Engineering graduates often need practical workplace exposure before they can fully establish their careers in the manufacturing industry. Graduate development programmes provide the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in real production environments while learning directly from experienced professionals.
HESTO Harnesses has opened applications for the Engineers in Training Programme for the 2026 intake. This opportunity is designed for graduates who want to build careers in automotive manufacturing, process improvement, and operational efficiency.
Participants will gain hands-on experience while working within engineering teams responsible for supporting production and operational improvement initiatives.
Programme Overview
Company: HESTO Harnesses
Programme: Engineers in Training Programme 2026
Reference Number: hesto_000371
Industry: Automotive Manufacturing
Location: Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
This programme is designed to provide structured training for graduates interested in industrial engineering and manufacturing operations.
About the Programme
The Engineers in Training programme provides graduates with the opportunity to gain real workplace experience within an engineering department.
Participants will work alongside experienced engineers and technical teams while supporting production processes and operational improvement projects.
The programme focuses on building practical skills that are essential for engineers working in modern manufacturing environments.
Key Responsibilities
Graduates participating in the programme may perform several tasks within the engineering department.
These responsibilities may include:
Supporting engineering operations and technical activities
Participating in engineering performance reviews and assessments
Assisting with administrative tasks within the department
Supporting process improvement initiatives
Helping analyse operational efficiency and production performance
Learning engineering workflows used in manufacturing environments
This experience helps graduates understand how engineering supports productivity and operational efficiency.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following academic requirements to qualify for the programme.
BEng or BSc Engineering in Industrial Engineering
Minimum academic average of 60 percent
Completed qualification in the relevant engineering field
Official statement of academic results
These requirements ensure that candidates have the necessary academic background for the programme.
Personal Requirements
Applicants must also meet several personal requirements.
Be at least 18 years old
Be a South African citizen
Be fluent in English (written and spoken)
Have no outstanding tuition fees
These requirements help ensure candidates are ready for professional workplace training.
Experience Requirements
This programme is intended for graduates entering the workforce for the first time.
Applicants must therefore:
Have no previous internship or graduate programme experience
Have no criminal record
The focus of the programme is to support new engineering graduates starting their careers.
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Skills and Experience You Will Gain
Graduates selected for the programme will gain exposure to several key areas of industrial engineering.
Manufacturing Systems
Participants will learn how modern automotive manufacturing systems operate, including production planning and workflow optimisation.
Process Improvement
Industrial engineers are responsible for identifying inefficiencies in production processes and implementing improvements to increase productivity.
Data Analysis and Performance Monitoring
Participants may assist with analysing production data to identify operational bottlenecks and performance challenges.
Engineering Administration
The programme also exposes graduates to engineering documentation, compliance requirements, and operational reporting.
Continuous Improvement Projects
Graduates may contribute to projects that aim to improve efficiency, productivity, and operational performance within the organisation.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can submit their applications online through the official recruitment platform.
Apply here:
https://jobs.jobvite.com/yazaki-europe/job/oAMmwfwU
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 27 March 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline to ensure consideration.
Conclusion
The Engineers in Training Programme offered by HESTO Harnesses provides Industrial Engineering graduates with an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the automotive manufacturing industry.
For graduates interested in production systems, operational efficiency, and manufacturing innovation, this programme offers an excellent starting point for building a long-term engineering career.