FAQs

Internships

Who is eligible for the internship/graduate programme?
We generally look for deserving students who are enthusiastic, creative and strong communicators. They must meet at least the minimum criteria as part of the programme, which can be found on each of the respective pages.

Can an internship lead to full-time opportunities once I graduate?
It certainly can – the internship and other development programmes are based on business needs, and every effort is made to place our trainees within the organisation should a vacancy or need exist. Our interns and graduates are hired based on potential, and are provided with a comprehensive on-boarding curriculum, enabling them to accelerate their careers and become part of the next generation of key contributors and leaders.

How many hours or days per week is an intern required to work?
While we are flexible in terms of our arrangements, allowing for time off for study, exams, graduation and so on, all interns and graduates are subjected to the same work and time requirements as any other employee.

Bursaries

Does Sappi offer bursaries?
Yes.

Does Sappi offer bursaries to foreign students?
No.

When in the year should I start applying for bursaries?
From May to June, with plenty of time to meet the deadline for bursary applications at the end of July.

When is the deadline for bursary applications?
31 July of every year.

Does anyone get preference for bursary opportunities?
Yes – Sappi employees' children, PROTEC learners and communities near our mills.

Will bursary applicants go through some form of assessment during the bursary application process?
Yes, we conduct panel interviews and psychometric tests.

Which fields does Sappi give bursaries to?

• BSc Chemical Engineering
• BSc Electrical Engineering
• BSc Mechanical Engineering
• BSc Forestry and National Diploma Forestry

How many bursaries does Sappi take in a year?
We don’t have a definite number, it's dependent on the business need.

Does Sappi have SETA (Sector Education and Training) bursaries?
Yes, we get them as per discretionary grant allocations.

What is the minimum entrance requirement?
Mathematics 75%, Physical Science 75% and English 65% – and also meeting the minimum aggregate points at the tertiary institution.

Does Sappi have an age limit for bursaries?
Yes, applicants should be between the ages of 18 to 23 years old.

How do I apply for a bursary?
Forward your motivational letter, CV, grade 11 and mid-term results for grade 12, if already studying at any of the accredited universities we will require your academic transcript as well. You can send all information to Bursary.recruitment@sappi.com

Does Sappi have any preferred universities?
Yes, successful recipients of a Sappi bursary will be obliged to study at one of the following tertiary institutions in partnership with Sappi:

• University of Pretoria
• University of Witwatersrand
• University of Cape Town
• University of Stellenbosch
• Northwest University (Potch campus)
• University of KwaZulu-Natal
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Who do I contact to apply for bursary, EIT and internship programme at Sappi?

Jessie Freitas
Tel +27 (0)11 407 8425

Alternatively, you can use the Sappi careers website.

What other programmes can we apply for at Sappi?
Workplace Integrated Learning/Experiential Learning across all disciplines, apprenticeship in engineering trades, Technicians in Training, Process Learnership Pulp and Paper.

Engineers in Training (EIT)

Does Sappi offer EIT training to Sappi bursary holders only?
Predominantly, however if we do not have students completing their studies from our bursary scheme, we will source externally or through our WIL (work integrated learning programme).

What is the duration of the Sappi EIT programme?
It is a two-year programme.

Is there a guarantee of full-time employment after a two year EIT programme?
Employment is based on performance and business needs; we hope to accommodate as many as we can.

How much do Sappi pay their EITs?
Market-related salaries as per our salary band structure.

What training does the EIT programme offer?
In addition to on-the-job training and constant coaching by line managers and mentors, participants attend internal workshops and soft skills workshops dedicated to sharpening business skills. These are aimed at making it possible for professional registration with ECSA.

Does Sappi give vacation work to external requests?
On occasion – this is based on our operating mills capacity.

How does the application process work for in-service training?
Various mills or units advertise their positions on the Sappi careers website.

Who should I contact if I have a question?
Jessie Freitas
Tel +27 (0)11 407 8425
Bursary.recruitment@sappi.com