During my time in a learnership at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, I gained first-hand experience on the operational side of Manufacturing and Production. I worked in a fast-paced, high pressure environment, which required me to adapt quickly, think on my feet, and develop a strong work ethic.

This experience taught me the importance of efficiency, precision and teamwork in large-scale operations. I became familiar with the challenges of maintaining production flow, ensuring quality control and following strict safety and compliance standards. I also learned how to troubleshoot operational issues, communicate effectively with team members and manage tasks under tight deadlines.

What I learnt from this experience?

• Operational Awareness: I gained insight into manufacturing processes and the role of efficiency in large-scale production.
• Problem-Solving under pressure: I developed the ability to troubleshoot issues quickly and adapt to unexpected challenges.
• Attention to Detail: I learned to follow strict quality control and compliance procedures to maintain high production standards.
• Time Management: Balanced multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting while ensuring productivity targets were met.
• Collaboration and Communication: Worked closely with teams to ensure smooth workflow and effective coordination.
• Resilience and Adaptability: I learned to handle physically demanding tasks while maintaining focus and efficiency.

What I enjoyed most about this experience was being a part of the production process, from the very beginning, all the way to the end. It was the first time that I had worked under such immense time pressure, and this allowed me to learn a lot about myself and my capabilities. It allowed me to develop this aspect of myself and challenged me to become the best person I could be. This also opened my eyes to the endless opportunities for innovation within the production environment- an insight that went on to shape the rest of my journey.