The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) is a statutory body that facilitates skills development and training within the chemical sector. They act as the bridge between the government, employers, and employees to ensure South Africa has a skilled workforce in sub-sectors like petroleum, base chemicals, glass, and pharmaceuticals. Interning here gives you a “bird’s-eye view” of how national skills development and industry regulations work.
Role Overview & Key Responsibilities
As a CHIETA intern, you will be integrated into a specific functional area (such as Finance, HR, IT, or Skills Development).
- Project Administration: Assisting in the rollout of skills development projects and bursary schemes.
- Compliance & Monitoring: Helping verify that training providers meet the required national standards.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Communicating with various chemical industry partners and educational institutions.
- Data & Reporting: Maintaining accurate records of training interventions and compiling reports for management.
Minimum Requirements (Strict)
- Education: A relevant Tertiary Qualification (Degree/Diploma).
- Academic Performance: A minimum aggregate of 65% for your overall qualification is required.
- Experience: Strictly no previous work experience (this is for fresh graduates).
- Tech Skills: Must be computer literate (MS Office suite).
- Added Advantage: A valid driver’s license.
Career Advice: The “SETA” Advantage
- The 65% Rule: CHIETA is very specific about academic performance. You must include your academic transcripts in your application to prove you met the 65% aggregate. If you don’t attach your transcripts, your application will likely be ignored.
- Highlight “Soft Skills”: Since they require no work experience, they are hiring based on your behavioral competencies. Use your cover letter to provide examples of where you showed Innovation or Diversity Awareness during university.
- Understand the Sector: Research what CHIETA does. Mentioning that you understand the importance of the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) will make you stand out as a candidate who has done their homework.
- Professionalism First: As a regulator of ethics and standards, CHIETA expects your application to be flawless. Double-check your spelling and ensure your “certified copies” are clear and recent.
Possible Interview Questions
“CHIETA values ‘Integrity and Professionalism.’ Can you describe a situation where you had to uphold high ethical standards?”
- Answer: “During my final year project, I had access to sensitive data from a local business. I ensured that all information remained confidential and was only used for the intended academic purpose, following all data privacy protocols.”
“What do you hope to learn during a 24-month period that you wouldn’t learn in 12 months?”
- Answer: “A 24-month period allows me to see projects through a full cycle—from initial planning to final reporting. It gives me the time to move from being a learner to someone who can truly add value and take ownership of specific administrative tasks.”
“The chemical industry is highly regulated. Why do you think quality assurance and compliance are important?”
- Answer: “Compliance ensures safety and consistency. In the chemical sector, even small errors can have huge environmental or safety consequences. Working at CHIETA, I understand that my role helps maintain the high standards that keep the industry and the workforce safe.”
How to Apply
- Monthly Stipend: R7,000.00
- Closing Date: 11 February 2026 (16h30).
- Email CV to:
recruitment@chieta.org.za - Mandatory Attachments: CV, Certified ID, Certified Qualification, and Full Academic Transcripts.