If you are looking for ALPLA careers in Gauteng, several employment and apprenticeship opportunities are currently available for suitably qualified candidates. ALPLA is offering opportunities for people interested in developing practical skills and building careers in the plastics manufacturing, engineering, mechatronics, warehousing and industrial production sectors.
The latest vacancies include the ALPLA Plastics Apprenticeship Programme, the ALPLA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme, and a Forklift Operator position in Johannesburg North. These opportunities provide different career pathways, ranging from structured technical training for students and graduates to skilled operational employment in a manufacturing environment.
For young South Africans who want to gain technical experience, apprenticeships can provide an important route into the manufacturing and engineering industries. Meanwhile, experienced forklift operators can explore opportunities to work within a structured industrial environment with additional employee benefits and opportunities for professional development.
This article provides a detailed overview of the available ALPLA jobs 2026, including requirements, locations, closing dates, programme durations, duties, estimated salary information and application guidance.
Available ALPLA Careers in Gauteng
The current ALPLA opportunities covered in this article are:
- Plastics Apprenticeship Programme – Gauteng
- Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme – Gauteng
- Forklift Operator – Johannesburg North
The two apprenticeship programmes are based at ALPLA Lanseria, while the Forklift Operator opportunity is located in JHB North.
All three positions are listed as contract opportunities, with the apprenticeship roles classified at the Student/Graduate work level and the Forklift Operator position classified as Skilled.
1. ALPLA Plastics Apprenticeship Programme 2026
Reference Number: AP-32
Location: Gauteng – ALPLA Lanseria
Work Level: Student/Graduate
Job Type: Contract
Duration: Maximum of 4 years
Salary: Market Related
Closing Date: 31 October 2026
EE Position: No
The ALPLA Plastics Apprenticeship Programme is an opportunity for candidates who want to develop practical and technical skills for a career in the plastics industry.
The programme is designed around structured workplace training and practical experience, allowing successful candidates to develop the knowledge and capabilities required to work in a technical manufacturing environment.
Candidates accepted into the programme will be based at ALPLA Lanseria and may participate for a maximum period of four years.
This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to applicants interested in plastics manufacturing careers, mechanical engineering, industrial production and technical apprenticeships in South Africa.
Requirements for the Plastics Apprenticeship
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Matric/Grade 12
- A pass in Mathematics
- A pass in Physical Science
- Mathematics Literacy is not applicable
- Minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering studies
- CVs accompanied by Statements of Results or relevant certificates will be considered
Applicants should therefore pay close attention to the Mathematics requirement. Candidates who completed Mathematics Literacy rather than Mathematics should note that the advertisement specifically states that Mathematics Literacy is not applicable.
What makes this apprenticeship valuable?
An apprenticeship can help bridge the gap between classroom-based learning and practical workplace experience. Candidates can develop technical knowledge while being exposed to real manufacturing processes and workplace expectations.
For someone interested in becoming part of the South African manufacturing industry, the ALPLA apprenticeship can provide exposure to a professional production environment and an opportunity to develop skills that may be useful throughout a technical career.
2. ALPLA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme 2026
Reference Number: AP-31
Location: Gauteng – ALPLA Lanseria
Work Level: Student/Graduate
Job Type: Contract
Duration: Maximum of 4.5 years
Salary: Market Related
Closing Date: 31 October 2026
EE Position: No
The second technical opportunity is the ALPLA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme.
Mechatronics is an important field within modern manufacturing because it combines different technical disciplines, including electrical and mechanical systems, automation and industrial technology.
The ALPLA programme is designed to provide candidates with structured workplace training and practical experience while developing the skills and knowledge needed for a career in mechatronics.
Successful candidates will be based at ALPLA Lanseria and can participate in the programme for a maximum period of 4.5 years.
Mechatronics Apprenticeship Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Matric/Grade 12
- A pass in Mathematics
- A pass in Physical Science
- Mathematics Literacy is not applicable
- Minimum N3 Electrical Engineering studies
- A CV supported by a Statement of Results or relevant certificates
This opportunity may therefore appeal to candidates who have already started developing technical knowledge through N3 Electrical Engineering studies and want to gain structured practical workplace experience.
