2026 Liquid Dairy Reception Learnership Programme – Woodlands Dairy (Pty) Ltd, Humansdorp
South Africa’s Woodlands Dairy (Pty) Ltd, based in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, is accepting applications for its 2026 Learnership Programme in Liquid Dairy Reception. Closing date for applications is 13 February 2026. The opportunity is for unemployed youth who would like to embark on a career in production and processing of dairy products. Interested candidates should apply on the company’s website.
This learnership is part of the company’s Operations Division in the UHT Business Unit and is aimed at first-time entrants. It is a great opportunity for young South Africans to gain invaluable experience and knowledge, both practical and theoretical, in one of the most critical food production sectors in the country.
Regarding the Learnership Programme
The Liquid Dairy Reception Learnership Programme 2026 offers an integrated 12-month experience consisting of formal training as well as practical training. This opportunity focuses on training participants for the basic skills required in milk reception and processing. Learners will receive practical training on the operational steps involved in the safe and efficient control of milk from the point of reception to the further processing stages.
The modules included in the programme cover the following areas:
Milk Reception: This includes the reception, testing, recording, and storage of raw milk prior to processing.
Nature of Milk: The composition, properties, and standards of quality of milk.
Food Safety: This encompasses hygiene, prevention of food contamination and compliance with laws and regulations.
Housekeeping: This is to ensure the production area is clean and well organized in compliance with food safety standards.
CIP (Cleaning-in-Place): This is an automated cleaning process applied to dairy equipment which does not require the equipment to be dismantled.
COP (Cleaning-out-of-Place): This refers to the manual cleaning of the equipment used.
Other Operational Modules: This will cover other aspects of dairy production to create general competency.
The modules will prepare the learners for the processing of dairy products with special emphasis on the processing of liquid milk and UHT production.
Who Can Apply?
Woodlands Dairy believes in the empowerment of youth through skills and knowledge development. The programme therefore considers applicants falling within the age of 18 to 29 and are South African citizens. Matric/Grade 12 is the minimum qualification required. It is of note that no work experience is required which makes this opportunity ideal to school leavers.
The company is focused on providing training to young candidates in order to prepare them for advancement opportunities within the FMCG and Dairy industry.
Duration and Structure
The learnership is for 12 months and is made up of theory and practice. Learners will participate in various training programmes that will equip them with the knowledge that is essential to the field of Dairy Science and the Dairy production process. They will also practice within the ropes of the production facility of Woodlands Dairy, working with professionals.
This will prepare the participants to have the confidence to face practical and real life challenges when the time comes. By the close of this programme, learners would have acquired skills that are essential in order to secure employment in the Dairy and Food Manufacturing Sector.
Benefits of Working in Dairy Production
The importance of the dairy industry to South Africa’s economy and food security cannot be overstated. Dairy production, an essential part of the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, provides solid job opportunities, skill enhancement, and job growth. Careers in milk reception and processing also offer diverse opportunities in areas like quality control, food safety, production supervision, and operations management.
As one of the leading producers of high-quality dairy products, Woodlands Dairy offers a supportive and professional environment for learning. Working with such a reputable company provides learners with the essential exposure and credibility they need to improve their chances of securing jobs in the industry.
Where to Submit an Application
Those who wish to apply for this opportunity should do so online via the Meriton Dairy website. The first step is to go to the “Work with us” section of the Meriton Dairy website and look for the “2026 Learnership Programme in Liquid Dairy Reception” listing. It is essential to submit all mandatory fields, as well as all attachments, before the application deadline on 13 February 2026.
Please ensure that the following documents are prepared:
- a verified Matric certificate
- a South African ID document
- a CV
Completing your application fully will help you stand out in the pool of candidates.
HOW TO APPLY
In Closing
Woodlands Dairy (Pty) Ltd 2026 Learnership Programme in Liquid Dairy Reception is a great opportunity for young South Africans who want to acquire practical skills and gain knowledge of the industry. The programme does not require any prior experience and allows participants to establish themselves in the FMCG and dairy production industry.
This 12-month learnership is aimed at the unemployed youth of the Eastern Cape, and is an opportunity to gain a worthwhile and durable employment. Participants are urged to apply as soon as possible in order to seize this great opportunity and take the first step to learn, develop, and establish a career in dairy operations.
