CHIETA Administration Internship Programme 2025 to 2027

The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) is one of South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). Its mandate is to drive skills development and training in the chemical and manufacturing industries. Every year, CHIETA runs graduate internship programmes to give unemployed graduates an opportunity to gain workplace experience.

For the 2025 to 2027 intake, CHIETA is offering Administration Internships based in Gauteng Province. These internships last for 24 months and come with a monthly stipend of R7,000. Applications must be submitted before 26 September 2025, and if you do not hear back by 1 October 2025, you should assume your application was unsuccessful.

This internship is not just about filing paperwork. It is about learning how organisations operate behind the scenes; how data is managed, how accreditation works, how policies are implemented, and how quality assurance is monitored. For graduates with a Diploma in Business Administration or related fields, it is a golden opportunity to gain practical experience while being paid.

What You Will Learn and Do as an Administration Intern

As a CHIETA Administration Intern, you won’t be expected to sit idle. Instead, you will rotate across different administrative tasks and gradually take on responsibility. Some examples include

• Data capturing You will be responsible for inputting accurate data about accredited training providers, programmes, and learners into CHIETA’s ETQA systems. This teaches attention to detail and database management.
• Document control You will learn how to handle sensitive documents, maintain filing systems, and track accreditation and RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) records. This is the backbone of quality assurance.
• Administrative support You will assist senior staff such as accreditation specialists by preparing documents, scheduling meetings, and following up on tasks. This gives exposure to professional work etiquette.
• Monitoring and reporting You will help track accreditation processes, compile reports, and analyse progress data. This develops analytical skills.
• Stakeholder liaison You will sometimes communicate with external training providers, learners, or partner organisations. This builds confidence and interpersonal communication.

These are not just “office jobs”, they are skills every employer looks for. By the end of the internship, you will have built a solid portfolio of administrative and professional skills.

Minimum Requirements Explained

To qualify, you must meet CHIETA’s requirements. Let’s break them down:

• Diploma NQF Level 6 in Business Administration or similar with 65% average This ensures that you have the theoretical background. The 65% cut-off shows CHIETA wants candidates who applied themselves in their studies.
• Unemployed graduate The programme is specifically for people without work experience, so it’s ideal if you’ve been struggling to land your first job.
• Driver’s licence This is not compulsory, but it gives you an advantage if tasks involve travelling to different offices or training centres.
• Strong communication skills This means you must be able to write emails, draft reports, and speak confidently. Even if your role is admin, you are still a communicator.
• Residency in Gauteng You must already live in Gauteng, as CHIETA will not provide relocation support.

For beginners, this list ensures fairness, the playing field is level since no prior work experience is needed.

Skills and Qualities You Will Develop

This internship is designed to build skills that you can use in any career, not just in the chemical industry. Some of the key skills include

• Planning and organisation Learning how to schedule tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple files at once.
• Attention to detail Employers value graduates who spot mistakes and ensure accuracy in reports and databases.
• Problem solving and innovation You will sometimes be asked to suggest improvements or solve admin bottlenecks.
• Teamwork and collaboration You’ll work closely with senior staff and other interns, learning how to fit into professional teams.
• Professional ethics and integrity Handling sensitive information teaches confidentiality and trustworthiness.

These are transferable skills, meaning you can use them if you later move into HR, finance, project management, or even start your own business.

Internship Benefits Salary and Workplace Exposure

• Stipend R7,000 per month, which makes this a paid internship rather than voluntary work.
• Duration 24 months, giving enough time to learn, gain confidence, and add real experience to your CV.
• Workplace exposure You will learn how a SETAs administration systems function, including accreditation, quality assurance, and RPL processes.
• Career readiness Many employers require “at least one year of experience”. After completing this internship, you will have two years of official experience.

Application Process Step by Step

1. Prepare your documents Make sure they are certified copies and still valid.
   • CV with education details and contact information
   • Certified copy of South African ID
   • Certified copy of your Diploma or relevant qualification certificate
   • Certified academic record or transcript with marks achieved
   • Certified matric certificate if requested
2. Scan them into PDF format keep file sizes small and clear.
3. Write a short, professional cover email with a subject line like Application Administration Intern Your Name.
4. Send everything to recruitment@chieta.org.za before the closing date.
5. Keep a copy of your sent email for your records.

What Happens After You Apply

• Screening Your documents will be checked for completeness and eligibility.
• Background checks CHIETA may run checks on your ID and qualifications.
• Assessments or interviews Shortlisted candidates might be tested on their admin skills or interviewed.
• Feedback If you don’t hear back by 1 October 2025, your application was not successful.

This step-by-step process ensures transparency and fairness.

Why This Internship Is Worth Applying For

• You get two years of paid work experience with no prior experience required.
• You gain a solid administrative foundation that employers in any sector value.
• You work inside a national authority, which looks impressive on a CV.
• You learn about quality assurance, accreditation, and RPL processes, which are niche and valuable skills.
• You build soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management that are necessary in any profession.

For many graduates, this could be the first step to a permanent role in administration, HR, project support, or skills development.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting uncertified documents make sure every copy is stamped and signed.
• Using vague subject lines always use a clear format.
• Forgetting the Gauteng residency rule if you don’t live in Gauteng, your application will be rejected.
• Waiting until the last day servers may be busy. Apply early.
• Sending messy CVs keep formatting neat with headings for education, achievements, and contact details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this internship paid
Yes the stipend is R7,000 per month.

How long is the programme
It runs for 24 months from 2025 to 2027.

Where is it based
In Gauteng Province at CHIETA offices.

Do I need experience
No it is designed for unemployed graduates with no work experience.

What if I don’t get feedback
If you don’t hear back by 1 October 2025, you should consider your application unsuccessful.