FELTEX is inviting qualified South African graduates to apply for the Graduate Trainee: Health and Safety Management opportunity within the Trim Fine Needling Department. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates who hold a National Diploma in Safety Management and are looking to gain valuable workplace experience in the manufacturing sector.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Plant Manager and the Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) team to support daily safety operations, environmental compliance, and workplace health initiatives. The graduate programme provides practical exposure to internationally recognized safety management systems while developing the skills needed for a long-term career in occupational health and safety.
Applications are currently open, and interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Graduate Trainee Health and Safety Management Job Overview
Job Title: Graduate Trainee – Health and Safety Management
Department: SHE (Safety, Health and Environment)
Division: Trim Fine Needling
Reporting To: Plant Manager
Reference Number: FX-2026-0004656
Grade: GG02
Location: South Africa
Closing Date: 26 July 2026
About the Opportunity
The Graduate Trainee programme has been designed to provide graduates with practical experience in workplace safety, health, and environmental management. The successful candidate will assist with implementing company safety procedures, monitoring compliance, maintaining management systems, supporting audits, coordinating training activities, and promoting a strong safety culture throughout the plant.
This position offers exposure to ISO management systems, incident investigations, workplace inspections, emergency preparedness, and safety awareness initiatives. It is suitable for graduates who are passionate about occupational health and safety and who wish to build experience within a manufacturing environment.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent School Leaving Certificate.
- National Diploma in Safety Management.
- A strong interest in occupational health and safety.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work well with different teams across the plant.
- Willingness to learn and develop professionally.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Good organizational and administrative skills.
- Computer literacy will be an added advantage.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection, as applications will be assessed according to the company’s recruitment process.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this graduate trainee position is to support the implementation of the annual Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) operational plan while assisting the plant in achieving its safety objectives.
The successful graduate will help ensure compliance with company policies, participate in workplace safety activities, maintain management systems, assist during audits, and contribute to creating a safe working environment for all employees.
Key Responsibilities
The Graduate Trainee will assist with a variety of Safety, Health and Environment responsibilities, including:
Policy and Procedure Implementation
Responsibilities include assisting with the implementation of company Safety, Health and Environment policies and ensuring that employees comply with established procedures.
The successful candidate will support initiatives that promote a safe working environment while helping maintain compliance with company standards.
Safety Management
Daily duties will include supporting workplace safety activities such as:
- Assisting with maintaining safe working practices.
- Monitoring compliance with workplace safety regulations.
- Supporting environmental compliance activities.
- Participating in preliminary incident investigations.
- Identifying potential workplace hazards.
- Reporting safety concerns.
- Assisting with corrective actions.
- Advising on SHE requirements for new projects.
- Participating in Safety, Health and Environment meetings.
- Performing secretariat duties during SHE meetings.
These responsibilities provide valuable practical experience in occupational safety management.
Safety Management Systems
The graduate trainee will assist with maintaining internationally recognized management systems, including:
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.
- ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
Responsibilities also include updating and maintaining the SHE Management System on SharePoint while ensuring records remain accurate and up to date.
Audits
The successful candidate will provide support during various workplace audits, including:
- SHE audits.
- Risk audits.
- Compliance inspections.
- Internal safety reviews.
Exposure to audit processes provides practical experience in evaluating workplace compliance and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
Training and Awareness
An important part of the role involves supporting workplace training programmes aimed at improving employee safety awareness.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting Toolbox Talks.
- Assisting with safety awareness programmes.
- Supporting SHE induction training for new employees.
- Helping coordinate emergency drills.
- Promoting workplace safety campaigns.
These activities contribute to building a positive safety culture across the organization.
General SHE Duties
Additional responsibilities include:
- Updating SHE notice boards.
- Supporting day-to-day Safety, Health and Environment functions.
- Assisting with general administration.
- Maintaining accurate safety records.
- Supporting ongoing improvement initiatives.
Skills That May Be Beneficial
Although not specifically listed as mandatory, candidates with the following skills may have an advantage:
- Strong communication skills.
- Good report writing ability.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Time management.
- Ability to work independently.
- Teamwork skills.
- Basic Microsoft Office knowledge.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain confidential information.
- Professional attitude.
- Willingness to learn.
Career Benefits
Graduate trainee opportunities provide an excellent foundation for future career growth. Successful candidates gain practical industry experience while working alongside experienced professionals.
Potential benefits include:
- Hands-on workplace experience.
- Exposure to manufacturing operations.
- Practical application of safety management knowledge.
- Experience with internationally recognized ISO systems.
- Participation in workplace audits.
- Incident investigation experience.
- Professional development.
- Improved employability.
- Industry networking opportunities.
- Development of leadership and communication skills.
Experience gained during this programme can support future careers in occupational health and safety across various industries.
Ideal Candidate
This opportunity may suit graduates who:
- Recently completed a National Diploma in Safety Management.
- Want practical workplace experience.
- Enjoy solving workplace safety challenges.
- Have strong attention to detail.
- Can communicate effectively with employees at all levels.
- Take responsibility for assigned tasks.
- Are committed to continuous learning.
- Have a genuine interest in workplace health and safety.
Recruitment Process
Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be shortlisted for further stages of the recruitment process.
Depending on recruitment needs, shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in interviews, assessments, document verification, or other selection activities before a final appointment is made.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
If no communication is received within 21 days after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Employment Equity
The final appointment will take into consideration FELTEX Employment Equity objectives in line with the company’s commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.
Important Information
By submitting an application, applicants consent to the processing of their personal information for recruitment purposes.
Application information may be retained for future recruitment opportunities for a period of one year, unless consent is withdrawn where no other lawful basis for processing exists.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all information submitted is accurate and that supporting documents are complete before applying.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must register through the FELTEX Careers recruitment system.
Before applying, prepare the following documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate.
- National Diploma in Safety Management qualification.
- Any other supporting documents requested during the application process.
Complete the online application and upload all required documentation before the closing date.
Closing Date: 26 July 2026
Late applications may not be considered, so candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid missing this opportunity.
The FELTEX Graduate Trainee Health and Safety Management programme offers an excellent starting point for graduates seeking practical experience in occupational health and safety. With exposure to workplace compliance, ISO management systems, incident investigations, safety training, environmental management, and risk assessments, successful candidates will develop valuable skills that can support long-term career growth within the manufacturing and industrial sectors.