Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd, also known as SRSA, is one of the leading tyre manufacturing companies in South Africa and a subsidiary of the global Sumitomo Rubber Industries Group based in Japan. The company manufactures and distributes popular tyre brands such as Dunlop, Falken, and Sumitomo, which are widely recognized across the continent for quality, safety, and performance.
Each year, Sumitomo Rubber SA offers learnership opportunities to South African youth who are eager to gain hands-on experience in the technical, manufacturing, and business sectors. These learnerships form part of the company’s broader commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, and local economic growth.
🌟 About Sumitomo Rubber SA
Sumitomo Rubber SA has its head office and manufacturing plant in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, with additional operations in Durban and other regions. The company is known for its modern production processes, continuous innovation, and focus on sustainability.
Their corporate values—Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation, and Customer Focus—guide how they conduct business and develop employees. By offering learnerships, SRSA ensures that young South Africans gain exposure to international manufacturing standards while building long-term careers in the automotive sector.
🎓 What the Learnership Involves
The Sumitomo Rubber SA Learnership Programme is designed to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical workplace experience. The duration of the programme typically ranges between 12 and 24 months, depending on the specific field of study.
Learners are placed under the supervision of experienced mentors and industry experts. The programme integrates classroom-based training with on-the-job experience, ensuring that participants not only meet academic requirements but also develop the practical skills needed for employment in the real world.
💼 Available Learnership Fields
Sumitomo Rubber SA offers learnerships in various disciplines to cater to a wide range of interests and qualifications. These may include:
- Manufacturing and Production Technology
Gain experience in tyre production processes, machine operation, and quality assurance. - Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
Learn about equipment maintenance, fault finding, and industrial automation systems. - Chemical Operations
Focus on rubber compound preparation, testing, and chemical safety in the workplace. - Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Understand warehouse management, inventory control, and distribution planning. - Health and Safety (SHEQ)
Develop skills related to occupational health, environmental management, and compliance. - Business Administration and Human Resources
Build your skills in office management, HR administration, and organizational development.
Each field provides learners with accredited training that contributes toward a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) certificate upon successful completion.
👥 Who Can Apply?
The SRSA learnership programme is aimed at young South Africans between 18 and 35 years who are passionate about developing their skills and building a career in the manufacturing or technical sector.
Minimum Requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must have completed Matric (Grade 12) with Mathematics and Science (depending on the field).
- N3 or N4 in relevant engineering disciplines is an added advantage.
- Must be unemployed and available for the duration of the programme.
- Willing to work shifts or in a production environment.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
🏢 Why Choose a Sumitomo Rubber SA Learnership?
Participating in a Sumitomo learnership gives you more than just a qualification. You gain:
- Practical experience in a world-class manufacturing facility.
- Industry-recognized training accredited by the Manufacturing, Engineering, and Related Services SETA (MERSETA).
- Opportunities for permanent employment after successful completion.
- Exposure to global standards in safety, quality, and efficiency.
- Professional mentorship and development support from experts in the field.
Many past learners have successfully transitioned into full-time roles at Sumitomo Rubber SA or secured positions at other leading industrial companies, thanks to the credibility and quality of the programme.
📅 Application Process and Closing Date
The learnership programme is usually advertised once or twice per year, depending on operational needs. Vacancies are listed on:
🔗 www.srigroup.co.za
Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the careers page or follow SRSA’s official social media pages for the latest updates on openings and application deadlines.
When submitting your application, make sure to include:
- A comprehensive CV
- Certified copies of your ID and qualifications
- A short motivation letter explaining why you want to join the programme
📧 How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online via the official SRSA careers portal or emailed (when indicated in the advert).
If an email address is provided in the job listing, ensure your subject line reads:
“Application for Sumitomo Rubber SA Learnership 2025.”
Example format:
Email: careers@srigroup.co.za (Note: This is an example; always check the latest advert for the correct email.)
🔑 Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply early – Don’t wait for the last day.
- Tailor your CV to highlight relevant technical or practical skills.
- Include a short motivation letter explaining your passion for manufacturing or engineering.
- Ensure your documents are certified and clear.
- Prepare for interviews or assessments that may follow your application.
🌱 Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Sumitomo Rubber SA believes that investing in young people is the foundation of sustainable growth. The company aligns its programmes with South Africa’s Skills Development Act and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) goals. Through structured learnerships, SRSA continues to build a pipeline of skilled talent to support both its operations and the wider manufacturing industry.
✅ Conclusion
The Sumitomo Rubber SA Learnership 2025 is a golden opportunity for motivated young South Africans to gain practical experience, earn a recognized qualification, and start a rewarding career in one of the most innovative manufacturing environments in the country.
If you are hardworking, eager to learn, and ready to take on challenges, this programme can open doors to a promising future in the automotive and engineering sectors.
For more information and application updates, visit:
EMAIL APPLICATION
Empower your future with Sumitomo Rubber South Africa – where innovation meets opportunity.