The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) plays a vital role in developing the skilled workforce needed to support South Africa’s chemical sector. The industry is one of the country’s largest manufacturing sectors, producing products used every day in healthcare, agriculture, mining, construction, energy, plastics, cosmetics, and industrial manufacturing.
As technology, sustainability, and industrial innovation continue to transform the chemical industry, the demand for skilled professionals is increasing. CHIETA supports this growth by funding learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, bursaries, skills programmes, and workplace learning initiatives that prepare South Africans for rewarding careers.
Whether you are interested in chemical engineering, laboratory sciences, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, plastics, or industrial operations, understanding CHIETA can help you discover valuable skills development opportunities.
What is CHIETA?
CHIETA is one of South Africa’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities established under the Skills Development Act.
Its primary responsibility is to facilitate education, occupational training, and workforce development within the chemical industries while supporting employers to develop a highly skilled workforce.
The organisation works closely with chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, petrochemical producers, educational institutions, TVET colleges, universities, accredited training providers, and government departments.
Industries Covered by CHIETA
CHIETA supports skills development across a wide range of industries, including:
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Petrochemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Plastics Manufacturing
- Fertilisers
- Paints and Coatings
- Cosmetics
- Glass Manufacturing
- Explosives Manufacturing
- Industrial Gases
- Rubber Manufacturing
- Laboratory Services
CHIETA’s Core Responsibilities
CHIETA is responsible for:
- Funding learnerships
- Supporting apprenticeships
- Promoting workplace learning
- Supporting internships
- Developing occupational qualifications
- Accrediting training providers
- Identifying scarce and critical skills
- Administering mandatory and discretionary grants
- Developing Sector Skills Plans
Its work helps strengthen South Africa’s chemical manufacturing sector while improving workforce readiness.
CHIETA Learnerships
CHIETA supports learnerships across numerous occupational fields.
Popular learnership areas include:
- Chemical Operations
- Laboratory Practice
- Production Technology
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Plastics Manufacturing
- Business Administration
- Process Operations
- Environmental Practice
These programmes combine structured classroom learning with practical workplace experience.
Apprenticeships
CHIETA also supports apprenticeship opportunities in technical occupations.
Common apprenticeship fields include:
- Electrician
- Millwright
- Instrument Mechanic
- Boilermaker
- Mechanical Fitter
- Welder
- Chemical Plant Maintenance
- Process Instrumentation
Many apprentices work towards nationally recognised artisan qualifications.
Skills Programmes
CHIETA funds shorter occupational skills programmes designed to strengthen technical and workplace competencies.
Examples include:
- Chemical Process Operations
- Laboratory Safety
- Quality Assurance
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Environmental Management
- Process Control
- Production Supervision
Internships and Graduate Programmes
Many chemical companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, laboratories, petrochemical organisations, and research institutions partner with CHIETA to provide internship and graduate workplace learning opportunities.
Funding and Grants
CHIETA administers several funding mechanisms, including:
- Mandatory Grants
- Discretionary Grants
- Learnership Funding
- Apprenticeship Funding
- Internship Funding
- Skills Programme Funding
- Workplace Learning Grants
Funding priorities align with South Africa’s industrial development and manufacturing goals.
Career Opportunities Supported by CHIETA
Training supported by CHIETA may prepare individuals for careers such as:
- Chemical Process Operator
- Chemical Engineer
- Laboratory Technician
- Quality Assurance Technician
- Production Supervisor
- Environmental Officer
- Process Controller
- Instrument Technician
- Plant Operator
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician
How to Apply for CHIETA Opportunities
CHIETA opportunities may be advertised through:
- CHIETA
- Chemical manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Petrochemical organisations
- Accredited training providers
- Universities and TVET colleges
- YouthSETA
Always ensure you meet the programme requirements before submitting your application.
Why CHIETA Matters
The chemical industry supports numerous sectors of South Africa’s economy, from healthcare and agriculture to mining and manufacturing. CHIETA helps ensure the industry continues developing skilled professionals capable of supporting innovation, industrial growth, environmental sustainability, and safe manufacturing practices.
Thabang Maimela’s Perspective
The chemical industry offers far more career opportunities than many people realise. While most people immediately think of laboratories, CHIETA supported programmes also prepare individuals for careers in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, plastics, petrochemicals, environmental management, and industrial operations.
My advice is to look beyond traditional science careers. Modern chemical industries require engineers, artisans, technicians, production specialists, quality controllers, and environmental professionals. Developing these skills can open doors to stable and rewarding careers in one of South Africa’s most important manufacturing sectors.
— Thabang Maimela
Founder & Editor, YouthSETA
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CHIETA stand for?
CHIETA stands for the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority.
What industries does CHIETA cover?
CHIETA supports the chemical sector, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, fertilisers, paints, cosmetics, industrial gases, rubber manufacturing, laboratory services, and chemical manufacturing.
Does CHIETA offer learnerships?
Yes. CHIETA supports learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, skills programmes, bursaries, and workplace learning initiatives across the chemical industries.
Who can apply for CHIETA programmes?
Eligibility depends on the programme, but many opportunities are available to South African youth, graduates, employed individuals, and unemployed job seekers.
Does CHIETA provide funding?
Yes. CHIETA administers mandatory grants, discretionary grants, learnership funding, apprenticeship funding, internship funding, skills programme funding, and workplace learning support.
How can I find CHIETA opportunities?
CHIETA opportunities may be advertised through the official CHIETA website, participating employers, accredited training providers, universities, TVET colleges, YouthSETA, and CareersPursuit.
I am Thabang Maimela, Founder and Editor of CareersPursuit and YouthSETA, two South African platforms dedicated to helping individuals access employment opportunities, skills development programmes, and career growth resources. Through CareersPursuit, I focus on jobs, internships, apprenticeships, graduate programmes, learnerships, and career advice, while YouthSETA specialises in SETA learnerships, skills programmes, youth development initiatives, and workplace readiness resources. My mission is to make reliable, up to date information more accessible, helping South Africans build skills, improve employability, and navigate their career journeys with confidence. Read more about the author on the About US page.