The application deadline was 14 September 2026.
National Brands Limited, part of AVI Limited, is offering a Quality In-Service Trainee opportunity at its Durban Tea operation. The 12-month AVI quality internship is designed for Food Technology students who need in-service workplace training or candidates who have completed a two-year Food Technology Diploma. The placement reports to the Quality Manager and gives the trainee practical exposure to food safety, in-process quality control, laboratory sample handling and quality systems inside a manufacturing environment. It also includes mentorship and participation in real production and product-development activity rather than classroom-only training.
Quality In-Service Training Overview
- Company: National Brands Limited / AVI Limited
- Site: National Brands Durban Tea
- Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Field: Quality Assurance / Food Technology
- Duration: 12 months
- Closing Date: 14 September 2026
What the Trainee Will Learn
The programme is built around the quality processes used in a food and beverage factory. A Food Technology student may understand food safety and quality concepts academically, but an in-service placement shows how those standards are applied during production, how samples are handled and how quality systems are maintained in a live manufacturing operation.
- Exposure to Food Safety systems and requirements.
- Experience with in-process Quality activities.
- Handling and assessment of incoming laboratory samples.
- Practical exposure to Quality Systems.
- Participation in new product development project trials where required.
- Work with quality information, data reporting and analysis.
Food Safety and In-Process Quality
Food manufacturing depends on controls that help keep products consistent and safe. The trainee can learn how quality checks fit into normal production and how information from the manufacturing process is reviewed. This exposure is useful for someone who wants to move into Quality Assurance, Food Technology or a laboratory-related role after completing the required practical training.
In-process quality work can also show the trainee how production teams and Quality teams work together. The purpose is not simply to identify a problem after production is finished, but to use controls and data during the process so that potential quality issues can be managed as early as possible.
Laboratory and Quality Systems Exposure
The vacancy includes exposure to incoming laboratory samples and Quality Systems. Accurate sample handling and documentation are important because laboratory results need to be linked to the correct product or process. Quality Systems also rely on consistent records, procedures and follow-up, so the trainee needs to be comfortable working carefully with data and instructions.
Education Requirements
- Completed two-year Food Technology Diploma; or
- Current Food Technology student who requires one year of in-service training to complete the qualification.
Skills and Working Requirements
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to work with data reporting and analysis.
- Good verbal communication.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Initiative and willingness to learn.
- Ability to work irregular hours when required.
- Potential to develop leadership capability.
What the Programme Offers
AVI highlights practical exposure, mentorship, guidance and support as part of the in-service experience. Trainees can be given meaningful work and accountability while learning from employees already working in the quality environment. The opportunity to participate in new product development trials also gives the candidate a broader view of how quality considerations connect with product changes and manufacturing trials.
About National Brands Limited
National Brands Limited is part of AVI Limited and operates well-known food and beverage brands in South Africa. The Durban Tea placement takes place within a production environment, making it relevant to Food Technology students who need structured industrial exposure in order to complete their studies or build a foundation for a quality career.
Experience in a Food Manufacturing Environment
The Durban Tea factory setting gives the trainee a chance to see how quality requirements operate alongside production targets. Food Technology work in a manufacturing plant involves balancing product consistency, food-safety controls, documentation and the practical realities of keeping a production process running. Exposure to these areas can help a student understand why quality teams work closely with production, laboratory and product-development employees.
The in-service year can also help the trainee build evidence of practical competence required for future Food Technology or Quality Assurance roles. Working with real samples, production information and formal quality systems develops a different level of understanding from laboratory exercises completed during study. Mentorship from the Quality team provides a structured way to ask questions and connect academic concepts with the procedures used at the factory.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the National Brands Simplify recruitment portal. Candidates should review the Food Technology study requirement and complete the online application for the Quality In-Service Trainee vacancy.
Apply for the Quality In-Service Trainee Programme
