For graduates interested in building a career in occupational health, safety, and environmental management, Saint-Gobain has opened applications for its EHS Trainee (YES Programme) in Brakpan, Gauteng.
The programme gives successful candidates an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while supporting the company’s Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) operations.
Rather than learning only from textbooks, trainees work alongside experienced professionals and become involved in real workplace safety inspections, environmental monitoring, compliance activities, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
For graduates who want to enter the manufacturing or industrial sector, programmes like this can provide valuable experience that employers often look for when recruiting Health and Safety professionals.
Quick Overview
Company
Saint-Gobain
Programme
EHS Trainee (YES Programme)
Location
Brakpan, Gauteng
Employment Type
Fixed-Term Contract
Department
Health, Safety and Environment (EHS)
Work Arrangement
On-site
Reference Number
ZAF00635
Published Date
12 July 2026
About Saint-Gobain
Saint-Gobain is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sustainable construction materials and innovative building solutions, operating in more than 70 countries.
The company has a long history of investing in workplace safety, environmental responsibility, and employee development. Through graduate and youth development programmes such as the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, Saint-Gobain helps young professionals gain practical workplace experience while developing industry-relevant skills.
The company has also been recognised as a Top Employer 2026, reflecting its commitment to employee development and workplace excellence.
Why This Programme Matters
Many graduates complete their qualifications but struggle to secure their first professional role because employers often expect practical experience.
The Saint-Gobain EHS Trainee Programme is designed to help bridge that gap.
Participants gain exposure to workplace safety systems, environmental compliance, risk management, audits, inspections, and reporting processes that are commonly used across manufacturing and industrial businesses.
Even though this is a fixed-term programme, the experience gained can strengthen future applications for roles such as:
Health and Safety Officer
SHE Representative
Environmental Officer
Risk Officer
Compliance Officer
Quality and Safety Coordinator
Working in a structured corporate environment also helps graduates develop professional communication, teamwork, planning, and problem-solving skills that are valuable across many industries.
What You Will Be Doing
As an EHS Trainee, you’ll support the company’s Health, Safety and Environment team in promoting a safe and compliant workplace.
Your responsibilities may include:
Workplace Safety
Assisting with workplace safety inspections.
Supporting health and safety audits.
Identifying workplace hazards.
Participating in risk assessments.
Helping implement corrective actions.
Monitoring compliance with company safety procedures.
Environmental Management
You’ll also gain exposure to environmental management by:
Supporting environmental inspections.
Collecting environmental performance data.
Assisting with waste management activities.
Participating in environmental awareness campaigns.
Supporting sustainability initiatives.
Assisting with environmental reporting.
Administration
The programme also includes administrative responsibilities such as:
Maintaining EHS databases.
Updating safety records.
Filing compliance documentation.
Preparing monthly performance reports.
Supporting document control processes.
This combination of practical and administrative work provides learners with a well-rounded understanding of how Health, Safety and Environment departments operate in large organisations.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered, applicants should meet the following requirements:
The company is looking for candidates who understand or have exposure to:
ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
Internal auditing processes.
Applicants should also have good computer literacy skills.
What Skills Will Help You Succeed?
Although technical knowledge is important, employers also look for personal qualities that contribute to a safe working environment.
Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:
Good attention to detail.
Strong organisational skills.
Good communication.
Problem-solving ability.
Analytical thinking.
Professional ethics.
A willingness to learn.
The ability to work well in a team.
Good record-keeping skills.
Because Health and Safety professionals help protect both people and the environment, accuracy and attention to detail are particularly important in this type of role.
Documents You Should Prepare Before Applying
Having your documents ready before you start the application can save time and help you avoid unnecessary delays.
While Saint-Gobain may request additional information during the recruitment process, applicants should generally prepare the following:
An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
A certified copy of your South African ID.
A certified copy of your Grade 12 (Matric) certificate.
Certified copies of your Diploma, Degree, SAMTRAC certificate, or equivalent qualification.
Academic transcript (if available).
Any supporting certificates relevant to Occupational Health and Safety.
Before uploading your documents, make sure they are:
Clear and easy to read.
Correctly certified where required.
Saved in the format requested on the application portal.
Keeping digital copies organised in one folder can make the application process much easier.
How to Apply for the Saint-Gobain EHS Trainee (YES Programme)
Go to Saint-Gobain’s official careers website and search for:
EHS Trainee (YES Programme)
You can also search using the reference number:
ZAF00635
Always apply through the official recruitment platform to ensure your application reaches the employer directly.
Step 2: Read the Full Vacancy Carefully
Before applying, take time to read the entire job advertisement.
Pay particular attention to:
Minimum qualifications.
Required certifications.
Location.
Employment type.
Required technical knowledge.
Applying for positions you do not qualify for is one of the most common reasons applications are unsuccessful.
Step 3: Complete Your Online Profile
If you’re applying for the first time, you’ll need to create an account on the Saint-Gobain careers portal.
Complete every section carefully and ensure your personal information matches your official documents.
Remember to use an email address and cellphone number that you check regularly.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
Attach all requested documents before submitting your application.
Before uploading, check that:
Documents are complete.
Files open correctly.
Names and qualification details match your application.
