The Quality Assurance (QA) 2026 Learnership Programme is one of the most valuable opportunities available to young South Africans who want to begin a professional journey in the pharmaceutical industry. With a monthly stipend of R5,800, structured workplace training, and exposure to real regulatory systems, this learnership offers a strong foundation for long-term career growth. Quality Assurance 2026 Learnership
The programme, offered by Novartis South Africa, aims to develop skilled, responsible, and industry-ready Quality Assurance professionals. If you are interested in science, medication safety, or pharmaceutical quality systems, this opportunity can be your entry point into one of the most regulated and respected fields in the world.
This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about the 2026 QA Learnership—including responsibilities, requirements, eligibility, application steps, and frequently asked questions.
What the Quality Assurance 2026 Learnership Is About
Quality Assurance plays a critical role in ensuring that medicines are safe, effective, and manufactured according to strict quality standards. Because the pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, QA professionals must follow detailed procedures, maintain accurate documentation, and support compliance throughout every stage of production and distribution.
The Quality Assurance Learner role is designed to give young professionals hands-on experience in these essential areas. Learners work alongside experienced QA teams, participate in real projects, and support daily quality operations within the company.
Key Goal of the Programme
The central objective of the QA learnership is to equip learners with the practical skills needed to contribute to batch release processes while ensuring full compliance with regulatory and quality standards. Learners become familiar with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Distribution Practice (GDP), and internal quality systems used across the pharmaceutical industry.
Main Responsibilities of a Quality Assurance Learner
During the programme, learners support several important functions within the QA department. These tasks help learners understand how quality systems operate and how quality decisions are made inside a pharmaceutical environment.
Some of the responsibilities include:
✔ 1. Reviewing and Downloading Temperature Logger Data
Temperature control is essential for medicine safety. Learners evaluate temperature-monitoring devices to support batch release decisions.
✔ 2. Assisting With Batch Release Documentation
QA teams rely heavily on accurate documents. Learners create and update supporting documents required before products can be released to the market.
✔ 3. Managing QA Trackers
This includes keeping internal databases, trackers, and master release documents up to date.
✔ 4. Supporting Complaints and Change Control Processes
Learners help collect information, update systems, and follow up on open cases.
✔ 5. Assisting With Customs Clearance Follow-Ups
Imported pharmaceutical items often require quality verification. Learners help ensure that customs-related quality steps are correctly followed.
✔ 6. Collecting Quality Data for Reporting
This involves gathering accurate data for quality reports, presentations, and improvement projects.
✔ 7. Participating in Incident and Deviation Management
Learners are exposed to the process of investigating quality incidents and supporting corrective actions.
These responsibilities provide comprehensive exposure to pharmaceutical quality systems and help learners develop skills that are highly valued across the healthcare sector.
Essential Educational Requirements
To qualify for this learnership, applicants must meet at least one of the academic requirements below:
- A science-related degree, OR
- A Basic Pharmacy Assistant qualification, OR
- A Post-Basic Pharmacy Assistant qualification
While previous experience in a quality-related environment is beneficial, it is not mandatory. The programme is open to individuals who have completed relevant studies and are ready to gain workplace experience.
Skills and Competencies Needed
Candidates who succeed in this programme typically demonstrate the following:
• Strong Time Management Skills
QA roles require the ability to meet deadlines, especially when supporting batch releases.
• Clear Communication
Because learners work with various departments, good communication—mainly in English—is essential.
• Ability to Work in a Team
Much of pharmaceutical quality management is collaborative.
• Networking Skills
Building good relationships with colleagues supports smoother operations and better information flow.
• Basic Project Management Skills
Learners should understand how to manage tasks, follow plans, and work within simple project structures.
• Understanding of Pharmaceutical Supply Chains
This is helpful but can also be learned during the programme.
• Knowledge of GMP and GDP Principles
A basic understanding of these compliance frameworks is an advantage.
• Ethical Awareness
Quality roles require responsibility, honesty, and respect for patient safety.
Who Should Apply?
To be considered, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Include a motivation letter explaining why they want to join the programme
- Submit academic transcripts alongside the application
- Provide a copy of South African citizenship documentation
Applications that are incomplete or missing required documents may not be considered.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
Novartis South Africa is committed to fairness and transformation in the workplace. The organisation follows Employment Equity principles, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to individuals from all backgrounds—including designated groups—while still selecting candidates based on merit, skills, and potential.
How to Apply (Official Link)
All applications must be submitted online via the official Novartis careers portal.
Apply here:
(Do not hyperlink text in a way that misleads or violates Google’s policies—use the official URL only as provided by the company.)
https://www.novartis.com/careers/career-search/job/details/req-10068101-quality-assurance-learner?codes=IND
Documents You Must Upload
- Your updated CV
- A motivation letter
- Your academic transcripts
- Proof of South African citizenship
Ensure that all documents are clear, readable, and submitted in the correct file format required by the application system.
Why This Learnership Is Valuable
1. Industry Exposure
Pharmaceutical quality is one of the most respected career fields globally, and hands-on experience is highly valuable.
2. Monthly Stipend (R5,800)
Learners receive financial support to cover travel and basic living expenses.
3. Real Workplace Training
Participants learn directly from industry professionals and experience real compliance systems.
4. Career Growth Opportunities
The learnership provides a strong foundation for careers in regulatory affairs, quality control, quality assurance, and supply chain roles.
5. Skills Development
The programme builds technical, analytical, and communication skills that are applicable across multiple industries.
Quality Assurance 2026 Learnership: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is the stipend?
Learners receive a monthly stipend of R5,800 for the duration of the programme.
2. Do I need previous pharmaceutical experience?
No. Experience is not required, although having relevant education or prior exposure to quality systems is an advantage.
3. Is this a permanent job?
No.
This is a learnership, meaning it provides structured learning and workplace experience, not permanent employment.
4. What is the minimum age to apply?
Applicants must be 18 years or older, and not older than 35.
5. What language proficiency is required?
Good English communication skills are necessary because quality documentation and reporting are usually done in English.
6. Can I apply if I am still studying?
Only individuals who have already completed the required qualifications should apply. The programme requires full-time participation.
7. What happens after I apply?
If shortlisted, you may be contacted for assessments or interviews. Only selected applicants will receive updates.
8. Are late applications accepted?
No. Applications must be submitted within the posting period to be considered.
Final Thoughts
The Quality Assurance 2026 Learnership Programme presents an excellent opportunity for young South Africans who want to build a future in the pharmaceutical industry. With a monthly stipend of R5,800, structured training, and exposure to real regulatory processes, this learnership offers both practical experience and career development.
If you are committed to quality, compliance, and healthcare excellence, this programme can be a valuable first step in your professional journey. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as learnerships from leading pharmaceutical companies typically attract a high number of candidates.
Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
