OPENING DATE: 20 APRIL 2026
CLOSING DATE: 30 APRIL 2026
The CHIETA Discretionary Grant is designed for employers and enterprises in the chemical sector, aiming to address the specific needs identified in the CHIETA Sector Skills Plan. It aligns with the DHET Strategic Plan, the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP), and the priorities outlined in the National Skills Development Plan 2030.
CHIETA invites applications from chemical sector employers and enterprises for the 2026/27 Cycle 2 Discretionary Grants to support continuing learners on legacy qualifications and other strategic projects. The application period will be open for only two weeks. All grant applications must pertain to training activities scheduled between April 2026 and March 2027.
NB: Continuing learner means a learner who has previously been funded by CHIETA, reported under the CHIETA performance targets in any prior year, and needs to continue to complete their qualification.
WHO IS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY?
- Chemical sector companies that are eligible and have submitted the ATR-WSP to the
- Non-levy paying companies, CHIETA accredited training providers, SMMEs, CBOs, CBCs, NPOs, NGOs, NGO’s and Co-Ops that are within the chemical sector can apply.
- Government
- TVET and CET
- Higher Education
APPLICATION PROTOCOLS
All new Discretionary Grant (DG) applicants/Sector Development Facilitators (SDFs) are required to present a signed appointment letter from the company they represent. This letter must be printed on the company’s letterhead and must be obtained prior to linking with a company in the online application system.
- All applications should be submitted online and signed by the appropriate
- Late, manual, and emailed applications will not be accepted or
- The submission deadline will remain firm and will not be
- Applications for continuing learners must be accompanied by the previous MOA, a list of learners, and proof of enrolment.
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS
Mandatory compliance documents must be uploaded online, including:
- Proof of company registration (CIPC documents for companies; registration proof from Social Development for NPOs).
- A valid Tax compliance
- A BBBEE
Additionally, a declaration of interest from Directors regarding any potential relationships with CHIETA Board members and CHIETA management must be provided on signed company letterhead.
NOTE: If any of the required documents are not applicable, applicants may submit an affidavit signed by a Commissioner of Oaths. For a complete list, please refer to the application system.
Please be aware that failure to submit any of the above documents, where applicable, will result in the disqualification of the application.
DISCLAIMER
The allocation of the Discretionary Grants is entirely at the discretion of the CHIETA.
NOTE: Applications for PIVOTAL programmes (Legacy/historical qualifications) are only applicable for continuing learners. No new applications will be considered.
THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR APPLICATION:
| STRATEGIC PROJECTS | ||
| 1. | Trade Union Support and Retrenched Worker support | The funding is aimed at providing support to:
· Empower trade unions and Retrenched union members by providing resources and training opportunities that strengthen their ability to advocate for workers, enhance workplace engagement, and support fair labour practices. You can apply for: Skills Programmes, ARPL and Bursaries. |
| 2. | Institutional-Industry Partnerships | 11.1 Institutional-Industry Partnerships
Note: Applications are restricted to public universities in South Africa. Training providers and employers may not apply on behalf of universities.
The funding is aimed at providing support to: |
| Institutional-Industry Partnerships to promote collaboration between educational institutions and the chemical industry to develop relevant skills and enhance workforce readiness.
You can apply for: WIL.
11.2 Innovation Project – Development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Powered Skills Forecasting Tool. The funding is aimed at providing support to: Learners who require workplace experience to achieve a formal qualification and Graduates seeking opportunities to gain practical workplace experience.
Project: CHIETA seeks to partner with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop an AI-powered Skills Forecasting tool. The tool will provide predictive analysis capabilities for forecasting, risk management, and operational efficiency across CHIETA’s programmes. Under this partnership, students from collaborating institutions will lead the system development, applying their technical and analytical skills in a real-world environment while gaining hands-on experience in artificial intelligence, data modelling, and systems integration.
11.3 Innovation Project – Data Lab and Data Science The funding is aimed at providing support to: Learners who require workplace experience to achieve a formal qualification and Graduates seeking opportunities to gain practical workplace experience.
