HESTO Harnesses Graduate in Training Programme 2026: HR and Industrial Engineering
Want a fast track into the automotive industry that starts now? The HESTO Harnesses Engineers and Graduates in Training Programme 2026 offers South African graduates in Human Resources and Industrial Engineering a 24‑month, paid internship that gives you real work experience in a leading manufacturing company.
What is the programme?
HESTO Harnesses, a well‑known automotive parts manufacturer, is inviting fresh graduates to join its Graduate in Training (GiT) Programme. The programme runs for two years, places you in Stanger, KwaZulu‑Natal, and is a fixed‑term contract that pays market related wages. No prior internship or graduate programme is required – the aim is to bring new talent into the workforce.
Who should apply?
HR Stream – Organisational Design & Development
- Degree: BCom or Bachelor in Human Resources Management (or Development) with a minimum 60% average.
- Other requirements: South African citizen, 18+ years, fluent in English, no outstanding tuition, no criminal record, and a clean academic transcript.
Engineering Stream – Industrial Engineering
- Degree: BEng or BSc in Industrial Engineering with a minimum 60% average.
- Other requirements mirror the HR stream: citizenship, age, language, fees, clean record, no prior graduate programme.
Both streams are for graduates who have finished their qualification and have never worked in a similar graduate or internship role.
What will you gain?
The programme is designed to build a solid foundation in both technical and workplace skills.
Technical skills
- Process improvement and workflow optimisation.
- Performance analysis and productivity measurement.
- HR organisational design and reporting systems.
Workplace skills
- Professional communication and structured reporting.
- Team collaboration and project participation.
- Problem‑solving techniques that you can use in any industry.
After completion, many graduates move into roles such as HR Officer, Talent Specialist, Process Engineer, or Continuous Improvement Specialist, and the automotive experience can open doors to logistics, mining, FMCG, and consulting sectors.
How to apply
- Prepare your updated CV, certified ID, academic transcript, statement of results, and qualification certificate.
- Visit the HESTO careers portal and search for the listing reference:
Graduate in Training (HR): hesto_000372
Engineer in Training (Industrial Engineering): hesto_000371
- Submit all documents online and double‑check that every field is complete.
- Send your application before the closing date: 10 April 2026.
Tips to boost your application
- Showcase academic projects that had a measurable impact.
- Highlight any leadership roles, teamwork, or volunteer work.
- For engineering: mention simulation projects, lean manufacturing exposure, or productivity studies.
- For HR: emphasise modules on HR analytics, organisational behaviour, and training development.
- Write a short motivation paragraph in your CV that links your studies to real workplace outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I still study while applying? No, you must have finished your qualification.
- What if I did an internship before? The programme is only for those who have never done a graduate programme or internship.
- How long is the programme? 24 months.
- Where will I work? Stanger, KwaZulu‑Natal.
- Can graduates from other engineering disciplines apply? No, only Industrial Engineering graduates are eligible for the engineering stream.
Ready to take the first step?
This is a real chance to jumpstart a career in a high‑growth industry. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, gather the required documents, and submit your application by 10 April 2026. Good luck!
