AECI South Africa In-Service Trainee Programme: Entry Level Opportunity
Location: South Africa
Closing Date: 20 November 2026
Purpose of Job: To perform chemical and microbiological analyses that provide accurate and reliable laboratory results, while maintaining laboratory equipment, reagents, and safety standards. To support product development, problem-solving, and continuous improvement through technical investigations, reporting, and project participation.
Required outputs: Functional
- Perform qualitative and quantitative chemical and microbiological analysis on various samples, including record keeping.          Â
- Produce written reports on the relevant sections of laboratory work performed.
- Ensure that laboratory reagents and consumables are maintained at an optimum within the laboratory.
- Maintain and/or arrange for maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
- Participate in projects alongside the senior analyst and Development Chemist.
- Investigate methods where problems have been identified and develop new methods as and when required.
- Familiarize oneself with the laboratory safety requirements and operate the laboratory in accordance with this practice.
- Making up of reagents for Customer Services Laboratory.
Qualifications and expertise required (Must)
- A minimum of a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or Microbiology is required.
- Computer Literacy is important.
- Laboratory experience, the incumbent should know, understand and be able to perform all analytical procedures, test methods and analysis done in the laboratory.
- Certain practices and procedures must be mastered:
- Laboratory safety must be studied
- Familiarity with ISO procedures relating to operation of the company has to be obtained.
Competencies (skills, knowledge and characteristics)
- Team player
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Report writing ability
- Problem solving
- Analytical thinking
- Self-starter (must be able to operate with minimum supervision).
About AECI South Africa
AECI South Africa is a diversified mining and chemicals group with a history that dates back more than 120 years. The company was founded in 1896 to serve South Africa’s growing gold and diamond mining industries and was formally established as African Explosives and Industries Limited in 1924. It later became known as African Explosives and Chemical Industries, before adopting the name AECI Limited. The group is headquartered in Sandton, Johannesburg, and is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
AECI operates through two main growth pillars: Mining and Chemicals. Its mining business provides explosives, initiating systems, blasting services and mining chemicals used in surface and underground mining operations. AECI Mining Explosives is a global leader in the manufacture and supply of explosives and blasting solutions, while AECI Mining Chemicals provides products for mineral processing, ore beneficiation and tailings treatment.
The company’s chemicals business supplies industrial and specialty chemicals, water-treatment solutions, plant health products, crop protection products and plant nutrients. These products serve industries such as agriculture, water treatment, mining and metals, food, healthcare, pulp and paper, home care and personal care. AECI’s focus on green chemistry and innovation supports the development of more sustainable chemical solutions.
AECI also has a property division that manages the group’s leasing portfolio and provides services at the Umbogintwini Industrial Complex in KwaZulu-Natal. The group operates in more than 20 countries across Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Australia, and employs thousands of people worldwide.
Career opportunities at AECI include roles in engineering, chemistry, mining, manufacturing, research and development, sales, marketing, supply chain, logistics, finance, human resources and information technology. The company also offers learnerships, internships and graduate programmes for young South Africans interested in careers in chemicals, mining and industrial manufacturing.
HOW TO APPLY
Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Circular 38 of 2026: New Jobs Released