Clover has built its reputation over more than 125 years as one of South Africa’s best-known dairy brands. For young people it also offers apprenticeships, learnerships and YES work-experience programmes. This guide covers what is on offer, who qualifies, how to apply and how to avoid mistakes.
Direct application link: Clover online recruitment portal (clover.erecruit.co)
Browse “View All Vacancies”, pick the programme you qualify for, and submit through the official portal only.
Important: check what is open right now
I could not find a Clover apprenticeship advert for 2026/2027 that is open today. Here is what I found:
- The most recent Artisan Apprentice advert had a deadline of 16 October 2025. Clover tends to repeat this intake, so a 2026/2027 round is likely, but I can’t confirm a date.
- The Call Centre Learnership closed on 31 July 2026.
- The Merchandiser YES Learnership, with 112 posts, closed on 3 February 2026.
Treat the details below as the pattern from recent intakes. Always confirm requirements and closing dates on the portal before you apply.
About Clover
Clover has been part of South African households for more than 125 years, producing dairy and consumer products that reach millions of homes every day. That means a large manufacturing, sales and customer-service operation, and many skilled people keeping it running. Its youth programmes feed that pipeline.
The Artisan Apprenticeship (Millwright)
This is the main “dairy apprenticeship”. It is a 4-year programme that takes you toward qualifying as an Artisan Millwright.
A millwright installs, maintains and repairs the machinery that keeps a production plant moving: pumps, conveyors, filling lines and gearboxes. In a dairy, that machinery runs constantly, so these skills are in demand.
What you can expect to do
Based on the programme outline from a previous intake:
- Complete practical and theoretical requirements.
- Study at formal learning institutions.
- Complete induction, maintenance theory and practice, dairy technology, and productivity and economy subjects.
- Complete the practical training curriculum and the Millwright Trade Test at the designated training centre.
- Work at a manufacturing plant for hands-on experience during the programme.
Typical requirements
The latest advert asked for:
- A Grade 12 National Senior Certificate or NQF Level 4, with Electrical or Mechanical Engineering subjects
- Above 60% in Physical Science
- Above 60% in Mathematics (Maths Literacy does not count)
- Strong analytical and communication skills
Where it has been offered
Earlier intakes covered Clayville/Midrand in Gauteng, Queensburgh in KwaZulu-Natal, Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape and Bloemfontein in the Free State. Locations can change, so check the advert.
Other youth opportunities at Clover
If you don’t meet the apprenticeship marks, these programmes are worth watching.
YES Merchandiser Learnership. This is a 12-month work experience programme for unemployed youth. Learners handle in-store stock control, basic merchandising such as facing products and placement, and spotting ways to improve Clover’s shelf presence. Earlier rounds asked for Grade 12 or NQF Level 4, fluent business English, and willingness to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays. clover merchandiser yes learnership programme 2026 now open 112 posts +2
Call Centre Learnership. This is a theory-plus-practical programme in Roodepoort, Gauteng, for unemployed applicants. Applicants with Mathematical Literacy could apply with an average of at least 55%. Clover did not publish a stipend amount in that advert.
Everything to know before you apply
1. Check your marks first
The apprenticeship has firm subject-mark cut-offs. If your Maths is under 60% or you took Maths Literacy, you will probably be screened out, so consider the learnerships instead.
2. Prepare your documents
Have these ready as clear scans or PDFs:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Matric certificate or latest statement of results
- Any N-level or technical certificates
- An up-to-date CV
- A working email address and cellphone number
3. Write a focused CV
Keep it to two pages. Put your contact details and marks near the top. List relevant school projects, technical subjects, workshop experience or volunteering. For the apprenticeship, mention mechanical or electrical interests and any practical hands-on experience.
4. Apply early
Portals often slow down or crash near the deadline. Applying in the first week reduces the risk of technical problems.
5. Use the correct reference number
Adverts usually carry a reference number. The Call Centre Learnership, for example, used the reference CLO260717-2. Quote the reference for the role you are applying for.
6. Expect shift and site requirements
Plant and retail roles may involve shifts, early starts, weekends and public holidays. Be honest with yourself about whether you can commit, including transport to the site.
7. Beware of scams
Clover will not ask you to pay for an application, a uniform or a “placement fee”. Apply only through the official portal, and don’t trust social media posts or WhatsApp messages asking for money.
Step-by-step: how to apply
- Go to clover.erecruit.co.
- Open the vacancy list and look for “Artisan: Apprentice” or the learnership you want.
- Read the full advert, including the closing date and location.
- Create a profile or log in.
- Upload your CV and supporting documents.
- Submit, then save the confirmation or reference.
- Check your email and spam folder regularly for assessment or interview invitations.
Tips for the selection process
- Study for the assessments. Technical programmes often use aptitude tests covering maths, mechanical reasoning and basic science. Practise past papers and online mechanical-aptitude tests.
- Be ready to explain your interest. Panels like to hear why you want this trade and what you have done to learn about it.
- Show reliability. Punctuality, a good attendance record and clear communication matter as much as marks.
- Ask questions. Asking about training, the trade test and career paths shows genuine interest.
Why it’s worth it
An apprenticeship leads to a trade qualification, which is recognised and in demand across manufacturing, food processing, mining and engineering. Experience at a household name like Clover can also open doors beyond the dairy industry. For learnerships, the main benefit is real work experience, which many employers require before they will consider a candidate.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Clover apprenticeship paid?
Apprentices are generally paid, but I did not find a published amount, so check the advert or ask at interview.
Can I apply with Maths Literacy?
Not for the Millwright apprenticeship. It requires Mathematics above 60%. Some learnerships accept Maths Literacy with a minimum average.
Do I need experience?
Entry-level programmes are aimed at people without work experience.
How many times can I apply?
You can reapply when new intakes open, provided you still meet the requirements.
Final word
The 2026/2027 apprenticeship window may not be open yet, so set up your profile on the Clover recruitment portal, keep your documents ready and check back often. When it opens, apply early.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not an official Clover publication. Requirements, dates and locations can change, so confirm them on Clover’s official portal.
I can also turn this into a Word document or a shorter social-media post if you’d like.
Conversation
0 Comments