Knowledge Mining Academy has opened a 24-month Data Science Practitioner Learnership for young technical candidates who want more than another short course. The 2026 programme combines workplace experience with data analytics, artificial intelligence, business intelligence and digital transformation, while paying R7,000 per month. Submissions close on 03 August 2026.
The biggest attraction is not only the monthly income. Participants will have two years to move beyond academic theory and build practical experience in the systems, reports, projects and analytical processes used in a data-focused workplace.
What makes this learnership worth considering?
This is a fixed-term occupational programme aimed at candidates who have already completed a relevant technical qualification.
Rather than covering data science as a single subject, the programme brings together four connected areas:
- Data analytics
- Artificial intelligence
- Business intelligence
- Digital transformation
That combination can help participants understand the full journey from collecting and managing data to analysing it, presenting findings and using technology to support better decisions.
Programme: Data Science Practitioner with Artificial Intelligence Integration Learnership 2026
Organisation: Knowledge Mining Academy
Duration: 24 months
Monthly salary: R7,000 fixed base pay
Location: Midrand, Gauteng
Contract: Fixed-term
Age requirement: 22 to 28 years
Closing date: 03 August 2026
What will participants actually learn?
The programme is designed around practical workplace exposure rather than theory alone.
Participants will gain experience in the following areas:
- Data management: Organising, maintaining and working with information accurately.
- Data analytics: Examining information to identify patterns, results and useful insights.
- Reporting: Presenting findings in a format that colleagues and decision-makers can understand.
- Data visualisation: Turning complex information into clear visual reports, charts or dashboards.
- Business intelligence: Using organisational data to support planning and performance decisions.
- Artificial intelligence-assisted tools: Exploring how intelligent technology can support analytical work.
- Digital transformation: Understanding how technology changes processes and improves operations.
- Project-based work: Using technical knowledge to complete structured workplace assignments.
The advert does not name specific software platforms. Candidates should therefore avoid assuming that particular tools such as Python, Structured Query Language or Power BI form part of the curriculum unless confirmed during the selection process.
Who is the programme designed for?
The learnership targets young candidates who already have a foundation in technology, data, mathematics or engineering.
To meet the minimum requirements, candidates must:
- Be 22 to 28 years old at the time of application.
- Have completed a relevant diploma or degree.
- Hold a qualification in one of the specified technical or analytical fields.
- Be able to participate in a 24-month fixed-term programme based in Midrand.
No previous workplace experience requirement was included in the supplied advert. However, applicants should still highlight relevant academic projects, practical assignments and technical exposure.
Which qualifications will be considered?
Knowledge Mining Academy will consider candidates from several related study areas.
Data and analytics qualifications:
- Data Analytics
- Data Science
- Business Intelligence
Computing and software qualifications:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Software Development
Mathematics and quantitative qualifications:
- Applied Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Actuarial Science
Artificial intelligence and digital qualifications:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Digital Technologies
Engineering qualifications:
- Computer Engineering
- Other relevant engineering disciplines
Candidates with relevant occupational certificates in Data Analytics or Data Science may also be considered. This means a diploma or degree is not the only possible route into the programme.
What should candidates highlight in their profiles?
Having an accepted qualification establishes eligibility. However, a clear profile can also help selectors understand how a candidate’s studies connect to the programme.
Relevant information may include:
- The full and correct name of the completed qualification
- Data analysis or statistics modules
- Academic research projects
- Dashboards or visual reports created
- Databases or datasets used
- Software development assignments
- Artificial intelligence or machine learning coursework
- Group projects and individual responsibilities
- Relevant occupational or short-course certificates
Only include tools and skills that you have genuinely used. Candidates should be ready to explain any project, platform or technical skill listed in their profile or curriculum vitae.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Turn academic projects into evidence of ability. Instead of writing only “completed a data analysis project,” explain what information you analysed, which tools you used and how you presented the results. Even a university assignment can demonstrate practical thinking when described clearly.
What should be checked before submission?
The programme has specific age, qualification and location requirements. Candidates should confirm each one before completing the process.
Check that:
- You will be between 22 and 28 years old when submitting.
- Your qualification has been completed.
- Your qualification appears on the accepted list or is closely related.
- Your personal and contact details are correct.
- Your qualification information matches your supporting records.
- You can commit to a 24-month programme in Midrand.
- You understand that the listed R7,000 is fixed monthly base pay.
- Any requested documents are current and readable.
The advert does not list additional allowances or benefits beyond the R7,000 monthly base pay.
How should applications be submitted?
Applications must be completed through the official online application portal.
Follow the platform instructions, confirm that the correct programme is displayed and review every section of your profile before submitting.
The closing date is 03 August 2026. Early submission is recommended in case profile details need to be corrected.
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Final Thoughts
The Knowledge Mining Academy Data Science Learnership 2026 is aimed at a specific group: candidates aged 22 to 28 who already have a relevant technical qualification but still need practical workplace exposure.
Its combination of data analytics, artificial intelligence, business intelligence and digital transformation makes it broader than a conventional single-subject training programme. The 24-month duration and R7,000 monthly salary also provide participants with time and financial support while developing their skills.
Candidates who meet the requirements should focus on presenting their qualifications and academic projects clearly before the 03 August 2026 deadline.
