Sumitomo Rubber SA: YES Learnerships 2025/2026

Introduction

The youth unemployment challenge in South Africa remains a critical issue, and structured skills-development programmes such as the Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd (SRSA) YES Learnership are offering meaningful solutions. We present a detailed breakdown of the 2025-2026 intake for the SRSA YES Learnership: key facts, eligibility criteria, programme features, application process and career possibilities. Our guide is designed to provide you with every piece of relevant information — and ensure you’re well positioned to apply.

What is the YES Learnership at SRSA?

The YES (Youth Employment Service) Learnership at SRSA is a structured 12-month work-exposure programme for unemployed South African youth, designed to provide professional development in an industrial/manufacturing environment. According to a listing for 2025, SRSA is inviting applications for a YES Learnership at its Ladysmith facility.

Programme Structure and Purpose

• The programme is aligned with the national YES initiative, which aims to create 12-month work opportunities for young people across sectors.
• At SRSA’s Ladysmith plant, previous youth-learnership efforts (tyre manufacturing learnerships) have delivered NQF Level 3 certificates in disciplines like Tyre & Tyre Components, Tyre Assembly and Quality Checking of Tyres.
• Through the YES Learnership, participants have the opportunity to gain hands-on industry exposure in areas such as industrial engineering, operations planning or manufacturing processes.

Value-Add of the Programme

• Real-world exposure: working in a manufacturing plant under guidance, gaining practical knowledge which many unemployed youth lack.
• Skill accreditation: prior SRSA learnerships delivered NQF Level 3 certificates with accreditation via Manufacturing, Engineering & Related Services Sector Education & Training Authority (merSETA).
• Career readiness: The aim is to improve employability and offer a stepping stone into manufacturing, engineering and operations roles.

Eligibility Criteria for 2025-2026 Intake

To apply for the SRSA YES Learnership, you must meet certain requirements. While the exact cohort for 2025-2026 may be updated, current publicly listed criteria are:

Required Basic Qualifications

• Must be a South African citizen.
• Age: Typically between 18 and 35 years (in line with YES programme guidelines).
• Unemployed at the time of application and not currently enrolled in full-time studies during the duration of the Learnership. (
• Good communication skills in English (written and spoken).

Educational / Technical Requirements

• While the YES Learnership version focuses on work exposure, earlier SRSA learnerships (tyre manufacturing) required a Grade 12 certificate with Mathematics and Physical Science or an N3 National Technical Certificate with these subjects.
• For the YES Learnership roles related to Industrial Engineering or Operations Planning, a qualification relevant to the area may be required (e.g., engineering discipline, operations management).

Desired Attributes & Skills

• Demonstrated willingness to learn, adapt and work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Team communication, reliability, punctuality and readiness to take direction from mentors.
• No prior participation in a YES programme is typically preferred.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step for the 2025-2026 Intake

Here is a recommended application pathway for the SRSA YES Learnership:

Detailed Steps

1. Check the closing date – For example, a recent listing required applications by 26 June 2025.
2. Prepare your CV – Emphasise your full name, contact details, identity number, address, academic qualifications, and any work or volunteer exposure.
3. Write a cover letter – State clearly you’re applying for the “YES Learnership – SRSA” role and highlight your motivation, readiness to learn, and relevant attributes.
4. Email your documents – Send to [email protected] with the subject line referencing the YES Learnership.
5. Assessment phase – If shortlisted, you may undergo interviews or assessments related to aptitudes for engineering/operations.
6. Commence programme – If successful you will begin the 12-month YES placement, receive orientation and start your job exposure journey.

Application Tips

• Email subject line: “Application YES Learnership SRSA 2025/26 – [Your Name]” to help HR track.
• Attach copies of your grade 12 certificate (or N3), ID document, proof of residence, and any other supporting certificates.
• In your cover letter mention your availability for the full duration (12 months), readiness not to be enrolled in studies, and mobility (if relocation is required).
• Submit prior to the deadline — late applications are often not considered.
• Keep your phone number active and monitor your email for communication from the SRSA Talent Acquisition team.

What You Can Expect During the Learnership

Learning & Practical Exposure

• Orientation and induction phase (typically first few weeks) followed by on-the-job exposure inside the manufacturing plant, operations or planning department. Previous programmes at SRSA have included 6-8 weeks of classroom training followed by plant training. (
• Development of both “hard” technical competencies (e.g., manufacturing process flow, quality control, operations planning) and “soft” skills (communication, teamwork, safety culture).
• Mentorship: experienced supervisors or technical trainers guide learnership participants through tasks and projects.

Work Environment & Scope

• Based at SRSA’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal (focused on tyre manufacturing for South Africa and exports).
• The environment is structured, safety-oriented and aligned with global manufacturing standards (SRSA is part of the global Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd group).
• You may be placed in departments such as Industrial Engineering, Operations Planning, Quality Assurance, or other plant support roles. The aim is to provide meaningful experience that enhances your CV.

Certification & Outcome

• On completion of the 12-month programme you will receive a certificate of participation (and in earlier versions, an NQF certification for manufacturing learnerships).
• While permanent employment is not guaranteed, many learners have improved their prospects — and SRSA’s record shows a high absorption rate from similar initiatives (e.g., 90 % absorption for prior tyre-learnerships at Ladysmith).

Benefits & Career Paths After the Learnership

Immediate Benefits

• A structured paid or stipend-supported placement that builds industry exposure and improves your employability.
• Access to network and mentors within a major manufacturing company, which can open doors within the manufacturing/automotive sector.
• A better CV: Employers value learnerships because they show you have been trained in a professional environment.

Long-Term Career Paths

• After successful completion, possibilities include further employment within SRSA or other manufacturing firms. More than 400 learners have passed through SRSA’s program since 2014. (srigroup.co.za)
• Entry into roles such as Production Technician, Operations Planner, Industrial Engineering Assistant, Quality Controller or Maintenance Support.
• Foundation for further credentials: With experience gained, you may pursue further technical or engineering qualifications, apprenticeships or artisan training.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
Is employment guaranteed after the Learnership?	No guarantee, but completion significantly enhances your employability. SRSA’s prior programmes have achieved ~90% absorption rates locally.
Can I study while on the programme?	Typically no — applicants must not be enrolled in full-time studies during the duration.
Is relocation required?	The facility is in Ladysmith (KwaZulu-Natal), so you should either reside locally or be willing to relocate.
What if I don’t have Mathematics & Physical Science?	For the YES variant, the requirements may be less onerous than specific artisan learnerships; however, having Maths & Science strengthens your application. Refer to the most recent advert.
How many positions are available?	The advert shows intake numbers vary each year—apply early and meet the criteria.

Summary & Next Steps

We encourage all eligible young South Africans who meet the criteria and are serious about career development in the manufacturing/operations sector to prepare and apply early for the SRSA YES Learnership 2025-2026. Ensure your documentation is complete, your motivations are clearly stated, and you understand the commitment involved.

Next steps:

• Review your CV and certificates now.
• Draft your cover letter — highlight your ambition, readiness to learn and ability to commit for the 12-month period.
• Check for the latest closing date and send your application to [email protected] with the appropriate subject line.
• Prepare to demonstrate your motivators and skills in possible assessment or interview.

This learnership is more than a short-term placement – it is a stepping stone into a professional world, setting you on a path toward a meaningful career. We wish you success.