Why consider a mechatronics career?
Manufacturing environments increasingly rely on automated machinery, electrical systems, mechanical equipment and integrated production technologies.
Developing skills in mechatronics can therefore expose candidates to a broad technical environment. The apprenticeship structure can help candidates understand how technical knowledge is applied in an operational manufacturing setting.
For job seekers searching for mechatronics apprenticeships in Gauteng, engineering apprenticeships 2026, or technical training opportunities in South Africa, this is an opportunity worth examining carefully.
3. ALPLA Forklift Operator Job – Johannesburg North
Reference Number: AP-30
Location: JHB North
Work Level: Skilled
Job Type: Contract
Salary: Market Related
EE Position: No
The third opportunity is for a Forklift Operator responsible for managing the internal movement of goods as well as incoming and outgoing shipments.
Unlike the apprenticeship opportunities, this position is classified at the Skilled work level and is aimed at candidates who meet the operational and forklift-related requirements.
The successful candidate will work within a warehouse and manufacturing environment and will be responsible for ensuring that products are received, stored and dispatched correctly and safely.
Forklift Operator Duties and Responsibilities
The role includes a range of warehouse, logistics and manufacturing-related responsibilities.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Receiving products
- Stocking products
- Shipping products
- Preparing finished products for customer shipments
- Checking products for damage
- Counting products
- Following warehouse and shipping procedures
- Recording and storing finished goods
- Handling defective products
- Recording defective products from receipt through storage and production
- Maintaining good housekeeping
- Supporting a safe working environment
- Preventing workplace accidents
- Reporting identified risks relating to quality and food safety management
- Maintaining awareness of quality, food safety, environmental and health and safety requirements
The candidate must also ensure that the workplace remains tidy, organised and compliant with relevant procedures.
Forklift Operator Requirements
Candidates applying for the ALPLA Forklift Operator position must meet several requirements.
These include:
- Minimum Matric or equivalent
- Experience in a manufacturing environment
- A valid driving licence for forklifts (FLT)
- Basic computer skills are advantageous
- Ability to lift up to 25 kg
- Flexible work availability
- Ability to operate a forklift and crane
Candidates with manufacturing, warehouse or logistics experience may therefore find this role particularly relevant.
The ability to work safely is also an important part of the position because the successful candidate will operate equipment and work around products, machinery and other employees.
ALPLA Careers and Workplace Values
ALPLA places considerable emphasis on its organisational identity and expected workplace behaviours.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate values and behaviours aligned with the organisation’s purpose.
The company’s stated promises include:
- We create trust
- We build respect
- We develop potential
- We ensure excellent results
Its principles include:
- Be Reliable
- Solve Problems
- Make Decisions
- Communicate Effectively
These principles are relevant to both technical apprentices and experienced employees because manufacturing environments require reliability, communication, problem-solving and attention to safety and quality.
Applicants should therefore consider more than just the minimum qualifications when preparing their CVs. Demonstrating practical experience, willingness to learn, reliability and a strong approach to workplace safety can help applicants present themselves professionally.
Benefits of Working at ALPLA
The Forklift Operator vacancy highlights several benefits associated with working at ALPLA.
These include:
- Competitive market-related salary
- Professional working environment
- Global exposure
- Pension fund benefits
- Medical aid
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Comprehensive onboarding
- Structured training
- Ongoing workplace support
- Continuous learning and development
- Challenging and rewarding work
- Opportunities for career growth
- A performance-driven workplace culture
The company describes itself as a global leader in sustainable plastic packaging, making its operations relevant to candidates interested in manufacturing careers, plastics production, industrial engineering, logistics and technical occupations.
ALPLA Apprenticeship 2026: Who Should Apply?
The Plastics and Mechatronics apprenticeship programmes may be particularly relevant to candidates who have completed Grade 12 and progressed into technical studies.
