R&D WIL Learnership
R&D WIL Learnership (Seasoning)
PepsiCo
📍 Isando, Gauteng, South Africa
💼 Learnership Opportunity
About the Role
PepsiCo is offering a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Learnership within the Research & Development (R&D) team, focused on Seasoning applications. This opportunity is designed for final-year students in scientific fields who are eager to gain hands-on industry experience in food product development and laboratory operations.
The successful candidate will support R&D Technologists in executing trials, conducting laboratory tests, and assisting with product development activities from prototype to production scale.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in defining and executing trial protocols in collaboration with R&D Technologists
- Support pilot plant and factory trials, including preparation and reporting of results
- Conduct routine laboratory and product quality tests, including:
- Salt analysis
- Oil analysis
- Bulk density analysis
- Particle size analysis
- Moisture analysis
- Collect base product samples from production lines for testing and development
- Support seasoning applications to ensure compliance with specification standards
- Assist with scale-up activities in production plants and co-manufacturing sites
- Maintain Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), hygiene, and EHS standards in all work areas
- Compile accurate technical reports and project timelines
- Support regulatory compliance and documentation requirements
- Participate in online training and continuous learning activities
Minimum Requirements
- Final-year student completing the theoretical component of a qualification in:
- Food Technology
- Biochemistry
- Engineering (or related scientific field)
- Minimum academic average of 60% or higher
- South African citizen
- Strong analytical and technical skills
- Basic understanding of statistics and data interpretation
- Good communication and teamwork abilities
- Self-motivated, disciplined, and eager to learn
- Ability to work independently and adapt to changing environments
- Valid driver’s license will be an advantage
Preferred Skills
- Strong collaboration across R&D, operations, and supply chain teams
- Creative and innovative thinking in problem-solving
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Good understanding of food processing technologies
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
What You Will Gain
- Hands-on experience in a leading global FMCG R&D environment
- Exposure to real production trials and product development cycles
- Technical skills in laboratory testing and food formulation
- Professional growth within a structured learnership programme