CHIETA Data Lab Project 2026 (Data Science & AI Skills Program)

Host Institution: Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC) – Tembisa Campus

Partners: CXI-Africa & CHIETA (Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority)

Location: Tembisa, Gauteng, South Africa

Program Type: 6-Month Skills Program / Practical Data Lab

Financial Support: Stipend Provided for 6 Months

Target Audience: EWC Students & NC(V) IT Graduates

Program Overview

Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC), in strategic partnership with CXI-Africa and the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), has opened applications for the 6-Month CHIETA Data Lab Project 2026.

Hosted at the EWC Tembisa Campus, this practical skills initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academic Information Technology qualifications and industry-ready data capabilities. Selected TVET graduates and students will gain hands-on exposure to Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning concepts, and real-world data engineering projects.

Participants will function as active contributors in a live Data Lab, building functional prototype solutions using real enterprise datasets, strengthening problem-solving skills, and preparing for entry-level roles in South Africa's growing digital economy.

Key Benefits & Practical Exposure

• Hands-on Data Projects: Work directly with real-world datasets to build functional data models, prototypes, and analytics dashboards.

• Industry-Relevant Skills: Gain practical exposure to high-demand technical fields including Data Science, Business Intelligence, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

• Financial Assistance: Successful participants receive a monthly stipend for the full 6-month duration of the program.

• Employability Enhancement: Build a tangible portfolio of work to present to prospective employers in the ICT, banking, manufacturing, and analytics sectors.

Eligibility Criteria & Minimum Requirements

To qualify for screening, applicants must satisfy the following academic and institutional criteria:

• Institutional Requirement: Must be a current or former student of Ekurhuleni West TVET College (EWC).

• Academic Qualifications: Must have successfully completed NC(V) Levels 2, 3, and 4 in Information Technology (or an equivalent recognized NQF Level 4 IT qualification).

• Campus Accessibility: Must be able to attend daily, face-to-face training and lab sessions at the EWC Tembisa Campus.

• Availability: Must be immediately available to participate for the full 6-month period without conflicting full-time work or study commitments.

Career Pathways & Target Roles

While completion of the 6-month program provides practical workplace preparation rather than a degree, the skills acquired align with core entry-level digital career pathways, including:

• Junior Data Analyst / Data Engineer Trainee

• Business Intelligence (BI) Support

• Junior Software / Application Developer

• Database Administrator Assistant

• IT Support & Systems Technician

How to Apply & Submission Channels

Interested and qualified EWC students must submit their application directly to the project administrators before the closing date.

Application Contacts

• Primary Email Submissions: mikateko.nkuna@cxi-africa.com or partnerships@ewc.edu.za

• Contact Phone Number: 083 284 9549

• Official Website: cxi-africa.com

Candidate Application Checklist

When submitting your application email prior to the 11 September 2026 deadline, ensure you attach clear PDF copies of the following standard documents:

1. Updated CV: Detail your academic background, technical skills (programming languages, database tools), and contact details.

2. Academic Transcripts: Include certified copies of your NC(V) Level 2, 3, and 4 IT statement of results or certificates.

3. South African ID Copy: Clear, certified copy of your Smart ID or barcoded ID book.

4. Email Subject Line: Use a clear subject line, such as: Application: CHIETA Data Lab Project 2026 - [Your Name & Surname].