Grain Field Chickens, a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture, is offering an Engineering TVET Graduate/Intern opportunity in Reitz, Free State for candidates with N4–N6 engineering qualifications seeking Work Integrated Learning.
Introduction
The integrated poultry company Grain Field Chickens, part of the VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd, is offering a valuable Engineering TVET Graduate/Intern opportunity for aspiring technicians seeking practical workplace experience. The position is based at the company’s abattoir facility in Reitz, located in the north-eastern part of the Free State province.
This internship programme is designed for TVET graduates who need Work Integrated Learning (WIL) or in-service training to complete their engineering qualifications. By combining real-world exposure with structured mentorship, the programme provides participants with the chance to develop practical engineering and administrative skills in a professional corporate environment within the agricultural and food production sector.
Building Technical Experience Through Practical Training
The Engineering TVET Graduate/Intern position focuses on equipping participants with practical experience across various engineering administrative and operational functions. Interns will work closely with the Maintenance Planner and other members of the engineering department to gain hands-on exposure to maintenance planning systems, documentation processes, and engineering operations.
Through structured on-the-job training, interns will gradually develop core competencies that are essential for working in industrial engineering environments. The role emphasizes both technical understanding and administrative efficiency, enabling interns to support engineering operations while developing the organisational and analytical skills needed in modern industrial workplaces.
Qualification Requirements
The opportunity is open to candidates who hold a TVET College N4–N6 Certificate in Engineering, which is equivalent to NQF Level 5. Applicants must have completed studies in one of the following fields:
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (Fitting and Turning)
- Mechanical Engineering (Boiler-making)
Candidates applying for the internship must be currently unemployed and require practical workplace exposure in order to complete their NQF Level 6 Diploma.
To ensure fairness and equal opportunity, the programme is specifically intended for individuals who have not previously participated in an internship or learnership programme. It is therefore aimed at candidates who are joining an internship or graduate programme for the first time.
Basic computer literacy in the Microsoft Office suite is essential, as the role involves working with digital documentation systems, reports, and engineering data. Candidates must also be willing to work overtime or weekends when operational needs require it, which is common in production-driven environments.
Key Responsibilities
The intern will perform several tasks under the supervision and guidance of experienced trainers within the engineering department. These responsibilities will gradually expand as the candidate demonstrates competence and confidence in the role.
Administrative and documentation tasks form a key part of the internship. The intern will assist with accurate data capturing, opening and closing job cards, scanning documents into the File Director system, and maintaining organised filing systems for easy information retrieval.
Another important responsibility involves monitoring engineering performance and maintenance records. The intern will assist in ensuring that engineering downtime recorded in production reports is properly captured in the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS). This helps ensure accurate maintenance tracking and improved operational efficiency.
The role also involves assisting with planning and administration of statutory inspections, supporting the engineering department in meeting regulatory and compliance requirements.
Interns will also contribute to operational coordination by attending daily production and engineering review meetings and assisting in following up on any requests or actions arising from those discussions.
Maintaining accurate records is a crucial part of the role. The intern will help manage attendance records, preventive maintenance schedules, and performance measurement data. These records are used to generate daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports that support management decision-making.
Additionally, the intern will provide On-Key system support to users within the engineering department. This system is used to manage maintenance activities, job cards, and engineering workflows.
Skills and Personal Attributes
To succeed in the internship, candidates must demonstrate strong organisational and analytical skills. The role requires excellent attention to detail, as accuracy in data capturing and reporting is essential for effective engineering operations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are also important, as interns will interact with colleagues across multiple departments. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is highly valued.
Other key attributes include time management, adaptability, and the ability to handle confidential or sensitive information responsibly. Interns should also be approachable, cooperative, and willing to engage with both internal teams and external stakeholders when required.
Equal Opportunity Employment
As part of its broader employment strategy, VKB Group is committed to promoting equal opportunity employment and workplace diversity. The organisation’s recruitment processes are aligned with its Employment Equity and Transformation Strategy, ensuring fair consideration for candidates from different backgrounds.
The company also actively encourages applications from people with disabilities, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive hiring practices.
Application Outcome and Additional Information
Applicants should note that the company reserves the right to close the position at its discretion. If candidates do not receive feedback within four weeks after the closing date, they should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Any personal information submitted during the application process will be used strictly for recruitment purposes and, if successful, for employment-related processes.
For TVET graduates seeking practical industry exposure and the opportunity to work in a structured engineering environment, this internship at Grain Field Chickens offers a valuable starting point toward building a successful technical career.
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