RCL Foods Opens SHER Internship Opportunity for Environmental Science and Safety Management Graduates
RCL Foods has officially opened applications for its SHER Intern Fixed Term Contract (FTC) Programme 2026 within the Milling Division. This internship offers an excellent opportunity for graduates in Environmental Science and Safety Management to gain practical workplace experience with one of South Africa’s leading food manufacturers.
The successful intern will work at the company’s Pretoria West operation where they will gain valuable exposure to Safety, Health, Environment and Risk (SHER) management systems while supporting compliance, workplace safety initiatives and environmental management.
RCL Foods SHER Internship 2026 Overview
| Programme: SHER Internship
| Company: RCL Foods
| Ref No: RCL260702-2
| Division: Milling Division
| Job Type: Internship
| Department: Risk
| Placement: Pretoria West, Gauteng
| Best Before: 12 July 2026
About RCL Foods
RCL Foods is one of South Africa’s largest food manufacturers, producing household brands enjoyed by millions of consumers across the country. The company operates under its purpose of “We Grow What Matters”, focusing on sustainable growth, innovation and developing future talent.
This internship forms part of RCL Foods’ commitment to developing young professionals by providing meaningful workplace experience in health, safety and environmental management.
About the SHER Internship
The internship is designed to provide graduates with practical exposure to occupational health, safety, environmental management and risk compliance within a manufacturing environment. Successful candidates will assist experienced professionals in implementing and maintaining workplace safety systems while gaining hands-on experience in compliance monitoring, reporting and risk management.
Internship Location
The internship will be based at:
- Pretoria West
- Gauteng
- South Africa
RCL Foods SHER Internship 2026 Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- National Diploma in Environmental Science
Or
- National Diploma in Safety Management
Advantageous Qualification
The following qualification will strengthen an application:
- SAMTRAC Certificate
Although not compulsory, SAMTRAC certification may provide an advantage during the selection process.
Computer Skills Required
Applicants should be proficient in:
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
General computer literacy is essential for reporting, record management and administrative responsibilities.
Skills Required
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong administrative skills
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work independently
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Reporting skills
- Results-driven attitude
- Professional work ethic
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The successful SHER Intern will assist with:
Safety Management
- Supporting existing Health, Safety and Environmental management systems
- Monitoring compliance with company HSE procedures
- Conducting routine safety inspections
- Performing workplace audits
- Identifying non-compliance issues
- Developing corrective action plans
Risk Assessments
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting risk assessments
- Reviewing existing risk assessments
- Participating in incident investigations
- Monitoring workplace hazards
- Supporting preventative safety initiatives
Workplace Compliance
The intern will assist with:
- Fire extinguisher inspections
- First aid box compliance
- Safety inspections
- Emergency preparedness
- Noticeboard compliance
- HSE legislative compliance
Reporting Responsibilities
The role includes preparing:
- Weekly reports
- Monthly reports
- Compliance reports
- Inspection reports
- Safety audit reports
- PPE reconciliation reports
Accurate record keeping and reporting form an important part of this internship.
Health and Safety Administration
Administrative duties include:
- Writing meeting minutes
- Attending statutory HSE meetings
- Capturing training records
- Updating the SHEQ-X system
- Ordering personal protective equipment
- Issuing PPE
- Monitoring corrective actions
- Tracking preventative actions
Emergency Preparedness
The intern will support:
- Emergency response drills
- Safety awareness
- Emergency planning
- Fire safety compliance
Training Support
Additional responsibilities include:
- Conducting daily safety inductions
- Capturing employee training records
- Supporting employee safety awareness
- Assisting with departmental meetings
What You Will Learn
During the internship participants can gain practical experience in:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Environmental Management
- Risk Management
- Workplace Compliance
- Safety Audits
- Incident Investigations
- Fire Safety
- Risk Assessments
- Safety Reporting
- SHEQ Administration
- Manufacturing Safety Systems
- PPE Management
Why Consider a SHER Career?
Health, Safety, Environment and Risk professionals continue to play a critical role across industries including:
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Construction
- Logistics
- Food Production
- Engineering
- Utilities
- Government
Employers increasingly require qualified professionals who understand workplace legislation, environmental compliance and occupational safety standards.
Benefits of the Internship
Participants will benefit from:
- Practical workplace experience
- Exposure to manufacturing operations
- Professional mentoring
- Health and safety experience
- Compliance knowledge
- Risk management skills
- Administrative experience
- Career development opportunities
Who Should Apply?
This internship is suitable for:
- Environmental Science graduates
- Safety Management graduates
- Recent diploma holders
- Unemployed graduates
- Individuals interested in Occupational Health and Safety
- Candidates pursuing careers in SHER or SHEQ
How to apply RCL Foods SHER Internship 2026
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified Matric Certificate
- Certified National Diploma
- Supporting qualifications such as SAMTRAC where applicable
Applications should be submitted through the official RCL Foods Careers recruitment portal before the closing date.
Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which qualification is required?
Applicants need a National Diploma in:
- Environmental Science
or
- Safety Management.
Is SAMTRAC compulsory?
- No. However, it will be considered an added advantage.
Where is the internship located?
- Pretoria West, Gauteng.
Which department is offering the internship?
- The internship is offered within the Risk Department in the Milling Division.
What experience will interns gain?
Interns will gain experience in:
- Health and Safety
- Environmental Compliance
- Risk Management
- Safety Audits
- Incident Investigations
- Emergency Preparedness
- Workplace Inspections
- HSE Administration
Final Thoughts
The RCL Foods SHER Internship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for Environmental Science and Safety Management graduates to begin their careers with one of South Africa’s leading food manufacturers. Through structured workplace learning, participants will gain valuable exposure to health, safety, environmental and risk management systems while building the practical skills needed for long-term career success.