For the Plastics Apprenticeship, candidates need minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering studies, while the Mechatronics Apprenticeship requires minimum N3 Electrical Engineering studies.
Candidates should ensure that their CV clearly reflects:
- Grade 12 qualification
- Mathematics results
- Physical Science results
- N3 technical studies
- Relevant engineering subjects
- Certificates or Statements of Results
- Contact details
- Relevant practical or technical experience, where applicable
Because the employer specifically states that CVs with Statements of Results or Certificates will be considered, applicants should ensure these documents are available when submitting their applications.
ALPLA Forklift Operator Salary Estimate
The official vacancy information states that the salary is market related rather than providing a specific salary figure.
Because actual remuneration can vary depending on experience, qualifications, responsibilities, shift arrangements and the employer’s internal salary structure, applicants should treat online salary estimates only as general guidance.
For promotional purposes, job seekers can expect a market-related salary, with the advertised position also highlighting benefits such as pension fund, medical aid and an Employee Assistance Programme.
ALPLA Apprenticeship Salary Estimate
The apprenticeship advertisements also state market-related salary.
No exact monthly stipend or salary figure is provided in the vacancy information.
Candidates should therefore avoid assuming that a specific amount is guaranteed. The actual remuneration should be confirmed through the official recruitment process or employment documentation.
Important ALPLA Application Deadline
Both apprenticeship programmes have the same closing date:
31 October 2026
The Plastics Apprenticeship Programme has reference number AP-32, while the Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme has reference number AP-31.
The Forklift Operator advertisement has reference number AP-30 and was dated 4 September 2026.
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to apply. Preparing your CV and supporting documents early can help reduce the risk of submitting an incomplete application.
ALPLA Application Advice for Job Seekers
When applying for these ALPLA careers, make sure your application clearly matches the advertised requirements.
1. Use an updated CV
Your CV should include your education, qualifications, technical studies, work experience and relevant skills.
2. Highlight the required subjects
For the apprenticeships, Mathematics and Physical Science are important requirements. Make sure your results are clearly visible.
3. Include supporting documents
The advertisements specifically mention Statements of Results and certificates. Where applicable, ensure these documents are available with your application.
4. Check the reference number
Use the correct reference number when applying:
- AP-32 – Plastics Apprenticeship
- AP-31 – Mechatronics Apprenticeship
- AP-30 – Forklift Operator
5. Apply before the deadline
The closing date for both apprenticeship programmes is 31 October 2026.
6. Prepare for a professional workplace
ALPLA highlights reliability, problem-solving, decision-making and effective communication. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate these qualities throughout the recruitment process.
Final Thoughts on ALPLA Jobs 2026
The current ALPLA careers offer different entry points into the manufacturing and technical industries.
The Plastics Apprenticeship Programme is aimed at candidates with Grade 12 and N3 Mechanical Engineering studies who want to develop practical skills in the plastics industry.
The Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme provides another technical pathway for candidates with Grade 12 and N3 Electrical Engineering studies who are interested in mechatronics and modern manufacturing systems.
Meanwhile, the Forklift Operator position in JHB North is suited to candidates with Matric, manufacturing experience, forklift credentials and the ability to operate a forklift and crane safely.
For South Africans searching for ALPLA jobs in Gauteng, apprenticeships 2026, manufacturing jobs in Gauteng, engineering apprenticeships, mechatronics apprenticeships, plastics industry jobs and forklift operator vacancies, these opportunities provide several potential career pathways.
Applicants should carefully review the requirements for their preferred position, prepare a professional CV and submit their applications before the relevant closing date.
Important: The employer states that applicants who do not receive a response within five days after the closing date can safely assume that their application was unsuccessful.
ALPLA also states that it is an equal opportunity employer, values workforce diversity and is committed to eliminating discrimination in its employment processes.
If you are interested in building a career in technical manufacturing, engineering, plastics production, mechatronics or logistics, these ALPLA opportunities may be worth adding to your 2026 job search.