Your CV reflects your latest education and experience.
Step 5: Review Before You Submit
Before clicking “Submit,” take a few minutes to review everything.
Check:
Your personal details.
Contact information.
Qualifications.
Uploaded documents.
Spelling errors.
Submitting a complete and accurate application creates a more professional first impression.
Practical Tips Before You Apply
Competition for graduate and trainee programmes can be strong, especially when they are offered by internationally recognised companies such as Saint-Gobain.
While meeting the minimum requirements is important, preparing a thoughtful application can help you present yourself professionally.
Learn About the Company
Before attending an interview, spend some time learning about Saint-Gobain, its products, and its commitment to workplace safety, sustainability, and innovation.
Understanding the company’s values can help you answer interview questions with greater confidence.
Keep Your CV Relevant
Your CV should clearly highlight:
Your qualifications.
Health and Safety training.
Computer skills.
Academic achievements.
Projects or practical experience.
Any exposure to ISO management systems or internal auditing.
Only include information that is accurate and truthful.
Refresh Your Knowledge
If you’ve completed Occupational Health and Safety studies, take time to revise key topics such as:
Hazard identification.
Risk assessments.
Incident reporting.
Workplace inspections.
Environmental management.
Basic ISO standards.
Even a quick revision can help improve your confidence if you’re invited to an interview.
Apply Before the Closing Date
Avoid waiting until the final day.
Submitting your application early gives you enough time to resolve any technical issues that may arise during the online application process.
Stay Alert for Recruitment Scams
Saint-Gobain does not ask applicants to pay money to apply for employment opportunities.
If anyone requests payment in exchange for interviews, training, or employment, verify the information directly through the company’s official careers website.
The position is advertised as an EHS Trainee (YES Programme), providing workplace experience for young South Africans while supporting professional development.
Do I need previous work experience?
The advert does not list previous work experience as a mandatory requirement. However, knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety principles, ISO management systems, and internal auditing will strengthen your application.
Can I apply with only Matric?
Applicants must have Grade 12 and a Diploma, Degree, SAMTRAC qualification, or an equivalent Occupational Health and Safety qualification.
What will I learn during the programme?
Successful trainees will gain practical exposure to:
Workplace safety inspections.
Environmental compliance.
Hazard identification.
Risk assessments.
Incident investigations.
Sustainability initiatives.
Health and Safety reporting.
EHS administration.
Is this a permanent job?
No.
The opportunity is offered as a fixed-term contract under the YES Programme.
Although it does not guarantee permanent employment, it provides valuable workplace experience that can strengthen future career opportunities.
Where is the position based?
The programme is based in Brakpan, Gauteng, and successful candidates should be able to work on-site.
Final Thoughts
Health, Safety and Environment professionals play an important role in protecting people, workplaces, and the environment.
For graduates looking to begin their careers in Occupational Health and Safety, the Saint-Gobain EHS Trainee (YES Programme) offers an opportunity to gain practical experience within a global manufacturing company while learning from experienced professionals.
Although competition for trainee programmes can be high, every application is an opportunity to take the next step towards your career goals.
If you meet the minimum requirements, prepare your documents carefully, complete your application accurately, and submit it through Saint-Gobain’s official careers website before the application closes.
The experience you gain during a programme like this can become a valuable foundation for future opportunities in Health and Safety, Environmental Management, Compliance, Risk Management, and Manufacturing.
Editorial Note
This article has been prepared by SETA EduFeeds using information available at the time of publication.
Recruitment requirements, programme details, closing dates, and application procedures may change without notice. Applicants should always verify the latest information through Saint-Gobain’s official careers website before submitting an application.
SETA EduFeeds is an independent publication that shares verified education, training, graduate, and employment opportunities. We do not process applications or represent employers. Our goal is to help readers better understand opportunities and apply with confidence.
Nonhlanhla Ndlovu
Nonhlanhla Ndlovu is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Seta.EduFeeds, an independent South African publication dedicated to helping students, graduates, and job seekers discover verified learnerships, internships, bursaries, graduate programmes, apprenticeships, and entry-level career opportunities.
With a strong focus on South Africa’s skills development and employment landscape, she researches and publishes practical, easy-to-understand articles that help readers navigate application requirements, recruitment processes, and career pathways. Her editorial work aims to make complex information accessible, especially for first-time applicants entering the job market.
Before an article is published, Nonhlanhla verifies information using official employer, government, SETA, university, and institutional sources whenever possible. She believes that opportunity journalism should do more than report vacancies—it should explain what opportunities mean, who qualifies, how to apply correctly, and how applicants can avoid common mistakes.
Under her editorial leadership, EduFeeds has become a trusted resource for thousands of South Africans looking for reliable information on education, training, and employment opportunities. The publication follows clear editorial standards that prioritise accuracy, transparency, regular content updates, and people-first reporting.
Beyond publishing opportunities, Nonhlanhla is passionate about empowering young South Africans with the knowledge needed to make informed career decisions. She believes that access to clear, trustworthy information can help reduce barriers to employment and improve access to life-changing opportunities.
When she is not researching new programmes or reviewing articles, she focuses on improving EduFeeds’ editorial quality, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and practical information that supports their education and career journeys.
