The R&D WIL Learnership (Foods) in Isando offers an exciting workplace-based learning opportunity for students in the scientific and food technology fields. This programme is designed for final-year students who need practical work experience to complete their qualifications and step into the food manufacturing and research industry.
This opportunity is based in Isando, South Africa, within a major global food and beverage environment, giving learners exposure to real product development, laboratory testing, and pilot plant trials.
For students studying Biochemistry, Food Technology, or Engineering, this learnership can serve as a strong entry point into research and development careers in the FMCG sector.
What Is the R&D WIL Learnership (Foods)?
The R&D Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme focuses on providing practical training in food product development and research activities.
Learners will support the R&D team by assisting with product trials, laboratory testing, and data reporting. The programme is structured to help students apply their theoretical knowledge in a real industrial environment.
It also introduces learners to structured research methodologies used in the food manufacturing sector.
Overview of the Programme
- Programme: R&D WIL Learnership (Foods)
- Location: Isando, South Africa
- Industry: Food Research and Development
- Level: Work Integrated Learning (Final-year students)
- Focus: Food product development and testing
- Employer: PepsiCo
This programme is ideal for students who are completing the practical component of their studies.
What You Will Do in This Learnership
Learners will be exposed to real R&D activities within a structured food science environment.
Supporting Product Development
You will assist R&D Technologists with:
- Preparing trial protocols
- Aligning test procedures with project requirements
- Supporting pilot plant trials
- Assisting with production trial execution
Laboratory and Testing Work
You will participate in routine product analysis such as:
- Salt analysis
- Oil analysis
- Moisture testing
- Particle size analysis
- Bulk density testing
These tasks help ensure product quality and consistency.
Pilot Plant and Production Support
Learners will gain hands-on experience in pilot plant environments, including:
- Collecting base product samples from production lines
- Assisting with scale-up activities
- Supporting manufacturing trials
- Ensuring compliance with hygiene and GMP standards
This exposure helps students understand how products move from development to full production.
Key Responsibilities
During the programme, learners will:
- Assist with R&D project execution
- Support trial setup and coordination
- Attend pilot plant and factory trials
- Compile project timelines
- Report trial results to managers
- Assist with technical documentation
- Support regulatory compliance activities
- Contribute to packaging and product specifications
This role involves both technical and administrative responsibilities.
Skills You Will Develop
This learnership is designed to build both technical and workplace skills, including:
- Food science and laboratory skills
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Product testing and evaluation
- Project coordination
- Technical reporting
- Team collaboration
- Problem-solving in production environments
- Time management and organisation
These skills are highly valued in the food manufacturing and FMCG industry.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the R&D WIL Learnership (Foods), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Academic Requirements
- Must have completed the theoretical component of studies
- Must be in the final year of study
- Must have a minimum average of above 60%
- Field of study:
- Biochemistry
- Food Technology
- Engineering
Personal Requirements
Applicants should also have:
- Strong analytical skills
- Basic understanding of statistics
- Ability to interpret data
- Good communication skills
- Teamwork ability
- Attention to detail
- Self-motivation and initiative
- Ability to work independently
- Adaptability in a changing environment
A valid driver’s licence may be an added advantage.
Who Should Apply?
This learnership is ideal for students who:
- Are completing their final academic year
- Need workplace experience for qualification completion
- Are interested in food science or product development
- Enjoy laboratory and technical environments
- Want to build a career in FMCG or research and development
It is especially suitable for students who want practical exposure in a real manufacturing and innovation environment.
Why This Learnership Is Valuable
Food research and development is a critical part of the global food industry. Companies continuously improve products to meet quality, safety, and consumer expectations.
Through this programme, learners gain:
- Real industry exposure
- Hands-on laboratory experience
- Understanding of product development cycles
- Exposure to manufacturing processes
- Professional workplace discipline
This makes graduates more competitive in the job market.
Work Environment and Expectations
Learners will be expected to:
- Follow strict hygiene and safety standards
- Work accurately and methodically
- Communicate effectively with teams
- Follow structured R&D procedures
- Maintain professional conduct
- Handle changing project requirements
Attention to detail and consistency are very important in this role.
Final Thoughts
The R&D WIL Learnership (Foods) in Isando is a strong opportunity for students in food science, biochemistry, and engineering fields who need practical workplace experience.
With exposure to laboratory testing, pilot plant trials, and product development processes within a global organisation like PepsiCo, learners can build valuable skills that support long-term careers in the FMCG and research industries.
For final-year students who are ready to apply their knowledge in a real working environment, this programme offers a practical and career-focused stepping stone into the food technology sector.
