ID AND PASSPORT FACTORY (X1 POST)

The Government Printing Works (GPW) is offering a structured 24-month graduate internship opportunity at its ID and Passport Factory in Pretoria. This placement is part of the GPW’s Graduate Programme for the 2027/2029 financial year and is designed to give unemployed graduates meaningful workplace experience in a high-security production environment. The ID and Passport Factory is responsible for the manufacturing and personalisation of South Africa’s identity documents and passports, making it a critical unit within the state’s printing and security services. The successful intern will be based at this factory and will receive structured exposure to real-world engineering operations, working alongside experienced professionals in a facility that demands precision, quality control and adherence to strict security protocols.

To be considered, applicants must hold a National Diploma or Degree in Industrial Engineering or Mechatronic Engineering. These qualifications are essential because the internship is intended to apply academic knowledge to the factory’s production lines, automated systems, and process optimisation activities. In addition to the educational requirement, candidates must be South African citizens, must be currently unemployed, and must not have previously participated in any internship programme. This latter condition is strictly enforced; applicants who fail to disclose prior participation may have their internship contract terminated immediately on grounds of dishonesty or undue enrichment. Those with foreign qualifications must have their credentials evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before applying.

The core duties involve active participation in workplace activities, projects, and capacity-building initiatives under the supervision of experienced engineers and managers. The intern will gain hands-on experience in areas relevant to industrial and mechatronic engineering, such as production planning, equipment maintenance, automation systems, quality assurance, and continuous improvement. The programme aims to bridge the gap between theoretical study and practical application, preparing graduates for future careers in engineering within the public or private sector. Interns will also be expected to comply with the GPW’s internal policies, including security and confidentiality requirements, and to enter into an employment contract and performance agreement as part of the placement.

The selection process includes personnel suitability checks, and shortlisted candidates must be available for interviews at a time determined by the GPW. Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified copies of their qualifications and other relevant documents, which must be produced on or before the day of the interview. Applications must be submitted on the new Z83 application form, which is available from any Public Service Department or online, and each post requires its own fully completed, initialled and signed form. The advertisement specifies that no faxed applications or attachments such as snapshots, zipped files, or image formats will be accepted, and applicants must ensure they use the correct email address and include the correct job title and reference number in the subject line. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted applicants, and those who do not receive a response within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. By applying, candidates consent to the collection, processing and storage of their personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and the GPW reserves the right to fill or not fill the advertised post.