Graduate Internship Programme at CHIETA

The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) invites ambitious, dynamic, and forward-thinking South African graduates to apply for its 24-month Graduate Internship Programme based in Pretoria, Gauteng. Designed specifically to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical workplace expertise, this structured youth development programme offers hands-on operational exposure across various critical business units, including Human Resources, ICT, and the Office of the CEO. Successful candidates will collaborate directly with industry professionals, gain invaluable public sector insights, and develop high-demand workplace competencies while earning a fixed monthly stipend of R7,000.

Key Responsibilities

• Human Resources Intern: Assist with coordinating new employee induction programmes, track and evaluate monthly staff demographics and termination trends, liaise with medical aid and pension fund brokers, coordinate performance management documentation, support employee wellness initiatives, and execute day-to-day HR administrative operations.

• Administration Intern (Office of the CEO): Provide comprehensive administrative support to the CEO's office, take detailed minutes during stakeholder and MANCO meetings, assist in audit preparations for internal auditors and the Auditor-General, conduct document control sessions, manage digital archiving, and coordinate executive travel arrangements.

• ICT Intern: Support the ICT department in routine service desk operations, assist with basic hardware and software troubleshooting, provide remote end-user technical support, log user requirements across business units, and compile statutory reporting documentation.

• General Administration: Maintain accurate filing systems, uphold information security policies, and participate in cross-functional departmental projects as assigned by mentors.

Why Join the Company

CHIETA is a premier statutory body committed to advancing skills development within South Africa's vital chemical manufacturing sector. Joining CHIETA on this 24-month contract ensures meaningful exposure to governance, statutory operations, and strategic organizational processes. Interns benefit from a supportive workplace culture centered on ethical leadership, continuous professional development, dedicated mentorship, and progressive career empowerment.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Highlight Academic Distinction: Ensure your academic transcripts are clearly legible and demonstrate your minimum aggregate of 65%, emphasizing modules that directly align with HR metrics, modern ICT troubleshooting, or executive public administration.

• Target the Role and Reference Code: Tailor your curriculum vitae specifically to the stream you are targeting (HR, Administration, or ICT) and ensure the designated reference code (e.g., Reference: HR2026 or Reference: AS2026) is prominently placed at the top of your CV and email subject line.

• Showcase Core Digital and Soft Skills: Explicitly mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, formal business correspondence, and virtual collaboration software, illustrating instances where you exercised discretion, teamwork, and structured problem-solving.

Interview Preparation

Candidates shortlisted for the CHIETA internship programme should prepare for structured, competency-based interview questions such as:

• "How do you maintain strict confidentiality and ethical standards when handling sensitive stakeholder information or employee personnel records?"

• "Can you describe an instance during your studies where you had to prioritize multiple conflicting deadlines under tight time constraints, and how did you manage your workflow?"

Applicants can practice formulating compelling answers to these questions and refine their professional communication skills by using the YouthNextStep Interview Simulator.

How to Apply

Interested qualifying graduates must submit a comprehensive, recently updated CV, academic records, certified copy of South African ID, certified copy of Matric certificate, and certified copies of tertiary qualifications to 📧 [email protected].

Please state the specific position and reference code in the subject line of your email submission:

• Human Resource Intern: Reference: HR2026

• Administration Intern: Reference: AS2026

• ICT Intern: Reference: ICT2026

Applications close promptly on 16 October 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

• South African citizen residing in Gauteng or willing to relocate to Pretoria.

• For Human Resources: Degree (NQF Level 7) in Human Resource Management or related field.

• For Administration: Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Public Management, Administration, or related qualification.

• For ICT: National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Information Technology or related field.

• Minimum overall academic aggregate of 65% for the completed qualification.

• No prior formal work experience required.

• Proficiency in computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics.

• A valid South African driver's license will be considered an added advantage.