If you want workplace-integrated learning in a technical food and beverage environment, this opportunity could be a strong starting point. The R&D WIL Learnership (Beverages) opportunity at PepsiCo South Africa in Ceres, South Africa is aimed at students in scientific fields who want hands-on exposure to beverage trials, product development support, laboratory testing, and pilot plant work in a live R&D setting.
At a glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsor / Employer | PepsiCo South Africa |
| Opportunity type | R&D WIL Learnership |
| Job title | R&D WIL Learnership (Beverages) |
| Req ID | 444091 |
| Department | R&D |
| Location | Ceres, South Africa |
| Employment type | Workplace Integrated Learning / Learnership |
| Minimum qualification | Successfully completed the theoretical part of studies in a scientific field with above 60% average and currently in the last year of studies |
| Eligible study areas | Biochemistry, Food Technology, or Engineering |
| Verified by us | 06 May 2026 |
What this opportunity is
This is a workplace-integrated learning opportunity in PepsiCo’s beverages R&D environment. The role focuses on supporting trial protocols, project execution, prototype work, pilot plant activities, production trial support, laboratory testing, and project reporting as part of the South African R&D team.
Note: This is not a general admin learnership. A position like this is better suited to someone who is interested in food and beverage product development, laboratory testing, pilot plant execution, and technical project support in a commercial environment.
Who this opportunity may suit
- A final-year student looking for workplace-integrated learning in a scientific field
- Someone interested in food or beverage research and development
- An applicant who enjoys laboratory work, data interpretation, and product testing
- A person who wants practical industry exposure before moving into full-time work
What you’ll do / learn
You’ll gain practical exposure to beverage trials, pilot plant support, laboratory testing, project coordination, and technical reporting in a commercial R&D environment.
- Assist with trial protocols and issue them to key stakeholders after alignment with the R&D Technologist or R&D Manager
- Assist with organising and executing assigned research and development projects for the SA R&D team
- Support the R&D Technologist across the relevant product platform to deliver low-complexity projects
- Support prototype execution around pilot plant trials
- Support the R&D Technologist to execute production trials and report results to the R&D Manager using the TSG methodology
- Define and align trial protocols already pre-aligned with the R&D Technologist
- Communicate trial requests with relevant stakeholders and support pre-trial meetings
- Attend pilot plant and factory trials when needed
- Carry out routine analytical and product quality tests
- Lead base product collection from production lines for development at pilot plant level
- Collaborate with product developers
- Support effective work in the pilot plant while maintaining GMP and general good hygiene practices
- Support R&D Tech / new EHS representative on local and on-site EHS initiatives
- Complete online training to enhance business knowledge
- Conduct seasoning applications and ensure in-specification salt results are achieved
- Conduct laboratory tests including salt, oil, bulk density, particle size, and moisture analysis
- Compile project timelines and communicate with relevant teams to ensure equipment and resources are available
- Execute scale-up activities within PepsiCo-owned production plants and selected co-manufacturers
- Deliver concise, accurate, and complete reporting on projects to the Line Manager and Project Teams
- Draft R&D technical data such as artwork specifications, process specifications, and finished pack standards with Project Manager approval
- Work with Regulatory to ensure legal compliance
Eligibility requirements
Check the requirements below before applying.
Essential requirements
- Successfully completed the theoretical part of studies in a scientific field with above 60% average
- Currently in the last year of studies
- Study area in Biochemistry, Food Technology, Engineering, or a related scientific field
- South African citizen
- Good technical and analytical skills
- Basic knowledge of statistics
- Ability to interpret data and turn it into useful and actionable information
- Supportive team player with an accurate, methodical, tidy, and reliable approach
- Excellent people skills
- Results driven with the ability to persevere and give timely, direct feedback
- High degree of self-motivation combined with good organisational and interpersonal skills
- Eager to learn, use initiative, and work as a self-starter
- Ability to work independently and deal with change and increasing complexity
- Integrity and ability to safeguard the company’s designs, formulations, processes, and reputation
Advantageous
- Driving license
- Ability to collaborate and communicate well within the R&D team and with business functions such as SC/OPS, Commercialization, and selected external partners
- Effective negotiation skills for shared resources
- Up-to-date knowledge of technology and the ability to absorb and apply it
- Creative thinking and the ability to generate workable ideas within the scope of projects
What this role really means
An R&D WIL role like this usually means moving beyond theory and seeing how food and beverage product development works in a real commercial setting. In practice, that can include helping with trials, supporting laboratory and pilot plant work, following technical instructions carefully, and learning how research activity connects to product quality, compliance, and innovation. If you are applying, it helps to show that you are curious, methodical, and interested in scientific problem-solving.
Application checklist
Make sure your application is complete before submitting.
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Academic transcript showing above 60% average
- Proof that you are in your final year of study
- Clear contact details (phone + email)
- Any supporting lab work, project work, or technical coursework shown clearly on your CV
- Driver’s license if you have one
- Any additional documents requested on the application portal
Need help with CVs, certified copies, and application tips? Use our Resources & Guides Hub.
About the sponsor
PepsiCo South Africa operates in the food and beverage sector and includes brands such as White Star, SASKO, Simba, Liqui Fruit, Bokomo, Weet-Bix, and Lay’s. On its official South Africa pages, PepsiCo says its vision is to be the global leader in beverages and convenient foods by Winning with PepsiCo Positive. Visit the PepsiCo South Africa website and the PepsiCo careers page for more information.
Quick tips for applicants
- Make your study field and final-year status easy to identify near the top of your CV
- If you have done lab work, food science practicals, engineering projects, or technical assignments, mention that clearly
- Show that you are interested in product development, trials, and scientific testing
- Keep your CV neat and easy to scan, because technical opportunities value clarity and structure
- Apply early, especially because no closing date is shown on the live listing
Common mistakes that get applicants rejected
- Applying without being in the final year of study
- Submitting a generic CV that does not show scientific or technical interest
- Leaving out your academic performance details
- Not mentioning laboratory, project, or technical experience clearly
- Uploading incomplete or unreadable documents
- Waiting too long when the official closing date is not clearly stated
Scam warning (important)
Do not pay any fee to apply for this opportunity. Use only the official PepsiCo careers page linked below, and be cautious of anyone asking for money, banking details, or “processing fees” outside the formal application process.
How this opportunity was verified
We checked the official PepsiCo listing for R&D WIL Learnership (Beverages) under Req ID 444091 vacancy details for the role duties, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. We also used PepsiCo South Africa’s official company pages for the sponsor background.
For more information about how our posts are verified, please visit our How we verify listings page.
How to apply
- Open the official vacancy page using the button below.
- Read the requirements carefully and confirm that your study background and final-year status fit the role.
- Prepare your CV and supporting academic documents.
- Complete your application through the official PepsiCo careers platform.
- Because no closing date is shown on the live listing, apply as early as possible.