South Africa’s manufacturing sector needs technically trained artisans who understand both mechanical systems and modern production environments. Plastics manufacturing is one of those specialised industries where practical workplace training can turn engineering theory into skills that are directly applicable on production equipment and industrial processes. For young people who have already progressed beyond Matric into mechanical engineering studies, a structured apprenticeship can provide that bridge into industry.

ALPLA is offering a Plastic Apprenticeship Programme at its Lanseria operation, providing structured workplace training and practical experience for candidates interested in building careers in the plastics industry. The programme can run for a maximum of four years. Applicants must have Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science, together with at least N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies. ALPLA specifically states that Mathematical Literacy is not applicable, making Pure Mathematics an important eligibility requirement.

ALPLA Plastic Apprenticeship Programme: Quick Overview

• Company: ALPLA
• Programme: Plastic Apprenticeship Programme
• Industry: Plastics / Manufacturing
• Location: ALPLA Lanseria
• Programme duration: Maximum of 4 years
• Minimum school qualification: Matric / Grade 12
• Mathematics: Required
• Physical Science: Required
• Mathematical Literacy: Not accepted
• Technical qualification: Minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies
• N4/N5/N6: Meets/exceeds the stated minimum level where relevant Mechanical Engineering studies are held
• Experience: No minimum years of work experience stated
• Supporting academic documents: Statement of Results or certificates
• Closing date: Not supplied

About the ALPLA Plastic Apprenticeship Programme

The programme is designed to provide candidates with:

Structured workplace training and practical experience

while developing the skills and knowledge required for a career in the:

Plastics industry.

Successful candidates will be based at:

ALPLA Lanseria.

The programme can run for a maximum period of:

Four years.

This makes it a substantial workplace-development opportunity rather than a short-term internship or work-experience placement.

What Is the Purpose of the Programme?

ALPLA’s programme is focused on combining workplace learning with practical experience.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to develop their technical capability within an industrial plastics environment while building on the mechanical-engineering knowledge gained through their studies.

The supplied information doesn’t provide detailed training modules or identify specific production machines that apprentices will work on.

Those details therefore shouldn’t be invented.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

ALPLA has provided clear academic requirements for the apprenticeship.

Candidates need:

Matric / Grade 12 with a pass in Mathematics and Physical Science

and:

A minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies qualification.

Both the school-level and technical qualification requirements should be taken seriously.

Is Grade 12 Required?

Yes.

Candidates need Matric/Grade 12 with passes in:

• Mathematics
• Physical Science

No minimum percentage is stated in the information supplied.

Candidates therefore shouldn’t assume a particular 40%, 50% or other minimum mark unless ALPLA specifies one through its official recruitment process.

Mathematical Literacy Is Not Accepted

This is one of the most important requirements in the vacancy.

ALPLA specifically states:

“Mathematics Literacy not applicable.”

Candidates therefore need Mathematics, rather than Mathematical Literacy, at Grade 12 level.

This requirement shouldn’t be softened or interpreted as allowing either subject.

Is Physical Science Required?

Yes.

Physical Science is explicitly included alongside Mathematics in the Grade 12 requirements.

Candidates should therefore have passed both:

Mathematics + Physical Science.

N3 Mechanical Engineering Is Required

In addition to Matric, candidates need a:

Minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies qualification.

The word “minimum” is important.

N3 represents the stated minimum level, so candidates with relevant Mechanical Engineering studies above N3 should not automatically assume they’re excluded simply because they’ve progressed further academically.

However, the qualification should still be relevant to the Mechanical Engineering requirement stated by ALPLA.

Can Someone With Only Matric Apply?

Based on the supplied requirements, no.

Matric with Mathematics and Physical Science is only part of the qualification requirement.

Candidates also need:

Minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies.

Someone with Grade 12 Mathematics and Physical Science but without the required technical studies wouldn’t meet the full stated academic criteria.

Can Someone With N3 but Mathematical Literacy Apply?

Based on the supplied requirements, no.

ALPLA explicitly states that Mathematical Literacy isn’t applicable.

Therefore, having N3 Mechanical Engineering doesn’t replace the requirement for Grade 12:

Mathematics and Physical Science.

Candidates need to assess themselves against the complete qualification requirements.

Is Previous Work Experience Required?

No minimum number of years of previous work experience is stated in the supplied information.

This is an:

Apprenticeship programme

designed to provide structured workplace training and practical experience.

