Are you a graduate with a qualification in Agricultural Sciences, Food Technology or Environmental Health? The Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) is inviting suitably qualified and unemployed graduates to apply for its Learner: Technologist Programme (014-231) in South Africa.
This is a 12-month development opportunity designed to provide graduates with practical workplace experience and theoretical training in product inspection, food safety, quality assurance and export processes.
Successful candidates will receive mentorship from experienced PPECB specialists and gain valuable exposure to the inspection and quality assurance processes used in the agricultural export industry.
The programme is particularly suitable for graduates who want to develop their careers in food technology, agricultural sciences, environmental health and product quality inspection.
Applications are open to candidates who meet the minimum qualification requirements and can provide all the supporting documents requested by PPECB.
PPECB Learner Technologist Programme 2026/2027 – Quick Facts
- Company: Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB)
- Programme: Learner: Technologist Programme
- Programme Reference: 014-231
- Job Identification: 631
- Job Category: Product Inspection
- Opportunity Type: Development Programme
- Duration: 12 Months
- Location: Gauteng, South Africa
- Main Location: Monument and Commissioner Street, Kempton Park
- Stipend: A nominal stipend is provided
- Education Level: National Diploma or equivalent
- Employment Status: Applicants must be unemployed
- Posting Date: 8 October 2026
- Closing Date: 8 December 2026
- Working Schedule: Full-time
About the PPECB Learner Technologist Programme
The PPECB Learner Technologist Programme offers graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in the inspection and quality assurance of perishable agricultural products.
The programme runs for 12 months. Successful applicants will be placed at different inspection points under the guidance and mentorship of PPECB specialists.
During the programme, learners will gain exposure to quality assurance practices relating to perishable products such as citrus and grapes.
This practical experience will help learners understand the standards and procedures involved in ensuring that agricultural products meet the required quality standards for export.
Candidates will also receive formal theoretical training from accredited facilitators.
What Training Will Successful Candidates Receive?
The programme combines workplace exposure with structured theoretical learning.
Training will cover the following areas:
1. Export Legislation and Certification
Learners will gain knowledge of legislation and certification requirements associated with exporting agricultural products.
2. Factors Influencing Exports
Participants will learn about different factors that influence the export industry and the movement of agricultural products into international markets.
3. Food Safety
Learners will receive training on food safety practices and the importance of maintaining acceptable standards when handling perishable products.
4. Product Knowledge
The programme will introduce learners to different perishable products and the quality requirements associated with them.
5. Cold Chain Management
Candidates will gain exposure to cold chain management and understand its importance in maintaining the quality of products during storage and transportation.
6. Total Quality Management Systems and Viability
Learners will be introduced to quality management systems and their role in maintaining product standards and operational effectiveness.
7. Recent Innovations
The training will also cover recent innovations relevant to product inspection, quality assurance and the agricultural export industry.
Practical Workplace Experience
One of the important benefits of this opportunity is the practical experience learners will receive.
Successful candidates will be placed at inspection points where they will work under the mentorship of experienced PPECB specialists.
The programme is designed to expose learners to actual industry practices and help them develop the knowledge and skills required in product inspection and quality assurance.
PPECB will endeavour to place students close to their residential areas. However, applicants should understand that the agricultural industry is seasonal.
As a result, learners may sometimes be required to undertake out-placement depending on operational and seasonal requirements.
Candidates should therefore be prepared for possible placement arrangements outside their immediate residential areas.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the PPECB Learner Technologist Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must have completed a three-year national qualification or higher.
- Must hold a qualification in one of the following fields:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Food Technology
- Environmental Health
- Must have a strong academic history.
- Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
- Must be competent in the English language.
- Must currently be unemployed.
Applicants should carefully check these requirements before submitting their applications.
Only candidates who meet the qualification and other requirements should apply.
Required Application Documents
PPECB has indicated that applications will only be considered if they contain all the required supporting documents.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Comprehensive CV: Prepare an updated CV containing your educational qualifications, relevant skills and contact details.
- Full Academic Record: Include certified copies of your full academic record to date.
- Reference Letter: Attach one reference letter.
- Certified ID Copy: Provide a certified copy of your South African identity document.
Make sure that all the documents are included before submitting your application.
You must also provide an active email address because PPECB may use it to communicate with applicants regarding their applications.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Why Should You Apply?
The PPECB Learner Technologist Programme provides graduates with an opportunity to gain workplace experience in an industry that supports agricultural exports and product quality assurance.
Some of the benefits include:
- Twelve months of development and workplace exposure.
- Mentorship from experienced PPECB specialists.
- Practical experience at product inspection points.
- Formal theoretical training from accredited facilitators.
- Exposure to food safety and quality assurance.
- Knowledge of export legislation and certification.
- Training in cold chain management.
- A nominal stipend to assist with students’ costs.
The experience gained during the programme can help graduates strengthen their professional knowledge and improve their understanding of the agricultural export and product inspection industries.
How to Apply for the PPECB Learner Technologist Programme
Interested and qualified graduates should submit their applications through the official PPECB recruitment platform.
Before applying, ensure that you have prepared all four required documents:
- Comprehensive CV.
- Certified full academic record.
- One reference letter.
- Certified copy of your ID document.
Provide an active email address and ensure that the information in your application is accurate.
Job Title: Learner: Technologist Programme
Reference: 014-231
Job Identification: 631
Location: Gauteng, South Africa
Closing Date: 8 December 2026
Apply Before: 8 December 2026 at 23:55.
Application Platform: Official PPECB Careers Website.
Important Notice to Applicants
This is a 12-month development opportunity for unemployed graduates who have completed a relevant three-year qualification.
Applicants must ensure that their qualifications match the specified fields of study. A nominal stipend will be provided, but the advert does not specify the exact stipend amount.
Candidates should also be aware that placements are generally arranged close to their residential areas, although out-placement may be required because of the seasonal nature of the agricultural export industry.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your documents and submit your application before the closing date.