NBI Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme 2026 (X20 Positions in Durban)

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The National Bioproducts Institute (NBI) is inviting applications for 20 Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme positions in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The 12-month programme offers unemployed young South Africans an opportunity to gain practical experience in a biopharmaceutical production environment.

Successful candidates will assist with production activities involving plasma-derived bulk intermediates and formulated bulk liquids while learning to work according to approved procedures and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

Applications close on 27 October 2026.

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About the National Bioproducts Institute

The National Bioproducts Institute is a pharmaceutical manufacturer focused on supplying therapeutic proteins and diagnostic products. Its work supports healthcare through the production of quality biopharmaceutical products.

Quick Job Overview

Job DetailInformation
Employer National Bioproducts Institute (NBI)
Programme Youth Employment Service (YES)
Number of Positions 20
Reference Number NBI261014-1
Department API Manufacturing
Job Category Pharmaceutical
Location Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Contract Fixed-term contract
Programme Duration 12 months
Minimum Education Grade 12
Age Requirement 18–34 years
Closing Date 27 October 2026

What You Need to Qualify

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 34.

  • Be currently unemployed and not studying full-time.

  • Have Grade 12 with a minimum D mark in English, Mathematics, Science and Biology.

  • Have no more than two years of work experience.

  • Have never participated in a YES Programme before.

  • Be committed to completing the full 12-month programme.

Additional advantages:

  • Pharmacist Assistant Training (PAT) Basic or PAT Post Basic qualifications.

  • Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or Life Sciences.

  • Previous exposure to a laboratory or manufacturing environment.

What You Will Do

Successful candidates will support production activities and help maintain quality and safety standards.

Key duties include:

  • Preparing and cleaning production equipment.

  • Assisting with production according to approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

  • Taking samples for Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) when required.

  • Completing batch records, logbooks and other production documentation accurately.

  • Monitoring equipment performance.

  • Assisting with calibration and first-line maintenance.

  • Following Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements.

  • Keeping work areas clean, tidy and ready for audits.

  • Attending required training.

  • Working safely under supervision and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Skills You'll Need

The advertised duties indicate the importance of:

  • Attention to detail when completing documentation.

  • Ability to follow instructions and standard procedures.

  • Commitment to cleanliness, quality and safety.

  • Willingness to learn production processes.

  • Ability to work under supervision.

  • Reliability and flexibility when working shifts.

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Working Hours and Shift Requirements

NBI operates according to a 24-hour production schedule. Depending on the functional area, working hours may be 45 hours per week from Monday to Sunday or 40 hours per week.

Successful candidates must be prepared to work:

  • 12-hour shifts: 06:00–18:00 or 18:00–06:00, as rostered; or

  • 8-hour shifts: Between 06:00 and 18:00, as rostered.

  • Weekends and public holidays when required.

  • Overtime when necessary to meet operational needs.

Applicants should consider these shift requirements before applying.

Health, Safety and Environmental Requirements

Due to the nature of pharmaceutical manufacturing, candidates must comply with NBI's Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) requirements.

These include:

  • Compulsory pre-employment, routine and exit medical examinations.

  • Attendance at mandatory SHE-related training.

  • Following safety instructions and site rules.

  • Wearing appropriate PPE.

  • Complying with applicable occupational health and safety requirements.

The advert notes that hazardous and biologically active chemicals are used at NBI.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official NBI recruitment portal.

Application details:

  • Programme: NBI Youth Employment Service

  • Reference number: NBI261014-1

  • Positions: 20

  • Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

  • Closing date: 27 October 2026

Apply online: 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Search for NBI Youth Employment Service x 20 and use reference number NBI261014-1 to locate the vacancy. Follow the application instructions on the recruitment portal.

Submit your application before the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many positions are available?

NBI is advertising 20 YES Programme positions.

2. Where is the programme based?

The positions are based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

3. How long does the programme last?

The programme offers 12 months of practical experience.

4. Who can apply?

South African citizens aged 18–34 who are unemployed, not studying full-time and meet the stated Grade 12 and other eligibility requirements may apply.

5. Is previous pharmaceutical experience compulsory?

The advert states that laboratory or manufacturing exposure is advantageous, not a minimum requirement.

6. Can I apply if I have participated in a YES Programme before?

No. Applicants must not have participated in a YES Programme previously.

7. Must I be willing to work shifts?

Yes. Candidates must be prepared to work rostered shifts, including nights, weekends and public holidays when required.

8. When is the closing date?

Applications close on 27 October 2026.

iYouth Job Application Tips

  • Check that you meet the age, education and unemployment requirements.

  • Highlight any relevant laboratory, manufacturing, Engineering or Life Sciences experience on your CV.

  • Include any relevant Pharmacist Assistant Training qualifications.

  • Make sure your application details are accurate.

  • Be prepared to explain your availability for shift work.

  • Apply through the official NBI recruitment portal before the deadline.

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