The Council for Geoscience (CGS) has officially opened applications for its SHEQ Graduate Internship Programme 2026, a structured and fully paid graduate development initiative designed to prepare young professionals for real-world careers in Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ). This is not a passive internship focused on routine office duties. Instead, it offers meaningful, regulated exposure to national legislation, audits, workplace risk management, and compliance systems that underpin South Africa’s safety and environmental standards. SHEQ Graduate Internship Programme 2026
For graduates who are serious about building a long-term career in occupational health and safety, environmental compliance, or quality assurance, this programme represents a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a respected public entity. Over a 24-month fixed-term contract, interns are embedded in operational environments across several provinces, working alongside experienced SHEQ professionals and contributing to nationally significant work.
Programme Overview
Programme Name: Council for Geoscience SHEQ Graduate Internship Programme 2026
Internship Type: Fixed-term graduate internship
Duration: 24 months
Number of Positions: 8 SHEQ Graduate Interns
Monthly Stipend: R13,000
Closing Date: 28 January 2026
Available Locations
Successful candidates will be placed at CGS offices in the following locations:
- Pretoria, South Africa
- Bellville (1 post)
- Polokwane (1 post)
- Gqeberha (1 post)
- Pietermaritzburg (1 post)
Each intern will report to and be mentored by a Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) Supervisor, ensuring continuous professional guidance throughout the programme.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
To be considered for the SHEQ Graduate Internship Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- A National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Occupational Health and Safety is the minimum requirement
- A relevant degree will be advantageous
- South African citizenship (implied due to the public entity nature of CGS)
- Successful completion of security vetting and background checks
No prior work experience is required, as this programme is specifically designed for graduate development.
What the Internship Involves
The CGS SHEQ Graduate Internship is structured around experiential learning. Interns are expected to actively participate in operational tasks, compliance processes, and professional development activities. The programme ensures that graduates understand not only the theory behind SHEQ practices but also how these principles are applied in real workplaces.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
Interns will support and assist with:
- Development and implementation of workplace OHS plans
- Monitoring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Observing and promoting the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Identifying unsafe practices and supporting corrective actions
This exposure provides a solid grounding in legislative compliance and workplace safety culture.
Risk Management and Environmental Compliance
As part of the programme, interns will contribute to:
- Conducting health and safety risk assessments
- Identifying hazards and supporting preventative measures
- Participating in environmental compliance activities
- Supporting initiatives that align operations with environmental legislation and best practices
This component equips graduates with practical risk identification and mitigation skills that are highly valued across industries.
Audits, Administration, and Compliance Systems
Interns will also gain experience in the administrative and governance side of SHEQ, including:
- Participating in SHEQ workplace audits
- Assisting with the administration of SHEQ management systems
- Maintaining documentation and compliance records
- Preparing reports and supporting SHEQ-related projects across departments
These tasks are essential for understanding how safety and compliance systems are implemented and maintained at an organisational level.
Professional Development and Skills Building
Beyond technical exposure, the programme places a strong emphasis on professional growth. Interns will:
- Participate in SHEQ seminars, workshops, and internal training sessions
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders
- Develop professional communication, reporting, and presentation skills
- Learn how to operate within regulated, multidisciplinary environments
This combination of technical and soft skills development is designed to transform graduates into employable SHEQ professionals.
Behavioural Qualities and Skills CGS Looks For
The Council for Geoscience is not only recruiting based on qualifications. The organisation places equal importance on attitude, potential, and work ethic. Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- A willingness to learn and follow professional guidance
- A proactive, solution-oriented mindset
- Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Business-level proficiency in English
Applicants are not expected to have years of experience. CGS values discipline, curiosity, reliability, and a genuine interest in SHEQ work.
Important Application Instructions
Applicants are advised to follow the application instructions carefully to avoid disqualification.
- Applications must not be sent via email to recruitment@geoscience.org.za. This address is strictly for enquiries.
- Applications submitted through social media platforms will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- If no feedback is received within eight weeks of the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
- All personal information will be processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act of 2013.
Failure to comply with these instructions may result in automatic disqualification.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Before submitting an application for the SHEQ Graduate Internship Programme 2026, candidates are encouraged to prepare carefully.
Key preparation tips include:
- Update your CV using a clean, professional format
- Highlight relevant SHEQ modules, practicals, and academic projects
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Clearly explain why you are interested in a SHEQ career, not just that you studied it
CGS is seeking future safety leaders rather than candidates who simply meet minimum requirements.
APPLY FOR THE COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE SHEQ GRADUATE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Career Prospects After Completing the Internship
Graduates who successfully complete the 24-month internship will be well-positioned to pursue a range of roles within the SHEQ field, including:
- SHEQ Officer
- Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner
- Safety Compliance Officer
- Environmental and Risk Officer
- Quality Assurance Officer
- SHEQ Coordinator
These roles are in demand across construction, energy, mining, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. Many graduates who complete similar programmes go on to secure permanent employment, obtain SETA-accredited experience, pursue professional registrations, or continue with postgraduate studies.
Why This Internship Matters
The Council for Geoscience plays a critical role in South Africa’s regulatory and scientific landscape. Gaining SHEQ experience within such an institution significantly strengthens a graduate’s professional credibility. The combination of paid training, structured mentorship, and exposure to national compliance frameworks makes this internship one of the most valuable SHEQ graduate opportunities available in 2026.
For graduates committed to long-term careers in safety, health, environment, and quality management, this programme is worth serious consideration and full effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the SHEQ Graduate Internship Programme 2026 paid?
Yes. Interns receive a monthly stipend of R13,000 for the full 24-month duration.
Can I apply with only a National Diploma?
Yes. A National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Occupational Health and Safety is the minimum requirement.
Is prior work experience required?
No. This programme is specifically designed for graduate development and does not require previous experience.
Can I apply if I live outside the listed cities?
Yes. However, successful candidates must be willing and able to relocate to the assigned location.
Does the internship guarantee permanent employment?
No permanent employment is guaranteed. However, CGS experience significantly improves employability in SHEQ roles across multiple sectors.
What is the closing date for applications?
Applications close on 28 January 2026.
Final Reminder
The SHEQ Graduate Internship Programme 2026 offered by the Council for Geoscience is a rare opportunity to gain credible, hands-on experience in safety, health, environment, and quality management within a respected public institution. Graduates who are serious about building professional SHEQ careers are strongly encouraged to apply before the closing date.
Applications must be submitted through the official Council for Geoscience channels in accordance with the published instructions.
Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
