CETA 2026 Graduate Internship Opportunities: Apply Now to Join Diverse Sectors
Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) is looking for suitable young people to apply for their Graduate Internship Programme opportunities. The closing date for applications is 25 February 2026.
What the programme is all about
CETA is a public‐sector body that trains and develops skills in construction. Their internship is not a dull office job – it’s a rotating, competency‑based learning path that shows you how SETAs (Skills and Training Authorities), funding frameworks, and development projects actually work. If you’re eyeing a future in public service, project management or governance, this could be a game‑changer.
Where you can work
The internship takes place across many departments, and you can work from locations such as Limpopo, Kwa‑Zulu‑Natal, Western Cape, Northern Cape or Eastern Cape – or even head office in Johannesburg. Below are the main fields you can choose from:
| Field | What you’ll do | Typical tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Client Services & Projects | Stakeholder engagement & project coordination | • Admin and coordinate projects • Handle enquiries and correspondence • Keep project docs and records • Help with budgets and reporting • Track progress |
| Monitoring, Evaluation & Transformation | Measure programme performance | • Gather and collate data • Draft evaluation reports • Track transformation goals • Keep compliance records • Support audit prep |
| Finance | Budgeting and financial reporting | • Assist with financial docs • Support budgeting processes • Prepare expenditure reports • Maintain financial records |
| Project Monitoring | Track milestones | • Record project milestones • Compile monitoring reports • Maintain progress databases |
| Project Finance | Finance support for projects | • Track project costs • Manage grant admin • Keep project financial docs |
| Supply Chain Management (SCM) | Procurement & compliance | • Assist with procurement admin • Manage supplier docs • Keep SCM records • Support compliance & audit |
| Governance & Audit | Regulatory compliance | • Report on governance • Prepare audit docs • Check policy compliance |
| ICT | Digital support | • Basic ICT help • Manage data • Improve internal digital tools |
| Risk Management | Identify and reduce risks | • Update risk registers • Track compliance • Contribute to reports |
| Facilities | Infrastructure support | • Coordinate facilities ops • Keep schedules and records • Plan operational needs |
| Secretariat | Committee support | • Prepare agendas • Take minutes • Keep governance records • Manage board admin |
| Strategic Support | Planning & reporting | • Draft strategic plans • Assist reports • Maintain planning records |
| Communications & Stakeholder Management | Public engagement | • Create comms materials • Coordinate stakeholders • Track engagement |
Core duties across all units
- Perform entry‑level tasks
- Handle correspondence & maintain records
- Support budgeting and reporting
- Collect data for monthly/quarterly reports
- Assist managers and supervisors
- Prepare meeting agendas & take minutes
- Create a presentation at least once a quarter
- Experience rotational exposure to different departments
Why this matters
- Learn how a public SETA operates and how government money is spent
- Understand the Skills Development Act, PFMA, BBBEE and Employment Equity
- Gain hands‑on skills in administration, project support, reporting and compliance
- Build a portfolio that shows you can work across different functions
- Opens doors to junior project coordinator roles, governance positions, or even permanent public‑sector jobs
Who can apply
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | South African only |
| Age | Under 35 |
| ID | Valid South African ID (certified copy required) |
| Qualifications | Post‑matric degree, ND, BTech or similar in areas such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Office Administration, Project Management, Management Assistant or related fields |
| Experience | No previous SETA internship or employment needed – this is an entry‑level gig |
| Documents | CV, motivation letter, certified ID, certified academic certificates |
How to apply – step by step
- Prepare your CV – keep it clear, include any internships or volunteer work, and show any project or admin experience.
- Write a motivation letter – explain why you want to work in construction skills development and what you hope to learn.
- Get your docs certified – copy your ID and academic certificates to the nearest ID office or university registrar.
- Fill out the online application – use the portal linked below and attach your CV, motivation letter, ID copy, and qualification certificates.
- Submit before 23:59 on 25 February 2026 – once you click “Submit”, you’re in the mix.
Apply right here before it closes
Tips to stand out
- Highlight any public‑sector or community projects you’ve worked on.
- Show you know basic terms like “SETAs” and “BBBEE” – a little research goes a long way.
- Make your motivation letter a story, not a list – talk about a specific moment that sparked your interest.
- Keep your CV bullet‑pointed and concise – recruiters skim quickly.
- Proof‑read carefully – typos can cost you!
After the internship
A successful stint can lead to:
- Junior project coordinator roles
- Public‑sector administration jobs
- SETA programme officer positions
- Monitoring & evaluation roles
- Governance or compliance careers
- Project management in NGOs, municipalities or national departments
Your time with CETA builds a solid foundation that many employers in the public and development sectors love.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies? | South African graduates under 35 with a relevant qualification and no prior SETA internship. |
| Do I need work experience? | No – this is entry‑level. |
| Will I rotate? | Yes, rotation is a key part of the programme. |
| What skills matter most? | Administration, reporting, project support, governance awareness and communication. |
| Is it a guarantee of a job? | Not guaranteed, but it boosts your employability in the public sector. |
Closing reminder
CLOSING DATE: 25 February 2026 – don’t miss it.
Need help?
Send enquiries to bukiwex@ceta.co.za or louizes@ceta.co.za.
Trustworthy source
The application is posted directly on the CETA official portal. We only provide a risk assessment – always double‑check with the official site before submitting any personal data.
Want a deeper dive?
Check out more opportunities and get expert tips on our Edupstairs hub – we’re here to help you land your dream job.
