The Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC) invites applications for its 2026 Graduate Programme. This exciting 12-month graduate development programme is designed to provide unemployed graduates with practical workplace experience while helping them develop the professional skills required to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
Graduates who have completed a National Diploma, Degree, or Honours Degree in relevant fields are encouraged to apply. The programme offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience within one of South Africa’s leading automotive development institutions.
Recent graduates looking to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional workplace are encouraged to apply. This programme provides an ideal opportunity to gain valuable work experience, enhance professional skills, and build a strong foundation for a successful career.
About AIDC Eastern Cape
The Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC). The organisation serves as the province’s institutional mechanism responsible for promoting and facilitating the growth and development of the automotive industry.
AIDC-EC plays an important role in supporting government industrial policies while contributing towards sustainable economic development across the Eastern Cape Province. Through various strategic programmes and partnerships, the organisation assists in strengthening the automotive manufacturing sector, improving competitiveness, encouraging innovation, and supporting job creation.
With its headquarters located in Gqeberha and a branch office in East London, AIDC-EC continues to expand its impact throughout the province by developing skills, supporting industrial growth, and creating opportunities for young professionals.
The graduate programme forms part of this commitment by equipping graduates with practical workplace experience and professional mentorship.
Graduate Programme Overview
- Position: Graduate Programme 2026
- Programme Duration: 12 Months
- Location: Gqeberha and East London, Eastern Cape
- Closing Date: 27 July 2026
The programme provides structured workplace exposure through a formal learning plan that allows graduates to gain practical experience related to their qualifications.
Successful candidates will work alongside experienced professionals and receive ongoing mentoring and coaching throughout the programme.
Purpose of the Graduate Programme
The primary objective of the programme is to bridge the gap between tertiary education and employment by providing graduates with meaningful workplace experience.
During the 12-month placement, graduates will have the opportunity to:
- Gain practical industry experience.
- Develop technical and professional skills.
- Improve workplace readiness.
- Learn from experienced mentors.
- Build professional networks.
- Understand organisational processes.
- Enhance future employment opportunities.
- Apply theoretical knowledge in real working environments.
The programme is structured to ensure that participants receive continuous support while developing the competencies needed for long-term career success.
Graduate Development Mandate
The AIDC-EC Graduate Programme follows a structured development approach aimed at transferring practical knowledge and workplace skills to graduates.
Participants will be placed within relevant business units where they will perform meaningful work under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Each graduate will benefit from:
- Formal workplace learning.
- Practical skills development.
- Professional coaching.
- Workplace mentoring.
- Exposure to industry best practices.
- Participation in real business projects.
- Performance feedback throughout the programme.
This structured approach helps graduates transition confidently into professional careers.
Graduate Opportunities Available
Applications are invited from graduates in various disciplines. Opportunities are available at both the Gqeberha and East London offices.
Engineering and Technical Fields
Graduates with qualifications in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- Product Development and Testing
- Quality Management
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Process Improvement
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Maintenance Management
- Logistics Management
Available Positions
Business Unit: Product Development and Testing
Location: Gqeberha / East London
Min Qualification: National Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering
Business Unit: Quality Management
Location: Gqeberha / East London
Min Qualification: National Diploma in Quality Management
Business Unit: Mechanical Engineering
Location: Gqeberha / East London
Min Qualification: National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Business Unit: Process Improvement and Industrial Engineering
Location: Gqeberha / East London
Min Qualification: National Diploma in Industrial Engineering or Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Business Unit: Maintenance Management
Location: Gqeberha / East London
Min Qualification: Relevant TVET or University qualification
Business Unit: Electrical Engineering
Location: Gqeberha / East London
Min Qualification: Relevant TVET or University qualification in Electrical Engineering
Business Unit: Logistics Management
Location: Gqeberha / East London
Min Qualification: Relevant TVET or University qualification in Logistics Management
Business Unit: Chemical Engineering
Location: Gqeberha / East London
Min Qualification: Relevant TVET or University qualification in Chemical Engineering
Business Unit: Human Resource
Location: Gqeberha / East London
Min Qualification: National Diploma in Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development, or Industrial Psychology (TVET/University)
Business Unit: Finance
Location: Gqeberha / East London
Min Qualification: National Diploma in Accounting, Financial Management, or Auditing (TVET/University)
Business Unit: Marketing
Location: Gqeberha / East London
Min Qualification: National Diploma in Marketing, Digital Communication, or Public Relations (TVET/University)
Note on Qualification Levels: Applicants may hold a Diploma at NQF Level 6, a Degree at NQF Level 7, or an Honours Degree at NQF Level 8.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must hold a relevant qualification aligned to their area of interest. Accepted qualifications include the following.
For Product Development and Testing, Quality Management, Mechanical Engineering, and Process Improvement and Industrial Engineering:
A National Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering is required. A National Diploma in Quality Management or a National Diploma in Supply Chain and Logistics Management will also be considered for relevant streams.
For Maintenance Management, Electrical Engineering, Logistics Management, and Chemical Engineering:
Candidates must hold a relevant TVET or university qualification aligned to the specific business unit.
For Human Resource:
A National Diploma in Human Resource Management or Human Resource Development is required. A National Diploma in Industrial Psychology from a TVET college or university will also be considered.
For Finance:
A National Diploma in Accounting, Financial Management, or Auditing from a TVET college or university is required.
For Marketing:
A National Diploma in Marketing, Digital Communication, or Public Relations from a TVET college or university is required.
Note on Qualification Levels: Applicants may hold a Diploma at NQF Level 6, a Degree at NQF Level 7, or an Honours Degree at NQF Level 8.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following documents to be considered for the 2026 Graduate Programme Intake:
A detailed curriculum vitae setting out academic history and any relevant work experience.
Certified copies of academic qualifications confirming the minimum requirements have been met.
Contactable references who can speak to the applicant’s academic performance, character, or prior work exposure.
A certified copy of a valid identity document.
Email: [email protected]
All required documents should be sent as a complete application to the email address listed above. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Important Application Notes
Correspondence and communication regarding this opportunity will only be conducted with candidates who have been shortlisted for further consideration. Applicants who submit their documents should ensure all information is accurate and complete, as this will form the basis of the shortlisting process.
Closing Date: 27 July 2026
Applicants who have not received a response within eight weeks of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. Given the volume of applications typically received for graduate programmes of this nature, candidates are encouraged to be patient during the selection period.
Employment Equity Statement
In making appointments for this programme, AIDC-EC reserves the right to apply the principles enshrined in the Employment Equity Act, along with its internal policies and plans. Preference will be given to people with disabilities, women, and previously disadvantaged individuals, in line with the organisation’s commitment to promoting employment equity.
This approach reflects AIDC-EC’s broader developmental mandate, which extends beyond industry growth to include meaningful transformation and inclusive opportunity creation within the Eastern Cape province and the automotive sector more broadly.
Why Consider This Opportunity
For graduates seeking to enter the automotive and industrial development sector, this programme offers a structured pathway into professional life. The 12 month duration allows sufficient time to develop practical skills, build workplace relationships, and gain exposure to the operational realities of a developmental institution working at the intersection of government policy and industry growth.
With placements available across a wide range of disciplines including engineering, quality management, logistics, human resources, finance, and marketing, the programme is designed to accommodate graduates from a variety of academic backgrounds. Candidates who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are based in or willing to relocate to Gqeberha or East London are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
