Programme offers several advantages for young artisans seeking career growth.
Participants will gain:
- Practical workplace experience
- Exposure to manufacturing operations
- Maintenance and engineering skills development
- Mentorship from experienced Millwrights
- Knowledge of CMMS systems and maintenance planning
- Industrial troubleshooting experience
- Enhanced employability and career readiness
- Professional development opportunities
The programme is designed to improve future employment prospects and prepare candidates for long-term careers in engineering and manufacturing.
Career Opportunities After Completion
After successfully completing the programme, participants may pursue opportunities such as:
- Millwright Technician
- Maintenance Technician
- Electrical Artisan
- Mechanical Artisan
- Engineering Assistant
- Maintenance Planner
- Reliability Technician
- Production Maintenance Specialist
- Manufacturing Technician
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
The manufacturing and engineering sectors continue to offer strong demand for technically skilled artisans across South Africa.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare an updated CV and supporting documentation before submitting their application.
Applicants should ensure they meet all YES Programme requirements before applying.
Supporting documents may include:
- Updated CV
- Certified Grade 12 Certificate
- Certified Millwright Trade Test Certificate
- South African ID Document
- Relevant supporting qualifications
Only complete applications that meet the programme requirements will be considered.
Why You Should Apply
This opportunity provides a valuable stepping stone for qualified Millwrights looking to gain practical industry experience. Through structured workplace exposure, mentorship, and technical development, participants will strengthen their skills while improving their chances of securing future employment within the engineering and manufacturing industries.
For young artisans seeking hands-on experience, technical growth, and career development, the ALPLA YES Programme offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation for long-term success.
