The PepsiCo R&D Learnership 2026 is a specialised Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunity designed for South African students in Food Science, Engineering, and related scientific fields.
This programme allows learners to gain hands-on laboratory and factory research experience while working with some of South Africa’s most popular snack brands such as Simba, Lay’s, and Doritos.
⏳ Programme Duration
- Structured Work Integrated Learning placement
- Typically aligned with academic WIL requirements (6–12 months depending on institution)
🎯 Purpose of the Programme
The R&D Learnership bridges the gap between theoretical studies and real industry experience by allowing learners to participate in product development and food manufacturing innovation.
Learners assist scientists and technologists in:
- Developing new food products
- Testing formulations
- Conducting factory trials
- Ensuring global quality standards are met
🧑🔬 Key Responsibilities
During the programme, learners may:
- Assist with prototype development and product testing
- Support pilot plant and factory trials
- Perform laboratory analysis (salt, oil, moisture testing)
- Record and analyse technical data
- Maintain Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards
- Support R&D technologists on projects
This is practical scientific work — not observation only.
🎓 Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
✅ Be a South African citizen
✅ Be a final-year student needing WIL placement
✅ Study one of the following fields:
- Food Technology
- Food Science
- Biochemistry
- Chemical or Process Engineering
✅ Academic average of 60% or higher
✅ Strong analytical and technical skills
Advantage:
- Valid driver’s licence
- Laboratory experience
🧪 Skills You Will Gain
Participants develop industry-ready skills such as:
- Food product research & development
- Laboratory testing techniques
- Data analysis & reporting
- Factory production exposure
- Quality assurance processes
- Scientific problem-solving
This experience is highly valuable in FMCG and food manufacturing careers.
🌍 Why This Learnership Is Valuable
PepsiCo’s R&D environment exposes learners to global food innovation standards, including collaboration with international equipment and technology partners used in large-scale production.
This makes graduates competitive both locally and internationally.
🚀 Career Opportunities After Completion
Successful learners can pursue careers as:
- R&D Technologist
- Food Scientist
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Product Development Specialist
- Process Engineer (Food Manufacturing)
📄 Required Documents
Prepare:
- Updated CV
- Academic transcript (showing ≥60% average)
- ID copy
- Proof of qualification or university letter confirming WIL requirement
📝 How to Apply
Applications are submitted online via PepsiCo’s official careers system.
Steps:
- Visit PepsiCo Careers website
- Search: “R&D WIL Learnership”
- Select the Isando listing
- Upload documents
- Submit application
⚠️ Apply early — positions are limited and highly competitive
