Location: Multiple provinces across South Africa
Closing Date: November / December 2025
Accreditation: AgriSETA / FoodBevSETA
Apply for the Dairy Products Learnership Programme 2025 in South Africa and gain SETA-accredited skills in milk processing, packaging, and quality control. Open to unemployed youth nationwide.
Empowering South African Youth Through Skills and Opportunity
With South Africa’s youth unemployment rate sitting above 60%, many young people struggle to find meaningful work. The Dairy Products Learnership Programme 2025 aims to change that by providing unemployed youth with practical training and industry-recognized qualifications in dairy processing and production.
This initiative is a joint effort by AgriSETA, FoodBevSETA, and key dairy sector partners to close the skills gap and strengthen South Africa’s agricultural economy.
If you’re passionate about agriculture, food production, or technical trades, this learnership offers the ideal foundation for a stable and rewarding career.
Overview of the Dairy Products Learnership Programme 2025
The programme combines classroom theory and hands-on workplace experience, equipping learners with essential dairy production skills — from milk handling and pasteurization to packaging and quality control.
Participants receive an NQF-accredited qualification (Level 2–4) upon completion, improving employability in both the local and national dairy industry.
This initiative supports the National Skills Development Plan, promoting rural development, food security, and job creation in South Africa.
Key Programme Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Dairy Products Learnership Programme 2025 |
| Accreditation | AgriSETA / FoodBevSETA |
| Qualification Level | NQF Level 2 – 4 |
| Duration | 12 – 24 months |
| Intake Period | From January 2026 |
| Locations | Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape |
| Monthly Stipend | R3,500 – R4,000 |
| Closing Date | November / December 2025 |
Programme Goals and Industry Relevance
The Dairy Products Learnership Programme 2025 is designed to:
- Develop skilled professionals in milk processing, packaging, and quality assurance.
- Create employment opportunities for youth in rural and agricultural communities.
- Support food security and local economic development.
- Strengthen the competitiveness of South Africa’s dairy sector.
According to the Dairy Industry Association of South Africa (DIASA), past learnerships have led to over 5,000 new job opportunities, proving the programme’s effectiveness in transforming lives and improving industry productivity.
Programme Structure and Duration
Learners spend 12 to 24 months completing both theoretical and practical components of the programme.
- Theoretical Component: Includes modules on dairy science, quality control, occupational hygiene, and workplace safety.
- Practical Component: Offers real-world experience at dairy farms and processing facilities, covering milk handling, pasteurization, and packaging operations.
This blended approach ensures graduates are work-ready and fully equipped with both technical and soft skills needed in the dairy industry.
Benefits of Joining the Dairy Products Learnership Programme 2025
1. Skill Development
Learners gain hands-on experience in:
- Dairy production and processing
- Equipment maintenance and safety
- Hygiene management and quality testing
- Effective teamwork and communication
These versatile skills open doors across food manufacturing, logistics, and retail industries.
2. Financial Support
Participants receive a monthly stipend between R3,500 and R4,000, with some employers offering additional transport or meal allowances.
3. Employment Prospects
Graduates often secure employment with top dairy companies such as Clover, Parmalat, and Woodlands Dairy.
Statistics show that over 70% of previous participants found jobs within six months of completing the programme.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 18 – 35 years |
| Education | Minimum Grade 10 (Grade 12 preferred) |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Physical Fitness | Must be capable of performing manual tasks |
| Soft Skills | Good communication, teamwork, and willingness to learn |
Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm for agriculture or food processing when applying.
How to Apply for the Dairy Products Learnership Programme 2025
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the official application page: Dairy Products Learnership Programme 2025
- Complete the online application form accurately.
- Attach your CV, certified ID copy, academic records, and proof of residence.
- Submit before the closing date (November or December 2025).
- Keep a copy of your submission for personal reference.
Note: Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to certify copies of documents
- Submitting incomplete forms
- Providing incorrect contact information
- Missing the deadline
To improve your chances, double-check all details and have someone review your application before submitting.
Success Stories from Previous Learners
Many graduates of this programme have built thriving careers in the dairy sector.
For example, Thandi M. from KwaZulu-Natal started as a trainee in 2022 and is now a Quality Control Technician at a major dairy processing plant.
In the Eastern Cape, another group of graduates launched a community-run dairy co-op that now supplies local markets — proving that this programme encourages not only employment but also entrepreneurship.
Expert Views on Programme Impact
According to a Milk SA spokesperson:
“By equipping young South Africans with hands-on skills, the dairy learnership is helping build a skilled workforce that directly supports food security and economic stability.”
Research shows that trained learners can improve production efficiency by up to 20%, demonstrating the long-term impact of investing in youth development.
Tips for Success During the Programme
- Be proactive — ask questions and show initiative.
- Build relationships with mentors and supervisors.
- Maintain punctuality and professionalism.
- Keep a learning journal to track your progress.
- Aim for further qualifications in food technology or agricultural management after completion.
Conclusion
The Dairy Products Learnership Programme 2025 offers more than a job — it’s a launchpad for young South Africans seeking to enter the agricultural and food production industries.
Through mentorship, accredited training, and practical experience, learners gain real-world skills and confidence. With thousands of success stories and strong industry support, this programme remains one of the most impactful youth opportunities in South Africa.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a career in dairy production — apply now and be part of South Africa’s growing dairy success story.