Sappi, a global leader in the forestry, pulp, paper, and dissolving wood pulp sectors, is currently offering a range of one-year internships across various disciplines in South Africa. These positions are ideal for recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience and practical skills in their respective fields. Each internship provides a structured learning environment under the mentorship of industry professionals, designed to equip interns with real-world expertise and enhance their employability. The application deadline for all positions is 14 November 2024.
1. Chemical Engineering Intern – Pretoria, Gauteng
Location: Technology Centre, Pretoria
Qualification Required: Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or B.Tech in Chemical Engineering
This Chemical Engineering Internship offers graduates an opportunity to work in Sappi’s research laboratory. Interns will gain valuable, practical experience through performing laboratory and pilot plant experiments, using advanced bench-top and pilot-scale equipment. They will also learn to conduct data analysis, compile research reports, and troubleshoot equipment as necessary. This role is a perfect entryway into the professional chemical engineering world, giving recent graduates a platform to apply their academic knowledge in an industry setting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct experiments following Sappi’s standard operating procedures
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment
- Generate and analyze research data
- Document findings in reports and presentations
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Grade 12/Matric qualification
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
2. Analytical Chemistry Intern – Pretoria, Gauteng
Location: Technology Centre, Pretoria
Qualification Required: Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related fields
For graduates in Chemistry, this internship provides an opportunity to develop practical skills essential for a career in analytical chemistry. Interns will work closely with laboratory teams to conduct experiments, generate data, and perform basic data analysis. By assisting in the maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, interns gain a well-rounded experience in laboratory processes and operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in laboratory experiments using standard procedures
- Operate laboratory and pilot equipment
- Conduct data analysis and document findings
- Engage in equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Grade 12/Matric qualification
- Strong command of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
3. Supply Chain Intern – Johannesburg, Gauteng
Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg
Qualification Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, or Business Administration
This Supply Chain Internship offers graduates exposure to administrative and operational processes within the supply chain sector. Interns will support the sales, production, and supply chain departments, assist with customer order queries, and engage in planning, scheduling, and inventory management. This experience provides a foundation for careers in supply chain management, logistics, and procurement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide administrative support across supply chain departments
- Assist with customer order queries
- Participate in inventory planning and scheduling
- Process orders and conduct reviews to minimize errors
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Grade 12/Matric qualification
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
4. Supply Chain Intern – La Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal
Location: Global Business Centre, La Lucia
Qualification Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, or Business Administration
Similar to the Johannesburg-based internship, this position allows graduates to gain experience in various aspects of supply chain management. Interns will support the sales, production, and supply chain departments, assist in handling customer queries, and aid in forecast planning and scheduling.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide administrative support within supply chain departments
- Handle customer inquiries and process orders
- Assist with forecasting and planning for production schedules
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Grade 12/Matric qualification
- MS Office proficiency, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
5. Risk and Safety Intern – Ngodwana, Mpumalanga
Location: Ngodwana, Mpumalanga
Qualification Required: Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Degree in Risk Management, Safety, or Occupational Hygiene
Graduates in Risk Management and Safety have an opportunity to work with Sappi’s SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) team. Interns will participate in safety assessments, maintenance shutdowns, and safety inspections. This position provides experience in safety protocols and risk assessment, critical for careers in industrial safety and risk management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct risk assessments and participate in risk prevention
- Act as a safety officer during maintenance periods
- Perform safety inspections and report daily observations
- Participate in incident investigations
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Grade 12/Matric qualification
- Skilled in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
6. Risk and Safety Intern – Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal
Location: Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal
Qualification Required: Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Degree in Risk Management, Safety, or Occupational Hygiene
This internship mirrors the role at Ngodwana, providing interns with experience in risk management and occupational safety. Interns will engage in safety inspections, incident analysis, and risk assessment to build a foundation in safety protocols within the industry.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct risk assessments and safety inspections
- Assist in safety maintenance and troubleshooting
- Participate in incident investigations and reporting
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Grade 12/Matric qualification
- Competent in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
7. Human Resources Intern – Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal
Location: Tugela, Mandeni
Qualification Required: Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management
The Human Resources Internship is an ideal opportunity for recent HR graduates to gain a broad range of experience in HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations. Interns will prepare employment documentation, participate in recruitment processes, and resolve HR-related queries from employees, providing essential HR administration experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare onboarding documentation and assist in recruitment
- Conduct HR administration tasks
- Address employee HR-related queries
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Grade 12/Matric qualification
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
Application Process
All interested applicants are encouraged to apply through Sappi’s official application portal. The application deadline is 14 November 2024, and candidates should ensure their qualifications meet the requirements specified for each position.
Sappi’s diverse internship programs offer recent graduates a unique pathway to launch their careers in various fields, including Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Supply Chain, Risk Management, and Human Resources. Each internship is crafted to provide practical, hands-on experience and the chance to work closely with skilled mentors who guide and support interns through their professional journey. For graduates, these roles are more than just a stepping stone—they offer a real opportunity to develop specialized skills, industry knowledge, and confidence in a corporate setting.
Related: CIPC Internships 2024/2025
With positions spread across key locations in South Africa and a structured, supportive environment, Sappi’s internship program is an invaluable opportunity for young professionals to grow and learn within a globally recognized company.