Looking for a real start in publishing right now? A one‑year, on‑site Print Internship with Springer Nature (Macmillan Education South Africa) in Midrand could give you the hands‑on experience you need to get into the industry.
What the internship is
This is a Print Intern role in the Print and Distribution department of Macmillan Education. You will work at the Midrand office for twelve months, reporting to the Head of Production. The day‑to‑day work focuses on print‑production records, coordinating with printers, tracking schedules, and handling basic admin such as purchase orders and invoices.
Who can apply
- Students who are currently enrolled, or graduates who have just finished, a diploma or degree in Print, Graphic Design, Publishing, Business Administration or a related field.
- You must be able to work on‑site in Midrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng for the entire internship period.
- People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
What you will gain
The internship gives you practical skills that are valuable in any publishing operation:
- How to track work‑in‑progress (WIP) and manage ISBN records.
- Basic procurement tasks – preparing specifications, gathering quotations, creating purchase orders.
- Proof‑reading and simple quality‑control checks for printed material.
- Creating reports and doing basic cost analysis.
- Experience using spreadsheets, Word, Outlook and communicating with vendors.
How to apply – step by step
- Prepare a CV that is no longer than two pages. Include your contact details, education, relevant modules or projects, and a short “Skills” list (Excel, Word, any design software).
- Write a cover letter of one page. State the role you are applying for, when you can start, and link two or three of your studies or experiences to the key tasks (e.g., WIP tracking, proof checking, coordinating quotes). Add a brief example that shows your attention to detail.
- Save both documents as PDF files.
- Go to the official application page and upload your CV and cover letter.
- Submit before the closing date: 27 July 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Show clear evidence of relevant study – list specific courses or projects related to printing, production or quality control.
- Highlight practical Excel skills (filters, simple formulas, tables) and any experience with databases or content‑management systems.
- Give a concrete example of a time you checked a proof, corrected errors, or kept accurate records.
- Demonstrate that you can follow procedures, manage purchase orders and communicate politely with suppliers.
- Explain why you are interested in educational publishing rather than general publishing.
- Proofread your CV and cover letter carefully – spelling or formatting errors will hurt your application for a role that checks proofs.
What to expect in the selection process
- Resume screening – recruiters will shortlist candidates who match the study and skill requirements.
- Short phone or video call – to confirm availability, motivation and basic fit.
- Interview – competency‑based questions about accuracy, teamwork and meeting deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for your answers.
- Practical test – you may be asked to complete a simple Excel task or proof‑mark a sample page.
- References – have one or two academic or work referees ready to confirm your reliability.
Career paths this internship can open
- Print Controller or Production Coordinator.
- Production Manager in publishing.
- Procurement or vendor‑management roles.
- Supply‑chain and distribution operations.
- Project management within education content teams.
- Editorial production positions where print knowledge is an advantage.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending a generic cover letter that doesn’t connect your skills to the internship tasks.
- Leaving typos or sloppy formatting – this signals poor attention to detail.
- Forgetting to mention your current study status or availability.
- Not showing any spreadsheet or administrative experience.
- Using the wrong application method – always apply through the official link above.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the internship paid? The posting does not state a salary. Check the official application page or ask during the interview if compensation is important to you.
- Who is eligible? Currently enrolled students or recent graduates with a diploma/degree in Print, Graphic Design, Publishing, Business Administration or a related field.
- Where is the internship located? On‑site at the Midrand office, Johannesburg, Gauteng.
- How long does it last? One year, full‑time.
- Do I need prior experience with printers? No, but any coursework, projects or part‑time work that involved proofing, specifications or admin will strengthen your application.
- What should I include in my cover letter? Your availability, a link between your studies/skills and two or three key duties, and a short example that shows accuracy.
- Can I request accommodations if I have a disability? Yes. The employer encourages applications from people with disabilities and will consider reasonable adjustments if you mention them early.
Next steps
If this internship matches your goals, gather your documents, polish them, and submit through the official application link before 27 July 2026. Even if you are not selected, the preparation work will boost your readiness for other publishing or production roles.
