South Africa needs fresh talent now, and Dunlop Tyres South Africa is offering a chance to get paid work experience before the end of November. If you have a certificate, diploma or degree but no experience, read on.
What the opportunity is
Dunlop Tyres, part of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, is running a Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme for 2026. The programme is open at two sites in KwaZulu‑Natal – the Durban Head Office and the manufacturing plant in Ladysmith. A total of 23 different discipline listings are advertised, ranging from engineering and manufacturing to finance, HR and IT.
Who can apply
Both locations share most criteria. You must meet all of the following:
- South African citizen
- Currently unemployed
- Age 18–34 for Durban or 18–35 for Ladysmith
- Relevant Certificate, Diploma, Degree or equivalent in the discipline you choose
- Never taken part in a Youth Employment Service programme before
For the Durban site, applicants with little or no prior work experience are preferred. Ladysmith does not set a preference either way.
What you can gain
The YES placement usually lasts about 12 months and gives you:
- Real‑world experience in your field of study
- Exposure to a large manufacturing and business operation
- Opportunities to develop teamwork, communication and problem‑solving skills
- Workplace habits such as punctuality, accountability and quality focus
- Experience that strengthens future job applications
Note that the programme does not guarantee a permanent job, a specific stipend amount, or an NQF qualification unless the employer confirms otherwise.
How to apply
Step‑by‑step for Ladysmith (closes 06 November 2026)
- Choose the discipline that matches your qualification. The 15 fields are:
- Operations Planning
- Industrial Engineering
- Procurement / Supply Chain
- Human Resources
- Training and Development
- Safety Management
- Finance
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Quality Assurance
- Process Engineering
- Product Development Engineering
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- Network & Infrastructure
- Operations Production
- Prepare a detailed CV that highlights your qualification, any projects or volunteer work, and skills relevant to the chosen discipline.
- Send the CV by email to Careers@srigroup.co.za. Use a subject line such as:
YES Youth Programme – Mechanical Engineering – Your Full Name - Make sure you send the application before 23:59 on 06 November 2026.
Step‑by‑step for Durban Head Office (closes 09 November 2026)
- Select one of the eight advertised areas:
- Finance
- Administration
- Supply Chain
- Retail
- Legal
- Corporate Planning
- Automotive
- Human Resources
- Tailor your CV to the chosen field, emphasising any coursework, projects or internships that relate.
- Email your CV to careers@dunlop.co.za. Use a subject line such as:
Y.E.S Learner Programme – Finance – Your Full Name - Submit before 23:59 on 09 November 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Read the advertisement carefully. Each location has its own email address and deadline.
- Match your qualification exactly to the discipline you select – do not claim skills you do not have.
- Keep your CV short (max 2 pages) and use clear headings so a recruiter can spot your education and skills quickly.
- Include any academic projects, lab work or volunteer roles that demonstrate practical ability.
- Proofread for spelling and formatting errors before you hit send.
- Verify the email address on the official Dunlop or Sumitomo Rubber websites before attaching personal documents.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, choose the location that fits your career goals and send a targeted application before the deadlines. While competition will be strong, a well‑prepared, discipline‑specific CV gives you the best shot at gaining valuable work experience.
Good luck – your first step into the workplace could be just a few clicks away.
