Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd, the manufacturer and marketer of Dunlop, Falken, and Sumitomo Tyres, invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the Dunlop Youth Employment Service (YES) Learnership Programme 2026/2027.

This empowering opportunity forms part of the national Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, which aims to equip young people with valuable work experience while improving their long-term employability within South Africa’s competitive job market.

The programme will be hosted at Sumitomo Rubber’s Durban Head Office and Ladysmith Manufacturing Plant, providing participants with real-world exposure to the operations of a leading tyre manufacturing company.

About the Programme

The Dunlop YES Learnership Programme 2026/2027 is a 12-month structured training initiative designed to help unemployed youth gain essential workplace skills and professional experience.

Participants will have the chance to work across various business areas, learning from experienced mentors and receiving hands-on training that prepares them for future employment opportunities.

This is an excellent platform for young South Africans to begin their professional journey within one of the country’s most reputable industrial and manufacturing environments.

Programme Locations

Learners will be placed at the following sites:

• Durban Head Office
• Ladysmith Manufacturing Plant

These placements will allow learners to experience both corporate and production environments, giving them a well-rounded understanding of business operations in a global company.

Fields of Learning

Applicants must hold a Certificate, Diploma, or equivalent qualification in one of the following disciplines:

• Marketing / Public Management
• Automotive / Mechanical and related fields
• Finance
• Business Management
• Administration
• Information Technology (IT)
• Environmental Health and Safety
• Supply Chain
• Human Resources (HR)
• Quality

These diverse learning fields ensure that participants gain specialized exposure aligned with their academic background and career aspirations.

Candidate Requirements

To qualify for the Dunlop YES Learnership Programme 2026/2027, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Must be unemployed South African youth.
• Be not older than 34 years.
• Preferably have no previous work experience.
• Must not have participated in the YES initiative before.

This opportunity is tailored for first-time job seekers eager to gain practical experience and take their first step into the professional world.

Required Skills and Competencies

Ideal candidates should demonstrate the following:

• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• A proactive mindset and problem-solving attitude.
• The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to delivering quality work.

These attributes are critical to success in a dynamic manufacturing and industrial setting such as Dunlop.

How to Apply

Qualified and interested applicants are invited to send their detailed CV to the following email address:

Email: Careers@srigroup.co.za
Subject line: Include the Job Title – YES Learner Programme

For more information about the company and its operations, visit www.srigroup.co.za.

About Sumitomo Rubber South Africa

Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd forms part of the global Sumitomo Rubber Industries Group, one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers.

The company produces and markets premium brands such as Dunlop, Falken, and Sumitomo Tyres, serving both domestic and international markets.

Beyond its commercial success, the organisation remains committed to supporting South Africa’s youth empowerment agenda through employment creation, training initiatives, and skills development programmes.

Closing Date

7 November 2025

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible to avoid missing this valuable opportunity.

Conclusion

The Dunlop Youth Employment Service (YES) Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for young South Africans eager to gain hands-on work experience and build professional confidence.

By participating in this programme, you’ll gain exposure to diverse business areas, develop essential workplace skills, and receive mentorship from experts within a global organisation.

If you are driven, passionate, and ready to make your mark in the corporate world, take the first step toward your future and apply for this Dunlop YES Learnership before the closing date.