YES Internship Programme at National Bioproducts Institute

The National Bioproducts Institute (NBI) is currently offering 20 ambitious South African candidates an exceptional career development opportunity through its 12-month Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S) Internship Programme. Based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, this structured work-experience programme allows unemployed youth to gain practical, hands-on production experience within a world-class biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility. Successful interns will actively support the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Manufacturing department in the pooling, fractionation, or refining processing areas, operating in strict compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Assistance: Prepare, sterilize, and clean manufacturing equipment, supporting production runs strictly according to approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Quality Control Sampling: Carefully take routine production samples for Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) laboratory testing.

• Batch Documentation: Maintain flawless records by accurately completing batch manufacturing records, equipment logbooks, and shift documentation in accordance with strict compliance protocols.

• Equipment Care: Monitor operating performance of specialized biomanufacturing equipment, assisting technicians with routine calibration and first-line preventative maintenance.

• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP): Uphold total compliance with biopharmaceutical manufacturing standards, ensuring production suites remain spotless, organized, and audit-ready at all times.

• Health and Safety Compliance: Adhere rigorously to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and follow all biohazard handling instructions.

• Shift Operations: Participate in operational shift rotations (including 8-hour or 12-hour day and night shifts across a 24/7 manufacturing schedule) to support business continuity.

Why Join the Company

The National Bioproducts Institute stands as an essential pillar in the African healthcare landscape, producing vital therapeutic proteins and diagnostic plasma products that alleviate suffering and save human lives. Joining NBI via the Y.E.S initiative provides early-career professionals with unparalleled technical training inside a regulated biomanufacturing plant. Interns work alongside experienced scientists, biotechnologists, and pharmaceutical engineers, building high-demand technical capabilities and GMP competencies that set a strong foundation for long-term careers in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

To maximize your chances of being selected for one of these 20 competitive spots, tailor your application carefully:

• Highlight STEM and Life Science Acumen: Emphasize your Grade 12 results in Mathematics, English, Physical Science, and Life Sciences/Biology (or any completed PAT/tertiary science coursework), explicitly confirming that your marks meet the minimum requirement.

• Demonstrate Cleanroom and Safety Awareness: Spotlight any previous exposure to laboratories, manufacturing hygiene, chemical handling, or adherence to strict safety rules in academic practicals or prior tasks.

• Reiterate Full Shift Availability: Clearly communicate your complete availability to commit to a 12-month contract, including rotating 12-hour day/night shifts, weekend work, and mandatory medical evaluations.

Interview Preparation

During the screening process, candidates can anticipate specific operational questions such as:

• "Why is strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and documentation essential when manufacturing medical products?"

• "How do you maintain focus, attention to detail, and safety when working demanding 12-hour shifts or rotational night work?"

Refine your interview technique and build confidence before your meeting by practicing these responses on the YouthNextStep Interview Simulator.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit their application online through the official recruitment portal before the stated closing date. Please note that background checks and pre-employment medical examinations are mandatory due to the biopharmaceutical work environment.

Reference: NBI261014-1

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Salary is estimated based on market research.

• South African citizen aged 18 to 34 years

• Currently unemployed and not engaged in full-time studies

• Grade 12 certificate with a minimum D symbol (or 50%+) in English, Mathematics, Physical Science, and Biology/Life Sciences

• Pharmacist Assistant Training (PAT) Basic or PAT Post-Basic qualification is an added advantage

• Completed tertiary qualification in Engineering or Life Sciences (Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry) is advantageous

• Maximum of 2 years' prior cumulative work experience

• Must not have participated in a previous Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S) programme

• Full commitment to completing the entire 12-month fixed-term programme

• Prior exposure to a laboratory or manufacturing environment is advantageous

• Willingness and medical fitness to undergo compulsory pre-employment, routine, and exit medical assessments

• Ability and willingness to work 8-hour or 12-hour shifts (including night shifts, weekends, and public holidays) on a rotational schedule