Temporary Ergonomist Intern

Volkswagen Group Services GmbH; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work up to 20%

Job summary

Volkswagen Group Africa is seeking an Ergonomics Intern to support ergonomic assessments, design improvements, and data-driven interventions within the automotive manufacturing environment. You will help evaluate workstations, tools, and tasks, contributing to safer, healthier, and more efficient work practices in Kariega and other sites.

The role emphasizes supervision-based learning, documentation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to promote employee wellbeing and productivity in

Qualifications

• Bachelor degrees in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics or related fields.
• Health and safety qualifications are advantageous.
• Basic life support certificate is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Ergonomic design and risk assessment in a manufacturing setting.
• Workstation analysis and improvement to enhance wellbeing and safety.
• Injury prevention and return-to-work support for employees.
• Implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of ergonomic solutions.
• Training and reporting on ergonomic practices and data analysis.
• Ensure documentation and collaboration with internal and external teams.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics

Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics

Honours in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics

Masters in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics

ESSA Registration

Health and safety qualifications

Basic life support certificate

Job description

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At Volkswagen Group Africa, we are more than a car manufacturer – we are a global mobility company driven by innovation, quality, and our people. With operating sites in Kariega (Uitenhage), Centurion, and Sandton, we combine a proud heritage of engineering excellence with a strong focus on the future. We produce vehicles and mobility solutions that deliver performance, safety, and sustainability. Our success is powered by diverse, skilled, and passionate employees who value collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. As part of the global Volkswagen Group, we operate in a dynamic environment where innovation, digitalization, and sustainability shape everything we do. Joining Volkswagen Group Africa means being part of a team building mobility for generations – responsibly, sustainably, and together.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The purpose of the Ergonomics Intern position is to support the identification, assessment, and improvement of ergonomic conditions within the automotive manufacturing environment. The role assists in evaluating workstations, tools, equipment, tasks, and employee movement patterns to reduce ergonomic risk factors, prevent musculoskeletal injuries, improve employee comfort, and support safe, efficient, and sustainable work practices. The intern will work under supervision to contribute to ergonomic risk assessments, workplace observations, data collection, employee education, and the implementation of practical ergonomic interventions aligned with occupational health, safety, productivity, and employee wellbeing objectives. this position is based in the Wellness Centre – Human Resources (Kariega)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ergonomic Design & Risk Assessment: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design ergonomic work environments, conduct workplace assessments, and identify risks related to posture, manual handling, repetitive tasks, vibration, and workstation design.
• Workstation Analysis & Improvement: Evaluate workstations, tools, equipment, and work processes to ensure ergonomic suitability, recommending practical improvements that enhance employee wellbeing, safety, comfort, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Injury Prevention & Return-to-Work Support: Assist in reducing musculoskeletal injury risks through ergonomic interventions, early identification of high-risk tasks, workplace adjustments, and support for return-to-work and fitness-for-work processes.
• Implementation, Monitoring & Continuous Improvement: Support the implementation of ergonomic solutions, monitor effectiveness through assessments and feedback, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that promote safe and sustainable work practices.
• Training, Awareness & Reporting: Deliver ergonomic awareness initiatives and guidance, maintain accurate records, analyse ergonomic and injury-related data, and prepare reports to support informed decision-making and compliance.
• Compliance, Documentation & Collaboration: Ensure adherence to occupational health, safety, and ergonomic standards while maintaining documentation and working closely with multidisciplinary internal and external teams to support employee health and recovery.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics / Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics / Honours in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics / Masters in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics
• Health and safety qualifications -advantageous
• Basic life support certificate– advantageous

Professional Registration:

• Registration with Ergonomics Society of South Africa (ESSA)

Experience:

• No work experience required.
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good analytical skills

Volkswagen Group Africa is committed to achieving and sustaining an equitable and representative workforce. In line with our Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups.

VWGA communicates with integrity and transparency.

Issued on behalf of HR

Job ID: 26355

Location: ZA

Department: Healthcare and Security

Shift: Full-time

Contract type: Fixed-term

Remote Working: Up to 20%

Posting Date: 3 Sept 2026

Are you in?

We are looking for new talent, employees who want to achieve, believe in innovative power of ideas, leaders who are able to collaborate and adapt to the mobility of the future, take ownership, responsibility, accountability and diverse thinkers in order to embrace our differences.