RCL Foods, one of South Africa’s leading food manufacturing companies, has officially opened applications for its Sugar Engineering Apprenticeship Programme for 2025–2026. This exciting opportunity gives aspiring artisans and engineers a chance to gain hands-on training, technical knowledge, and career growth within the dynamic sugar production industry.
🌾 About RCL Foods
RCL Foods is a major South African food manufacturing company known for its trusted brands such as Selati Sugar, Rainbow Chicken, Yum Yum Peanut Butter, and Sunbake. The company operates across several provinces and provides thousands of jobs in the agriculture, manufacturing, and engineering sectors.
The Sugar Division, located primarily in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, is responsible for processing and producing high-quality sugar and by-products that serve both local and international markets. The division invests heavily in talent development, ensuring that young South Africans have opportunities to enter technical careers through structured apprenticeship programmes.
⚙️ About the RCL Foods Sugar Engineering Apprenticeship
The RCL Foods Sugar Engineering Apprenticeship 2025–2026 is designed to develop qualified artisans who can maintain, operate, and innovate within sugar manufacturing plants. Apprentices will gain exposure to various aspects of mechanical and electrical engineering within a real industrial environment.
This programme aligns with MERSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority) standards and leads to a Red Seal Trade Test qualification upon successful completion.
🧰 Apprenticeship Streams
Applicants can apply for apprenticeships in the following trades:
- Mechanical Fitting
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)
- Instrumentation and Control
- Boilermaking
- Millwright
Each trade combines classroom theory, practical training, and on-the-job experience, ensuring that candidates develop both technical and problem-solving skills.
🎓 Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the RCL Foods Sugar Engineering Apprenticeship 2025–2026, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Education:
- Matric (Grade 12) with Mathematics and Physical Science (minimum 50%)
- OR N3/N4 Engineering Certificate with relevant subjects
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Additional Skills: Basic computer literacy, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
Preference is often given to candidates from previously disadvantaged communities and those who live near RCL Foods Sugar Mill locations.
🏠What You’ll Learn
During the apprenticeship, candidates will receive exposure to:
- Maintenance of industrial machinery used in sugar production
- Troubleshooting and fault-finding in mechanical and electrical systems
- Boiler operation and steam systems
- Installation and testing of electrical circuits and control systems
- Preventative maintenance procedures and safety protocols
- Team collaboration and production efficiency
By the end of the programme, successful apprentices will have the skills and knowledge to work as qualified artisans in the food manufacturing, agricultural, or sugar industries.
đź’Ľ Benefits of Joining the RCL Foods Apprenticeship
RCL Foods invests in the growth and welfare of its apprentices by offering:
- A monthly stipend (competitive allowance)
- Practical exposure in an advanced sugar mill environment
- Mentorship from experienced engineers and artisans
- Full support towards the Trade Test qualification
- Potential employment opportunities within RCL Foods after completion
Graduates of previous intakes have successfully advanced to permanent roles within the company’s engineering and maintenance departments.
đź“… Application Details and Closing Date
- Applications Open: October 2025
- Closing Date: 30 November 2025
- Programme Duration: 24–36 months (depending on trade stream)
- Location: Primarily based in Malelane and Komati Sugar Mills, Mpumalanga, and other RCL Foods Sugar operations.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline, as late entries will not be considered.
đź“ť How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the RCL Foods Sugar Engineering Apprenticeship 2025–2026:
Email Application : Jobs@rclfoods.com
- Visit the official RCL Foods careers website: https://careers.rclfoods.com/
- Navigate to the “Early Careers / Apprenticeships” section.
- Search for “Sugar Engineering Apprenticeship 2025–2026” under current opportunities.
- Complete the online application form and attach:
- Updated CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Certified copies of ID, Matric certificate, and N-level qualifications
- Proof of residence
- Submit your application and note the reference number for tracking.
Applicants shortlisted for interviews will be contacted via email or phone.
🌟 Why Choose RCL Foods?
RCL Foods is not just a workplace — it’s a platform for growth, innovation, and transformation. The company embraces diversity and inclusion and encourages young South Africans to build sustainable careers in the manufacturing sector.
By joining this apprenticeship, you’ll become part of a business that values integrity, respect, and teamwork while supporting national goals for skills development and employment creation.