Project: CHIETA seeks to partner with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to establish a Data Lab – a designated Data Science System that promotes data experimentation, analysis, and innovation. The system will serve as a central platform for exploring CHIETA’s data assets, supporting evidence-based decision-making, and enhancing research and innovation capabilities. Under this partnership, students from collaborating institutions will design and develop the system, gaining practical experience in data engineering, analytics, and visualisation while contributing to CHIETA’s broader digital transformation objectives. |
| CHIETA encourages applications coordinated through relevant university units responsible for information systems development, ICT services, or digital innovation. | |||
| LEARNING PROJECTS | |||
| 1. | Bursaries (Undergraduate and Postgraduate)
ONLY APPLICABLE FOR CONTINUING LEARNERS |
The funding is aimed at providing support to:
Students can benefit from financial assistance that makes higher education more accessible and reduces barriers to academic achievement. This support aims to foster a skilled workforce and encourage diversity. Funding is designated for formal qualifications earned through structured educational or training programs awarded by accredited educational institutions or professional organizations. |
|
| 2. | Occupational Certificate registered with the QCTO ONLY APPLICABLE FOR CONTINUING LEARNERS | The funding is aimed at providing support to:
Individuals in need to acquire the necessary training and qualifications to gain recognized skills in specific occupations, thereby enhancing their employability and career prospects while ensuring that the training aligns with industry standards and labour market needs. · Artisan Related – Occupationally directed modular, simulation and work-based learning programmes continuing learners. · Non-Artisan Related – Includes all occupational certificate for continuing learners that are relevant for the chemical sector. |
|
| 3. | Learnerships
ONLY APPLICABLE FOR CONTINUING LEARNERS ON LEGACY/ HISTORICAL QUALIFICATIONS |
· Artisan related:
An Occupationally directed instructional and work-based learning programme that requires a formal contract or an artisan learning programme agreement, resulting in a trade test. Formally assessed through an accredited body or a trade Test Centre. · Non- Artisan related: An Occupationally directed instructional and work-based learning programme that requires a learning programme agreement. This Grant incentive includes chemical-sector registered Learnerships and non-core chemical-sector Learnerships used in the chemical sector. |
|
| 4. | Apprenticeships
ONLY APPLICABLE FOR CONTINUING LEARNERS ON LEGACY/ HISTORICAL QUALIFICATIONS |
Occupationally directed instructional and work-based learning programme that requires a formal contract or an artisan learning programme agreement and resulting in a trade test – formally assessed through an accredited body or Trade Test Centre. | |
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applications for Strategic Projects and Learning Programmes, for the 2026/2027 Cycle 2 Discretionary Grants must be submitted online IMS and can be accessed on www.chieta.org.za or with a direct link https://ims.chieta.org.za to complete the 2026/2027 Cycle 2 DG Application.
The following supporting documents must also be uploaded onto the CHIETA IMS by the 30th April 2026:
- Proof of banking details
- Tax compliance documentation (CSD documents/ Tax pin)
- Declaration of interest
- Company registration (if applicable)
- B-BBEE Certificate (if applicable)
- Any other project supporting documents specified under the “File uploads” tab in the
Please click on the link below to apply:
Late applications shall not be considered. Final approval of grants will be at the discretion of the CHIETA Governing Board
CONTACT DETAILS
If you have any questions about the advertisement or the application process, please reach out to the contact person listed below:
| REGION | RESPONSIBLE
PERSON |
PHONE | |
| Gauteng | Brenda Ledwaba | bledwaba@Chieta.org.za | 087 357 6608/ 011 628 7000 |
| Western Cape | Faith Gcali | Fgcali@Chieta.org.za | 087 357 6695/ 021 551 1113/4 |
| KwaZulu Natal | Vanessa Mthembu | vmthembu@Chieta.org.za | 087 353 5573/ 031 368 4040 |
| Eastern Cape | Shanice Moodley | spotberg@chieta.org.za | 087 353 5573/ 041 509 6478 |