Candidates shouldn’t assume that previous plastics-manufacturing experience is compulsory unless ALPLA states this elsewhere in the official vacancy.

Statement of Results or Certificates

ALPLA specifically states:

CVs with Statement of Results or Certificates will be considered.

Applicants should pay particular attention to this instruction.

Don’t submit a CV that simply says:

N3 Mechanical Engineering

without providing the requested academic evidence.

Candidates should make sure their Statement of Results or relevant certificates are included according to the official application process.

ALPLA Behavioural Competencies

Academic qualifications aren’t the only considerations highlighted in the programme.

ALPLA expects successful candidates to demonstrate and live the company’s identity through their behaviour.

The company expects employees to act as role models by contributing to a workplace culture reflecting its:

• Values
• Personality
• Promise
• Principles

ALPLA’s Promise

ALPLA identifies four areas within its promise:

We Create Trust

Candidates should demonstrate reliability and behave in a way that builds confidence among colleagues and the organisation.

We Build Respect

Respectful behaviour and professional relationships form part of ALPLA’s expected workplace culture.

We Develop Potential

The apprenticeship itself is centred on development, and successful candidates should be willing to learn and improve throughout the programme.

We Ensure Excellent Results

Candidates will be expected to work toward high standards and contribute positively to workplace outcomes.

ALPLA’s Principles

The company identifies four behavioural principles:

Be Reliable

Apprentices should be dependable and take responsibility for their commitments.

Solve Problems

Candidates should be willing to approach challenges constructively and develop their problem-solving ability.

Make Decisions

Developing professional judgement and the ability to make appropriate decisions forms part of ALPLA’s expectations.

Communicate Effectively

Clear workplace communication is important when working with colleagues, supervisors and technical teams.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The ALPLA Plastic Apprenticeship Programme could be particularly relevant to someone who:

• Has completed Grade 12
• Passed Mathematics
• Passed Physical Science
• Did not rely on Mathematical Literacy for the Mathematics requirement
• Has completed at least N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies
• Wants practical workplace training
• Is interested in manufacturing
• Is interested in the plastics industry
• Wants to develop technical skills
• Is willing to participate in a long-term apprenticeship programme
• Can provide a Statement of Results or relevant certificates
• Is willing to work according to ALPLA’s behavioural principles
• Is prepared to be based at ALPLA Lanseria

Thabang’s Tip

For this apprenticeship, don’t focus only on your N3 certificate.

ALPLA has effectively given applicants two academic checkpoints:

1. Grade 12 with Mathematics AND Physical Science

2. Minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies

You need to pay attention to both.

The biggest potential mistake is Mathematical Literacy. ALPLA explicitly says it is not applicable, so this isn’t one of those technical opportunities where Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy are interchangeable.

The second mistake would be submitting a CV that says “N3 Mechanical Engineering” without including evidence. ALPLA specifically says CVs with a Statement of Results or certificates will be considered. Make your academic record easy for the recruiter to verify.

If you’ve progressed to N4, N5 or N6 in relevant Mechanical Engineering studies, show that clearly too. Don’t hide your highest technical level just because N3 is the minimum.

And because no previous employment requirement is stated, candidates without formal industry experience can make their TVET practical work, technical projects and mechanical training visible where genuinely applicable. Your CV should demonstrate why you’re ready to turn your engineering studies into practical workplace skills.

How to Apply for the ALPLA Plastic Apprenticeship Programme

Candidates should apply through the official recruitment channel associated with the ALPLA Plastic Apprenticeship Programme.

The supplied information doesn’t include a direct application link, so one shouldn’t be invented.

Applicants should ensure their application clearly reflects:

• Grade 12 / Matric
• Mathematics
• Physical Science
• N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies or relevant higher level
• Statement of Results and/or certificates
• Relevant technical training or practical exposure, where applicable
• Current contact information

Candidates should also ensure they’re available to be based at:

ALPLA Lanseria

and understand that the programme may run for a maximum period of four years.

No closing date, stipend or salary has been supplied, so those details shouldn’t be guessed.

For candidates who have Grade 12 Mathematics and Physical Science plus at least N3 Mechanical Engineering Studies, the ALPLA Plastic Apprenticeship Programme provides an opportunity to move from technical studies into structured workplace development and build practical skills for a career in the plastics manufacturing industry.

Closing Date: 31 October 2026

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Apply For The ALPLA Plastic Apprenticeship Programme