Company: Volkswagen Group Africa (Pty) Ltd
Industry: Automotive Manufacturing, Precision Tooling & Industrial Engineering
Department / Division: Production Division (Body Shop / Tooling)
Location: Kariega (Uitenhage), Eastern Cape, South Africa
Position Type: 18-Month Fixed-Term Internship Programme
Programme Duration: 01 October 2026 – 31 March 2028
Posted Date: 03 August 2026
Closing Date: Open / Rolling Applications
About Volkswagen Group Africa & The Toolmaker Programme
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) is a leading global mobility company operating one of Africa’s largest vehicle production facilities in Kariega, Eastern Cape. Combining engineering excellence with automotive innovation, Volkswagen produces vehicles that power sustainable mobility across the continent and global markets.
The Toolmaker Internship Programme is an 18-month structured workplace initiative inside VWGA’s high-volume Production Division. Designed specifically for newly qualified Toolmakers, this programme provides practical workplace experience, mentorship, and exposure to Body Shop tooling, jigs, fixtures, engineering drawings, and precision measurement systems.
Key Responsibilities & Operational Workstreams
Working directly within the Production Body Shop environment, interns will be responsible for:
1. Manufacturing & Tooling Support
- Jigs & Fixtures: Assist in manufacturing, assembling, and adjusting jigs, dies, and fixtures based on detailed design specifications.
- Tooling Maintenance: Support the maintenance, repair, and modification of Body Shop production tooling and holding fixtures.
2. Technical Inspection & Fault-Finding
- Precision Measurement: Inspect and measure automotive components using basic metrology and measuring equipment.
- Engineering Drawings: Read, interpret, and apply engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and tool specs.
- Basic Troubleshooting: Assist Body Shop production lines with basic fault-finding, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
3. Reporting & Quality Standards
- Documentation: Assist in compiling tooling logs, maintenance reports, and modification activity sheets.
- Continuous Improvement: Participate in process improvement initiatives to elevate quality standards and production safety.
Candidate Profile & Minimum Entry Criteria
To qualify for this 18-month technical internship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Qualifications:
- Grade 12 / Matric OR N3 Certificate with Mathematics.
- Must be a Qualified Toolmaker (Trade Test / Toolmaker Qualification).
- Work Experience: No prior work experience required (designed for newly qualified Toolmakers).
- Technical & Behavioral Competencies:
- Basic understanding of tooling, machining, or manufacturing workflows.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering and technical drawings.
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- High attention to detail, strong safety awareness, and quality standards.
- Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
MANDATORY DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document (ID)
- Certified copies of Qualifications (Matric/N3, Trade Test / Toolmaker Qualification)
What Volkswagen Group Africa Offers
- 18 Months Hands-On Experience: Comprehensive practical exposure inside a world-class automotive manufacturing plant.
- Industry Mentorship: Guidance from master toolmakers and senior production engineers.
- Career Foundation: Build a solid foundation for a long-term career in precision tooling, toolmaking, and automotive manufacturing.
Career Advice for VWGA Toolmaker Applicants
- Highlight Your Trade Test / Qualification: Clearly list your Toolmaker trade certificate or TVET/college qualification, including the institution name and completion date, near the top of your resume.
- Detail Blueprint & Machining Exposure: Feature any hands-on exposure to lathe turning, milling, grinding, fitting, or CAD drawing interpretation gained during your apprenticeship or training.
- Attach All Certified Documents: VWGA strictly verifies candidates. Make sure your ID, Matric/N3, and Toolmaker certificates are certified (within 6 months) and uploaded together.
Sample Technical & Interview Preparation Questions
Tooling & Engineering Drawings
- Question (Drawing Interpretation): “How do you approach reading a complex technical blueprint when preparing to manufacture or adjust a welding fixture for a vehicle body panel?”
- Question (Precision Measurement): “Which measuring tools (e.g., vernier calipers, micrometers, dial indicators) would you use to verify tolerance levels on a Body Shop jig?”
Troubleshooting & Safety
- Question (Fault-Finding): “If a production fixture repeatedly misaligns a vehicle part on the assembly line, what steps would you take to identify whether the issue is wear, damage, or adjustment?”
How to Apply
Submit your application directly through the official Volkswagen Group Africa Careers portal:
- Department: Production Division / Tooling
- Location: Kariega (Uitenhage), Eastern Cape
- Programme Dates: 01 October 2026 – 31 March 2028