Unilever is recruiting a SHE Intern for its Boksburg Factory in Gauteng. The 12-month internship offers graduates practical experience in Safety, Health, and Environment management within a leading global manufacturing company.
Unilever Launches SHE Internship Programme in Gauteng
Unilever has announced a Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Internship opportunity for graduates interested in workplace safety, environmental sustainability, and industrial operations.
The internship is based at the company’s Boksburg Factory in Gauteng and falls under the Supply Chain division. The programme offers successful candidates a one-year contract designed to provide practical exposure within a manufacturing environment while developing professional SHE competencies.
The internship reflects Unilever’s continued investment in skills development, workplace safety, and sustainable business practices across its operations.
About Unilever and Its Global Impact
Unilever is one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, with products used daily by billions of people across more than 190 countries.
The organisation operates across multiple sectors, including food, personal care, home care, and hygiene products. Unilever is widely recognised for its focus on sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices.
The company’s purpose-driven culture centres on improving lives while promoting environmental responsibility and inclusive growth.
Through graduate programmes and internships, Unilever continues to provide young professionals with opportunities to gain industry experience and contribute to global business operations.
Purpose of the SHE Internship
The SHE Internship is designed to develop graduates who are passionate about workplace safety, environmental management, and compliance within industrial and manufacturing environments.
The programme provides practical exposure to:
- Safety management systems
- Health and environmental compliance
- Risk assessments and inspections
- Sustainability initiatives
- Incident reporting and investigations
Interns will work closely with the SHE Manager and cross-functional teams to help maintain a safe and compliant workplace environment within the factory.
Main Responsibilities of the Internship
The selected intern will support several key SHE functions within the Boksburg manufacturing site.
Supporting Risk Assessments and Inspections
One of the intern’s primary responsibilities will involve assisting with workplace safety inspections and SHE risk assessments.
This includes:
- Identifying workplace hazards
- Monitoring safety standards
- Supporting corrective action processes
- Participating in routine inspections and audits
The role helps interns understand how industrial safety systems operate within large-scale manufacturing environments.
Assisting With SHE Policies and Compliance
The intern will help support the implementation and monitoring of SHE policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
Responsibilities may include:
- Maintaining SHE documentation and records
- Updating compliance registers
- Supporting internal reporting systems
- Assisting with legal and regulatory compliance processes
This exposure allows graduates to gain practical understanding of workplace governance and operational compliance.
Participation in Incident Investigations
The internship also provides exposure to incident management and workplace investigations.
Interns may assist with:
- Incident reporting
- Root cause investigations
- Corrective action recommendations
- Documentation of findings and outcomes
This experience helps develop analytical and problem-solving skills essential within the SHE profession.
Supporting Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives
Environmental management forms an important part of the internship programme.
The selected candidate may assist with:
- Waste management initiatives
- Sustainability practices
- Environmental monitoring activities
- Awareness campaigns related to environmental responsibility
This aligns with Unilever’s broader commitment to sustainable business operations and environmental stewardship.
Training and Workplace Awareness Activities
The intern will also support safety awareness and employee engagement activities across the factory.
Responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with safety training sessions
- Supporting awareness campaigns
- Promoting workplace safety culture
- Encouraging employee participation in SHE initiatives
The programme therefore combines technical learning with communication and employee engagement exposure.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants interested in the internship must meet several academic and professional requirements.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates should possess:
- A B-Tech or Degree in Safety, Health & Environment
- Environmental Science qualification
- Or a related field
Engineering qualifications may also be advantageous.
Additional Requirements
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Basic understanding of workplace safety principles
- Strong communication skills
- Good report-writing abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint
- Attention to detail and analytical thinking
- Ability to work independently and within teams
Previous exposure to manufacturing or industrial environments is considered advantageous but is not mandatory.
Skills Unilever Is Looking For
Unilever is seeking candidates who display strong professional and interpersonal qualities.
Desired skills include:
- Hazard identification and risk assessment
- Organisational and time management abilities
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
The company also values individuals who are proactive, curious, accountable, and committed to continuous improvement.
Workplace Culture and Leadership Behaviours
The internship programme is aligned with Unilever’s workplace values and leadership expectations.
The company encourages employees and interns to:
- Care deeply about people, consumers, and the environment
- Focus on achieving meaningful results
- Stay innovative and forward-thinking
- Deliver work with excellence and accountability
These behavioural principles form part of the company’s broader leadership culture and professional development philosophy.
Factory-Based Role and Work Environment
Unlike hybrid office internships, this opportunity is entirely site-based and requires full-time attendance at the Boksburg Factory.
The role offers graduates direct exposure to industrial operations, manufacturing processes, and on-site SHE management systems.
This practical factory experience is valuable for graduates seeking long-term careers in:
- Occupational health and safety
- Environmental management
- Industrial compliance
- Manufacturing operations
- Sustainability and risk management
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Unilever has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace.
The company encourages applications from individuals of different backgrounds and supports equal opportunity employment practices aligned with South African Employment Equity and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment legislation.
Applicants requiring workplace accommodations or support during the recruitment process are also encouraged to communicate their needs during the application stage.
Conclusion
The SHE Internship opportunity offered by Unilever provides graduates with valuable industry exposure within one of the world’s leading manufacturing and consumer goods organisations.
By combining practical safety management experience, environmental compliance training, and sustainability exposure, the programme equips young professionals with essential skills needed in industrial and supply chain environments.
For graduates passionate about workplace safety, environmental responsibility, and manufacturing operations, this internship represents a strong opportunity to build professional experience and long-term career potential within the SHE field.
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