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Company: VKB Group
Business Unit: Grain Field Chickens (Pty) Ltd
Division: VKB Agri Processors (Pty) Ltd
Location: Reitz
Job Type: Internship / Graduate Programme
Experience Level: Graduate / Internship
Closing Date: 12 March 2026

About the Company

Grain Field Chickens (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of VKB Group, operates within South Africa’s integrated broiler industry with a processing facility in Reitz, Free State.

The organisation offers graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional corporate environment within the agricultural sector, while contributing to food production and processing.

Programme Overview

The Industrial Engineering Graduate Internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in industrial engineering processes within a production environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with an Industrial Engineer and receive on-the-job training in areas such as:

• Process improvement
• Production efficiency
• Waste reduction
• Continuous improvement systems
• Engineering administration

This internship aims to help graduates develop practical engineering skills while contributing to operational improvements.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) or National Diploma (NQF 6) in Industrial Engineering
• Must currently be unemployed
• Must require practical workplace experience
• Must not have previously participated in an internship, graduate programme, or learnership
• Must be joining a graduate internship for the first time
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Willingness to work overtime and weekends when required

Knowledge Requirements

Candidates should have a foundational understanding of:

Process Mapping

• Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
• SIPOC diagrams
• Flowcharts

Continuous Improvement

• Waste identification (7+ wastes – DOWNTIME)
• Kaizen facilitation
• Lean manufacturing principles

Problem Solving

• Root Cause Analysis
• 5 Whys
• Fishbone diagrams (Ishikawa)

Process Monitoring

• Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Key Responsibilities

Under supervision and training, the graduate will assist with:

Production Process Improvement

• Designing efficient production processes
• Eliminating waste in manufacturing operations
• Streamlining workflows to reduce cycle times
• Balancing production lines for maximum efficiency

Continuous Improvement Programme

• Supporting the 20 Keys Continuous Improvement Programme
• Coordinating with department leaders to implement improvement strategies
• Monitoring progress on action plans and performance goals

Engineering & Production Support

• Identifying improvement projects within the processing environment
• Studying department ergonomics
• Simulating production scenarios to prevent bottlenecks
• Supporting safety, quality, production, planning, and cost management

Administrative Support

• Assisting with engineering department administration
• Completing required training interventions
• Supporting staff development through mentoring and coaching

Required Skills

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong computer literacy
• Analytical thinking and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage confidential information
• Good organisational and time-management abilities
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Adaptability and innovation
• Strong sense of responsibility and ownership

Employment Equity

VKB Group is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment decisions are aligned with the company’s Employment Equity and Transformation Strategy, and applications from people with disabilities are encouraged.

Application Information

If you do not receive feedback within four weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

📅 Closing Date: 12 March 2026

The company reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier at its discretion.

APPLY HERE