The ALPLA YES Programme is now open for Quality Support roles, and this could be your chance to start a career in manufacturing. If you live near Lanseria or in the northern parts of Johannesburg, you need to move quickly. These 12-month contracts fill fast because they offer real workplace experience in quality control.
Many young people worry that they need years of factory experience to get hired. That is not true here. ALPLA wants unemployed youth who are detail-focused, organised and willing to learn. You will work inside a plant environment where you check materials, test products, and keep records safe.
What you will do every day
You will support the quality team for 12 months at the Lanseria plant in JHB North. Your main job is to make sure only good materials enter the factory and only good products leave it.
Each day you will inspect incoming raw materials, masterbatches, decoration materials and packaging before they enter ALPLA stock. You will block any rejected stock and create certificates of analysis for customers. You will also help manage blocked inventory under Quality control.
Other tasks include:
- Calibrating QC lab equipment
- Conducting measurements and tests
- Reporting visual product attributes
- Supporting start-up approval and first-off samples
- Ensuring line clearance before and after start-up
- Communicating non-conformances to relevant teams
- Following planned testing schedules
- Conducting spot checks during production
- Maintaining accurate records and documents
- Supporting sampling, colour matching and sample pulling
You will also learn to spot risks linked to quality and food safety. The job requires you to follow strict rules on quality, environmental, health and safety at all times.
Who can apply
This programme is only for South African citizens who are currently unemployed. You must be between 18 and 34 years old.
You also need to live in Cosmo City, Diepsloot, Randburg, Roodepoort, Krugersdorp or surrounding areas. ALPLA checks this strictly because you must get yourself to the Lanseria plant every day.
You must be medically fit to work in a manufacturing environment. If you have already participated in the YES Programme before at any company, you cannot apply again.
You need these qualifications and skills:
- Grade 12 certificate
- Diploma in Quality or Microbiology
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel, PowerPoint and Word
- Good time management
- Strong administrative skills
- Attention to detail
ALPLA looks for people who are reliable and comfortable working with quality checks in a manufacturing setting.
What you will gain
This is not just a job. It is a 12-month learning experience that puts you inside a global packaging company at junior level.
You will learn how quality control works in real life. You will handle lab equipment, read technical documents, and follow safety rules. These skills help you find permanent work later.
You will also learn to live the ALPLA identity. This means creating trust, building respect, developing your potential and delivering excellent results. You will practice problem-solving, decision-making and effective communication in a plant environment.
The contract pays a market-related salary for the full duration. This means the pay matches similar entry-level factory jobs in Johannesburg.
How to apply
You must apply online. ALPLA does not accept CVs by email or hand delivery.
Follow these steps carefully:
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- Check that you meet all the rules above, especially the age limit, location and YES programme history.
- Update your CV. Make sure your Quality or Microbiology diploma is easy to see on the first page.
- Gather your documents. You need your ID, Grade 12 certificate, and diploma. Have these ready to upload.
- Visit the official ALPLA application portal.
- Fill in every box with accurate information. Wrong details about your address or age will get your application rejected.
- Submit your application as soon as possible. No closing date is shown on the listing, which means it could close at any time once enough people apply.
Tips to improve your chances
Many applicants make simple mistakes that cost them the job. Here is how to avoid them.
Highlight your qualification. Put your Diploma in Quality or Microbiology at the top of your CV. Add any admin, lab, inspection or stock control experience you gained during practical training or short-term work.
Check your location carefully. If you do not currently live in Cosmo City, Diepsloot, Randburg, Roodepoort, Krugersdorp or nearby areas, do not apply. ALPLA verifies residential addresses.
Fix your contact details. Use a working phone number and email that you check daily. Spelling mistakes in your contact information mean you miss the call.
Show you are detail-focused. In your cover letter or CV summary, mention that you can follow procedures carefully. Give one example of when you spotted a small error or managed data accurately.
Be honest about YES history. If you have already completed a YES programme at any company, do not apply. They check this in the national system and will remove you from the process.
Prepare for online submission. Have your documents saved as PDF or Word files before you start. The system may time out if you stop to search for files.
What happens next
After you apply, wait for an SMS or email. ALPLA contacts short-listed candidates directly for interviews.
The competition is strong because many unemployed youth want manufacturing experience. If you do not hear back within three to four weeks, you can assume your application was not successful this time. Do not give up. Keep your CV ready for other YES programmes in your area.
This Quality Support role gives you a foot in the door of the manufacturing sector. It teaches you practical skills that factories need everywhere in South Africa. If you meet the requirements and live nearby, submit your application today.