ALPLA Southern Africa has opened applications for its Plastics Apprenticeship Programme 2026 in Lanseria, Gauteng.
The apprenticeship is designed for candidates who want to develop practical technical skills and gain workplace experience in the plastics manufacturing industry.
The advertised programme has a maximum duration of four years and carries the reference number AP-32.
Applicants must have Matric/Grade 12, Mathematics, Physical Science and at least N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for this opportunity.
The application closing date is 31 October 2026.
ALPLA Plastics Apprenticeship 2026 Overview
| Programme | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | ALPLA Southern Africa |
| Programme | Plastics Apprenticeship Programme |
| Reference Number | AP-32 |
| Industry | Plastics Manufacturing |
| Location | Lanseria, Gauteng |
| Duration | Up to 4 years |
| Minimum Qualification | Matric/Grade 12 + N3 Mechanical Engineering |
| Mathematics | Required |
| Physical Science | Required |
| Mathematical Literacy | Not accepted |
| Closing Date | 31 October 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
About the ALPLA Plastics Apprenticeship
ALPLA is a global packaging and recycling company that manufactures plastic packaging products for a range of industries.
Its South African operations are based in Lanseria, where the company has established an Apprenticeship & Training Centre.
ALPLA’s apprenticeship model combines theoretical education with practical workplace training. The company’s official South African apprenticeship information describes this as a dual training system, where apprentices develop technical knowledge and apply it in a real working environment.
ALPLA’s plastics technician training is focused on areas such as plastics materials, production machinery, machine changeovers and manufacturing processes.
What Will You Learn?
The Plastics Apprenticeship is designed to develop practical technical competence for a career in plastics manufacturing.
Training may expose apprentices to:
- Plastics manufacturing processes.
- Production machinery.
- Different types of plastics.
- Machine operation.
- Machine changeovers.
- Production processes.
- Technical workplace procedures.
- Equipment and production environments.
- Practical problem-solving.
ALPLA’s broader apprenticeship model combines general education, specialised theory and practical training within the company environment.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates applying for the 2026 Plastics Apprenticeship must have:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- Mathematics.
- Physical Science.
- Minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies.
- A Statement of Results or relevant certificates.
Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
Applicants should carefully check their subjects and technical qualifications before submitting an application.
Why N3 Mechanical Engineering Is Important
The N3 requirement makes this opportunity different from apprenticeship programmes that only require Matric.
Candidates should have completed the required N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies before applying.
Your CV and academic documentation should clearly show your relevant technical studies.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Updated CV.
- Statement of Results.
- Relevant certificates.
- Academic documentation confirming the required subjects and N3 studies.
Make sure that the information submitted is accurate and easy for the recruitment team to verify.
Behavioural Competencies
ALPLA expects apprentices to demonstrate behaviours that align with its organisational identity and workplace principles.
These include:
- Reliability.
- Problem-solving.
- Decision-making.
- Effective communication.
- Building trust.
- Showing respect.
- Developing potential.
- Delivering excellent results.
These qualities are important in a technical environment where apprentices work with equipment, colleagues and production processes.
Where Is the ALPLA Apprenticeship Based?
The apprenticeship is based at ALPLA Lanseria in Gauteng.
ALPLA’s South African operation combines manufacturing activities with its apprenticeship and training facilities in Lanseria. The company has used the location to develop technical skills for the plastics manufacturing sector.
How Long Is the Apprenticeship?
The advertised AP-32 Plastics Apprenticeship Programme can run for a maximum of four years.
ALPLA’s official South African apprenticeship information also describes its plastics technician apprenticeship as a four-year training programme.
The extended training period allows apprentices to combine technical theory with practical workplace development.
Is There a Salary or Stipend?
The supplied 2026 vacancy information does not provide a specific salary or stipend amount.
Therefore, applicants should not assume a particular monthly payment.
ALPLA’s general apprenticeship information states that its dual training model provides apprentices with a monthly salary from the beginning of training, but the amount for this specific 2026 South African vacancy is not stated on the supplied advert.
How to Apply for the ALPLA Plastics Apprenticeship 2026
Applications must be submitted online through the ALPLA recruitment platform.
Apply for the ALPLA Plastics Apprenticeship Programme 2026
When applying, candidates should:
- Prepare an updated CV.
- Prepare their Statement of Results or certificates.
- Confirm that they have Mathematics and Physical Science.
- Confirm that they meet the N3 Mechanical Engineering requirement.
- Use the advertised reference AP-32.
- Complete the online application accurately.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
ALPLA Plastics Apprenticeship Closing Date
Applications close on:
31 October 2026
Candidates should submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
The advertised information states that applicants who do not receive a response within five days after the closing date can consider their application unsuccessful.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
Mathematical Literacy Is Not Accepted
The 2026 opportunity specifically requires Mathematics and states that Mathematical Literacy is not applicable.
N3 Mechanical Engineering Is Required
Candidates need a minimum of N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies for the advertised plastics apprenticeship.
The Programme Is Based in Lanseria
Applicants should be prepared to participate in the apprenticeship at ALPLA’s Lanseria operation in Gauteng.
The Programme Can Last Up to Four Years
The advertised maximum duration is four years, providing an extended period for technical and practical development.
Your Documents Matter
Your CV should be accompanied by your Statement of Results or relevant certificates so that your academic and technical qualifications can be assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with Matric only?
No. The advertised 2026 opportunity also requires minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies, in addition to Matric, Mathematics and Physical Science.
Is Mathematical Literacy accepted?
No. The 2026 vacancy specifically states that Mathematical Literacy is not applicable.
Where is the apprenticeship located?
The apprenticeship is based at ALPLA Lanseria in Gauteng.
How long is the ALPLA Plastics Apprenticeship?
The advertised programme has a maximum duration of four years.
What is the reference number?
The reference number for the Plastics Apprenticeship Programme is AP-32.
What documents should I submit?
Applicants should submit an updated CV together with a Statement of Results or relevant certificates.
When does the application close?
The closing date is 31 October 2026.
Will I receive a salary or stipend?
The specific 2026 vacancy does not state the amount. ALPLA’s general apprenticeship information says its dual training model provides a monthly salary from the start of training, but applicants should confirm the remuneration applicable to this specific vacancy.
ALPLA Plastics Apprenticeship Application Checklist
Before applying, make sure you have:
- Matric/Grade 12.
- Mathematics.
- Physical Science.
- Minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies.
- Updated CV.
- Statement of Results or relevant certificates.
- Correct contact details.
- Reference number AP-32.
- Access to the online application platform.
Career Development Through the ALPLA Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship provides a combination of technical education and practical workplace experience.
ALPLA’s apprenticeship model is designed to help participants develop occupational skills while working in a real manufacturing environment. The company has operated apprenticeship programmes internationally and has established its own apprenticeship training model in South Africa.
For candidates interested in plastics, manufacturing, production technology and technical careers, the programme can provide exposure to modern industrial processes and equipment.
Conclusion
The ALPLA Plastics Apprenticeship Programme 2026 offers a structured technical training opportunity at the company’s Lanseria operation in Gauteng.
The advertised requirements are specific: applicants need Matric/Grade 12, Mathematics, Physical Science and minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
The apprenticeship can run for up to four years, and applications close on 31 October 2026.
Candidates who meet the requirements should prepare their CV and academic documents and submit their applications online before the deadline.





