The manufacturing sector is tough to break into, especially if you have the qualifications but lack workplace experience. Right now, ALPLA is offering a real chance to change that. They have opened their Mould Repair Technician YES Programme for unemployed young people who hold technical trades. This is not just a placement. It is a chance to work with real machinery, repair industrial moulds, and build a CV that manufacturing employers actually want to see. There is no published closing date, so you need to move quickly.
What Is the ALPLA YES Programme?
The ALPLA Mould Repair Technician YES Programme is a contract-based opportunity for youth who already have technical training but need practical hours. You will work inside a manufacturing plant. You will touch real machines. You will learn how to repair moulds, read technical drawings, and follow strict safety rules.
This programme runs under the YES (Youth Employment Service) initiative. It is designed specifically to help young South Africans bridge the gap between classroom learning and real factory work. You will support production by keeping moulds in working condition. You will learn how injection, stretch, and blow moulding systems operate from the inside.
Who Can Apply?
You must meet every requirement. ALPLA is specific about who qualifies. You cannot join if you have done YES before.
You need to be:
- Between 18 and 34 years old
- Currently unemployed
- A first-time YES Programme participant
You also need these qualifications and skills:
- Matric certificate
- A completed Trade in Tool Making OR Fitting and Turning
- At least three years of experience working in a technical field
- Bonus points if you have worked with injection, stretch, or blow moulding technologies
- Ability to read technical drawings without help
- Good written and oral communication skills in your local language
- Confidence working inside a busy plant environment
What Will You Actually Do?
If selected, you will not be making tea or sitting in an office. You will be hands-on with technical work.
Your daily tasks include:
- Operating conventional milling machines, grinding machines, and lathes
- Repairing and maintaining industrial moulds
- Following planned maintenance schedules
- Checking that moulded parts match technical drawings and cosmetic specifications
- Stripping hot runner elements and thermocouples
- Cutting and shaping metal blocks to exact sizes
- Measuring and marking metal stock before machining
- Using crane and rigging equipment safely
You will also work with safety and quality systems. You must report unsafe conditions, injuries, incidents, and near misses. You will follow health and safety rules, maintain good housekeeping, and apply Good Manufacturing Practices. You will help spot quality problems and support corrective actions.
Why This Opportunity Is Worth Your Time
Many young South Africans finish their trades but hear the same frustrating words: “You need experience.” This programme gives you that experience.
You will not be watching from the side. You will operate machines. You will repair real moulds used in production. You will learn how to check that parts meet exact drawings and specifications.
You will also learn safety systems that matter in every factory. You will understand planned maintenance, quality checks, and Good Manufacturing Practices. These are not classroom lessons. These are skills you learn while earning.
When you finish, your CV will show hands-on experience with moulds, machining, and plant operations. This makes you competitive for permanent jobs in tooling, fitting, turning, and maintenance roles across South Africa.
How to Submit Your Application
You must apply online. ALPLA does not accept walk-ins or emailed CVs for this role.
Click this official link to start your application: ALPLA Online Application Portal.
Before you start, gather these documents:
- Updated CV that clearly shows your trade and experience
- Matric certificate
- Tool Maker or Fitter and Turner Trade certificate
- Proof of your three years technical experience (reference letters or contracts)
- Any other certificates related to machining or safety
- A working cellphone number and email address you check daily
- A short motivation letter explaining why you want this specific role
Since no closing date is listed, submit your application today. Do not wait until next week. These opportunities close once enough applications arrive.
Tips to Stand Out
ALPLA looks for more than just certificates. They want people who show trust, respect, reliability, and a drive to deliver excellent results.
Competition is strong, so here is how to improve your chances:
- Check your CV carefully. Put your Trade qualification on the first page. List your experience with injection, blow, or stretch moulding clearly. Mention specific machines you have used.
- Highlight your ability to read technical drawings. Many applicants skip this, but ALPLA specifically asks for it.
- Show you understand safety. Mention any safety training you have completed.
- Demonstrate problem-solving ability. In your motivation letter, give one example of how you fixed a technical problem.
- Show you are alert and disciplined. Plant safety depends on people who pay attention to details.
- Be honest about being unemployed and between 18 and 34. The YES Programme has strict rules about this.
Prepare for possible assessments. Brush up on your knowledge of milling machines, lathes, and measurement tools.
Your Next Step
This ALPLA opportunity is rare. It offers real technical work to young people who often hear “you need experience” but can never get it.
If you have your Matric, your Trade papers, and three years of technical background, you meet the criteria. Do not let fear stop you. Yes, many people will apply. But many will send weak CVs or forget to include their trade certificates.
Prepare your documents tonight. Check your CV twice. Then submit your application through the official portal while the opportunity is still open.
Your career in manufacturing could start here. Take the step.