IT Graduate Traineeship Programme at FORVIA Kariega

Global automotive mobility technology manufacturer FORVIA (Faurecia) is inviting applications from qualified technical graduates for the 12-month Youth Employment Service (YES) IT Graduate programme based in Kariega (Uitenhage), Eastern Cape. Operating under the leadership of the Local IT Area Manager, the successful graduate will contribute directly to Group Information Technology (GIT) operations across plant facilities. This contract role serves as an immersive professional foundation, bridging academic Information Technology qualifications with industrial-grade enterprise technical support and manufacturing system stability.

As the automotive manufacturing landscape accelerates towards connected digital infrastructure and automated production systems, plant-level IT reliability is essential. Participating in structured graduate programmes within an international Tier-1 automotive supplier enables emerging technology specialists to master real-time service desk resolution, hardware deployment, cybersecurity governance, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) support. This initiative provides practical immersion in one of the Eastern Cape's vital manufacturing hubs while addressing youth unemployment through the structured YES programme.

Key Responsibilities & Day-to-Day Operational Duties

• First-Level Helpdesk Support: Deliver prompt technical and functional tier-1 incident resolution to end-users, monitoring the internal helpdesk queue to prioritize, escalate, and resolve software, operating system, and hardware faults.

• Cybersecurity Monitoring & Governance: Continuously monitor local security indicators, rectify operational cyber non-conformances, identify phishing attempts or suspicious activities, and enforce group data protection standards.

• Workstation Provisioning & Deployment: Configure, stage, and deploy desktop PCs and laptops for operational network integration strictly in accordance with Forvia standard installation policies and image guidelines.

• IT Administrative & Systems Maintenance: Assist the IT Area Manager with scheduled backup and restore testing, MS Office application troubleshooting, local ERP user support, network hardware maintenance, and IT asset inventory tracking.

• System Ownership & User Guidance: Support end-user adoption of digital tools, coordinating structured IT standard training and ensuring adherence to local operating procedures.

• Documentation & Site Compliance: Continuously update plant IT standard operating procedure manuals, network topology records, and project documentation to guarantee audit readiness.

• Project Execution Support: Collaborate with Local Implementation Representatives (LIR) and regional teams to implement Group Information Technology (GIT) modernization initiatives and plant upgrades.

• Business Continuity Testing: Execute periodic IT backup mode drills and maintain disaster recovery procedures to safeguard manufacturing plant uptime.

Minimum Requirements & Eligibility Criteria

• Completed Tertiary Qualification: Recognized University Degree or National Diploma with specialization in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Information Systems.

• Professional Vendor Certifications (Advantageous): Completed industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA N+, Cisco (CCNA), Microsoft Certified (MCSE, MCP, MOUS), or related technical credentials.

• Communication Competencies: Fluent and professional English communication skills (written and spoken); multilingual capabilities are advantageous.

• Interpersonal Acumen: Strong collaborative instincts, an approachable personality, and the ability to interact with plant operators, administrative staff, and executive management.

• Work Flexibility: Willingness and availability to work operational shifts, standby, or overtime if required by manufacturing plant schedules now or in the future.

• Mobility (Advantageous): Possession of a valid driver's licence and reliable personal transport.

• Citizenship & Clear Record: South African citizenship aligned with youth employment development criteria, possessing clear criminal and background verification records.

Core Skills, Workplace Readiness & Interview Preparation

Excelling in an automotive manufacturing IT environment requires a blend of diagnostic agility, operational discipline, and heightened cybersecurity awareness. Candidates must be comfortable troubleshooting network connectivity, operating within active directory environments, and upholding strict global data privacy regulations. Because downtime on an automotive assembly line carries severe financial consequences, recruiters look for methodical problem solvers who remain calm under production pressure.

Candidates invited for assessments should prepare by reviewing core networking concepts, operating system installation workflows, and customer service communication principles. You can practice real-world scenario questions and technical discussions using the AI Interview Simulator or review expert advice in our South African job interview preparation guide to refine your performance.

Training, Mentorship & Career Progression in South Africa

This 12-month YES programme offers hands-on technical mentoring from experienced enterprise IT managers, exposing candidates to global IT infrastructure methodologies. High-performing graduates develop the competencies necessary to step into permanent or long-term industry roles such as IT Desktop Support Engineers, Network Administrators, Junior Cybersecurity Analysts, or Systems Administrators within South Africa's thriving manufacturing and commercial sectors. Those eager to further their academic journey can also explore South African bursaries and funding opportunities for postgraduate specializations.

Estimated Salary Range (Market Benchmark)

The hiring employer has not officially published a salary or stipend figure for this vacancy. Based on South African labour market data and sector benchmarks for a YES IT Graduate / Trainee position, typical monthly compensation ranges between R7,500 and R12,500 per month. You can use the YouthNextStep SARS Tax & Take-Home Pay Calculator to estimate net monthly earnings. Please note that this figure is an independent market benchmark; actual remuneration is determined solely by the employer according to qualifications, experience, and internal grading scales.

How to Apply & Submission Checklist

Eligible candidates who satisfy all academic and technical prerequisites should submit their applications directly through the employer's official digital recruitment portal before the stated deadline:

• Official Application Portal: Click here to apply online on the official portal

• Reference Identification: Requisition ID: 67753

• Closing Date: 20 November 2026

• Location: Uitenhage / Kariega, Eastern Cape

• Document Checklist: Ensure your application upload includes an updated CV tailored via our free ATS-friendly CV Builder, certified copies of your South African ID, Matric certificate, full academic transcripts, and official degree/diploma completion letters.

You can also explore more verified vacancies in Eastern Cape.

• Completed University Degree or National Diploma with specialization in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Information Systems.

• Industry-related certifications completed (CompTIA A+, CompTIA N+, MCSE, MCP, MOUS, Cisco, etc.) are highly advantageous.

• Fluent English communication skills (written and verbal); proficiency in additional South African languages is advantageous.

• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and customer service skills with the ability to interact with staff at all organizational tiers.

• Preparedness to work operational shifts and provide after-hours support if required.

• Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport are advantageous.

• Valid certified copies of ID, qualifications, and comprehensive academic records.