Illovo Sugar (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd is inviting applications from suitably qualified students for a 12-month in-service training opportunity in the fields of Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry.
The opportunity is available at the Merebank and Sezela – Illovo Bio-Based Solutions operations. The programme is intended for students from Universities of Technology who require practical workplace experience as part of their academic studies.
Students who have completed the required academic component of their studies and have received an official P1/P2 registration letter from their University of Technology are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
Position: In-Service Trainees
Duration: 12 Months
Fields: Analytical Chemistry / Biochemistry
Locations: Merebank and Sezela, KwaZulu-Natal
Closing Date: 25 September 2026
Employment Type: In-Service Training / Traineeship
Reference: In-Service Trainee 2026
Available In-Service Training Field
The available field for the 2026 intake is:
- Analytical Chemistry / Biochemistry
The in-service training placement will provide an opportunity for eligible students to gain practical workplace exposure related to their field of study.
Students interested in laboratory-based work, analytical processes, scientific testing and biochemical applications may find this opportunity relevant to their academic and career development.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to students who meet the following requirements:
- Must be studying at a University of Technology.
- Must have completed S4 / the second year of study.
- Must have been issued with an official P1/P2 registration letter from the University of Technology.
- Must be studying in a field related to Analytical Chemistry or Biochemistry.
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Students from communities surrounding Illovo Sugar South Africa operations may receive preference.
Applicants should ensure that the academic requirements are met before submitting an application. The P1/P2 registration letter is particularly important because the opportunity is intended for students who require workplace-based in-service training as part of their studies.
Training Locations
The in-service training opportunities are available at two Illovo Sugar locations: Merebank
Merebank is one of the locations listed for the 12-month in-service training opportunity. Students selected for placement at this site will receive practical exposure within the relevant operational environment.
Sezela – Illovo Bio-Based Solutions
The second location is Sezela, associated with Illovo Bio-Based Solutions. Students applying should take the available locations into consideration when preparing their applications.
Preference may be given to applicants who come from communities surrounding Illovo South Africa operations.
What Is P1/P2 In-Service Training?
P1 and P2 training generally form part of the practical workplace experience required by many University of Technology programmes.
Students who have completed the relevant academic requirements may need to obtain practical experience in an organisation before completing their qualification. The P1/P2 registration letter confirms the student’s eligibility or registration requirements for workplace-based training.
Applicants should obtain the appropriate official documentation from their institution before applying.
A student who has not yet completed the required academic component or who cannot provide the required P1/P2 registration documentation may not meet the stated requirements.
Why Apply for This Opportunity?
A 12-month in-service training placement can provide valuable practical exposure to students pursuing careers in scientific and laboratory-related fields.
The experience can help students become familiar with professional workplace environments and apply knowledge gained during their studies to practical situations.
Depending on the assigned duties and operational requirements, students may gain exposure to activities relevant to analytical chemistry, biochemistry, laboratory processes, testing, quality-related procedures and other scientific operations.
The opportunity can also allow students to develop professional workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, following procedures, maintaining accurate records, working safely and complying with organisational requirements.
Students should understand that an in-service training opportunity is intended to provide practical workplace experience and should not automatically be regarded as a permanent employment position.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare all relevant supporting documentation before submitting the application.
The application should demonstrate that the student meets the requirements specified in the vacancy. Particular attention should be given to the following:
Academic status: The applicant must be studying at a University of Technology and must have completed S4 or the second year of study.
Field of study: The programme must be relevant to Analytical Chemistry or Biochemistry.
P1/P2 documentation: An official P1/P2 registration letter issued by the University of Technology is required.
Citizenship: Only South African citizens will be considered.
Applicants should ensure that documents are clear and readable before sending the application by email. The application should also use the required email subject line so that it can be correctly identified during the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email to: [email protected]
The email subject line must follow the required format:
IN-SERVICE TRAINEE 2026 – [Field of Study]
For example:
IN-SERVICE TRAINEE 2026 – Biochemistry
or
IN-SERVICE TRAINEE 2026 – Analytical Chemistry
Applicants should make sure that the field stated in the subject line corresponds with the field being applied for.
It is advisable to check the application carefully before sending it. The applicant should confirm that the required documents are attached and that contact details are correct.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is: 25 September 2026
Applications should be submitted before the closing date. Applicants are encouraged not to wait until the final day to submit an application, as late applications may not be considered.
Employment Equity
Appointment will be made in accordance with the Illovo Sugar South Africa Employment Equity Plan.
Applicants should therefore ensure that the information provided in the application and supporting documentation is accurate and complete.
Pre-Employment Screening
Applicants selected during the recruitment process may be required to undergo pre-employment screening tests.
During recruitment, applicants may also be required to complete security assessment forms providing consent for Illovo Sugar (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd to conduct relevant security and background checks.
These checks may include:
- Identification verification
- Credit checks
- Criminal background checks
- Reference checks
- Other relevant background screening
The screening process is conducted for pre-employment or pre-contractual purposes.
Applicants who choose not to provide the required consent, or who withdraw consent before the relevant processing has started or been completed, may prevent Illovo from conducting the required pre-employment or pre-contractual background screening.
This may result in the application being considered incomplete and could affect the outcome of the application.
After Applying
Applicants should keep a record of the application submitted, including the date of submission and copies of the documents sent.
Illovo Sugar South Africa states that applicants who have not been contacted within four weeks after the closing date should accept that the application was unsuccessful.
Applicants should therefore ensure that the contact details included in the application remain accessible after submission.
Important Information for Applicants
Before submitting an application, prospective candidates should confirm the following:
- University of Technology student status
- Completion of S4 / second year of study
- Relevant Analytical Chemistry or Biochemistry field
- Official P1/P2 registration letter
- South African citizenship
- Correct application email address
- Correct email subject line
- Required supporting documents attached
- Application submitted before 25 September 2026
Students who meet the stated requirements and require in-service training in Analytical Chemistry or Biochemistry can submit an application for consideration.
Position: In-Service Trainee
Field: Analytical Chemistry / Biochemistry
Duration: 12 Months
Locations: Merebank & Sezela (Illovo Bio-Based Solutions)
Eligibility: University of Technology students who have completed S4 / second year and hold an official P1/P2 registration letter
Citizenship: South African citizens only
Closing Date: 25 September 2026
Application Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: IN-SERVICE TRAINEE 2026 – Biochemistry / Analytical Chemistry