AECI Chemical Process Operator Learnerships 2026

About the Company

AECI is a leading South African chemicals and explosives company that provides products and specialised services to industries such as mining, agriculture, water treatment, and manufacturing. Founded in 1924, AECI has grown into a diversified global group with operations across several continents.

Learnership Overview

AECI is offering a Chemical Process Operator Learnership aimed at equipping unemployed youth with the essential skills and practical experience needed to operate and monitor chemical production processes. The programme combines classroom-based learning with hands-on workplace training, focusing on plant operations, safety procedures, and quality control. It’s a valuable opportunity for young people to build technical skills, gain workplace exposure, and improve their chances of starting a career in the manufacturing industry.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Operate plant under supervision of a qualified plant operator.
• Accurately complete required production and process documentation
• Monitor and manage plant processes independently once declared competent.
• Working safely at heights and in confined spaces as required.
• Maintain medical fitness to perform duties in a chemical plant environment
• (working at heights and in confined spaces)
• Be willing and able to undergo forklift operation training.
• Able to work shifts and overtime duties as and when required.
• Ensure adherence to instructions from the Team Leader
• Uphold and work according to all internal and external SHEQ/PSM guidelines.
• NQF 2 unit standards chemical process operation training.
• Handle the filling and emptying of bags, drums and bulk containers.
• Loading and offloading of bulk bags/raw materials, bulk liquid chemicals.
• General housekeeping on all plant areas.

Requirements

Qualifications and expertise required (Must):

• Grade 12 with Math and Physical Science is essential
• Required to drive a forklift, be medically fit to drive a forklift (forklift training will be provided during learnership)
• Required to maintain medical fitness to drive a forklift in order to have the forklift driver’s license renewed.
• Basic computer skills (Data entry, basic MS Office)

Applicants must be between the age of 18 and 25