Opportunity Details

Description:

The Food Technology and Safety Systems Learnership is an accredited 12-month programme designed to build technical expertise and compliance capability within South Africa’s growing food manufacturing and processing sector.
It develops learners’ competencies in food production processes, quality assurance, and food safety management systems aligned with national and international standards such as ISO 22000, HACCP, and FSSC 22000.

The programme blends 30% classroom-based theory with 70% workplace-based practical learning, ensuring that graduates emerge ready to support safe, efficient, and compliant food operations across public and private industries.

Purpose of the Programme

The learnership aims to:

• Develop qualified food technologists and safety officers equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to maintain and improve food quality and hygiene.

• Strengthen food-safety culture and compliance with national legislation, including the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

• Enhance employability and skills development within the agro-processing, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors.

• Support youth empowerment, gender equity, and sustainable job creation in the agriculture and food technology value chain.

• Promote alignment with South Africa’s Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) and National Development Plan (NDP) through innovation and safe food production.

Programme Structure

The programme combines academic training with structured workplace learning under supervision in laboratories, factories, and production facilities. Duration: 12 months.

Core Learning Modules

1. Introduction to Food Science and Technology

2. Food Microbiology and Chemistry

3. Food Processing and Preservation Techniques

4. Quality Assurance and Product Testing

5. Food Safety Management Systems (HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000)

6. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hygiene Control

7. Packaging, Labelling, and Regulatory Compliance

8. Environmental Health and Waste Management

9. Occupational Health and Safety in Food Environments

10. Workplace Readiness, Communication, and Ethics

Requirements:

• Career Opportunities

  Graduates wilrl be prepared for various roles within the food and manufacturing industries, including:

  • Food Laboratory Technician

  • Quality Control/Assurance Assistant

  • Food Safety Officer

  • Production Line Supervisor

  • Health and Hygiene Auditor

  • Process Operator

  • Product Development Assistant

  With further study, learners can progress to careers as Food Technologists, Research Scientists, or Quality Managers in manufacturing, retail, or regulatory environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Accreditation and Qualification

  This learnership aligns to the National Certificate: Food and Beverage Processing (SAQA ID 58026, NQF Level 3), National Certificate: Food Technology (SAQA ID 20655, NQF Level 5), or related Occupational Certificate: Food Safety Practitioner (QCTO) depending on the accredited training provider.

  Successful learners will receive a nationally recognised qualification, accredited by FoodBev SETA or the QCTO, certifying their competence in food production and safety system management.