Company: Standard Bank of South Africa
Programme: Data Science Learnership
Job Type: Contract Learnership
Business Segment: Group Functions
Reference Number: 80454405A-0001
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng (5 Simmonds Street and/or 30 Baker Street, Rosebank)
Programme Start Date: 1 October 2026
Duration: 24 Months
Monthly Learner Stipend: R15,000 plus Student Medical Aid

Apply for the Standard Bank Data Science Learnership 2026

Standard Bank is inviting applications for its Data Science Learnership Programme 2026, offering South African graduates an exciting opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while completing an industry-recognised qualification.

This 24-month learnership is designed for graduates who are passionate about data, technology, analytics, and innovation. Participants will receive structured workplace training, mentorship from experienced professionals, and formal learning that leads to an Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner.

The programme is ideal for graduates who want to build careers in data science, business intelligence, analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, financial technology (FinTech), and digital transformation.

Successful learners will receive a monthly stipend of R15,000, together with Student Medical Aid, while gaining valuable experience within one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.

About Standard Bank

Standard Bank is the largest banking group in Africa, serving millions of customers across numerous countries. The bank has built a strong reputation for innovation, digital banking, financial inclusion, and developing young professionals through graduate programmes, internships, bursaries, and learnerships.

The organisation invests heavily in technology and data-driven decision-making, making it an excellent workplace for graduates interested in analytics and emerging technologies.

Through its learnership programmes, Standard Bank continues to address youth unemployment while building a pipeline of highly skilled professionals for the future.

About the Learnership

The Data Science Learnership combines formal classroom learning with practical workplace experience. Throughout the programme, learners will work alongside experienced data professionals while developing technical and professional skills needed in today’s digital economy.

The programme introduces learners to real business challenges and provides exposure to analysing data, identifying trends, solving business problems, and supporting decision-making through data-driven insights.

By the end of the programme, participants will have gained both theoretical knowledge and practical workplace experience, preparing them for future employment opportunities in data science and analytics.

What You Will Learn

During the programme, learners will gain experience in:

• Data analysis techniques
• Data preparation and cleaning
• Statistical analysis
• Business intelligence
• Data visualisation
• Reporting and dashboard development
• Data governance principles
• Audit analytics
• Risk and compliance reporting
• Business problem-solving
• Data quality management
• Research and analytical thinking
• Time management and project planning
• Professional workplace communication
• Team collaboration
• Continuous improvement methodologies

Key Responsibilities

As a Data Science Learner, your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting senior analysts with data-related projects.
• Assisting in collecting, organising, and preparing datasets.
• Performing data analysis using approved analytical methods.
• Identifying trends, anomalies, and business insights.
• Preparing reports and presenting findings.
• Maintaining organised datasets and project documentation.
• Following data governance and security standards.
• Assisting with internal audit and compliance activities.
• Working with cross-functional teams on business improvement initiatives.
• Completing learning modules and workplace assessments.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for the programme, applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be younger than 30 years old.
• Be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Not currently be registered for another learnership or internship.
• Not be studying at any educational institution during the programme.
• Meet the qualification requirements listed below.

Qualifications Required

Applicants should possess an undergraduate qualification in one of the following fields:

• Data Science
• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Statistics
• Mathematics
• Econometrics
• Quantitative Analysis
• Engineering

Graduates from closely related disciplines with strong quantitative and analytical backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.

Skills and Competencies

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong analytical thinking.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Passion for technology and innovation.
• Interest in data-driven decision-making.
• Good numerical ability.
• Attention to detail.
• Logical reasoning skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new technologies.
• Professionalism and accountability.
• Adaptability in a fast-changing environment.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Commercial awareness.

What Is an Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner?

This nationally recognised qualification equips learners with practical skills needed to collect, prepare, analyse, and interpret data to support business decisions.

The qualification covers areas such as:

• Data preparation
• Data analysis
• Business reporting
• Statistical methods
• Data visualisation
• Ethical handling of data
• Problem-solving techniques
• Workplace communication
• Project documentation
• Digital tools used in modern data environments

Graduates completing this qualification will be well positioned for entry-level opportunities within the growing data science and analytics industry.

Why Choose a Career in Data Science?

Data Science has become one of the fastest-growing career fields globally. Organisations across banking, healthcare, telecommunications, insurance, retail, manufacturing, and government rely on data professionals to improve business performance and make informed decisions.

A career in Data Science offers opportunities to work with advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, cloud computing, and big data platforms.

As businesses continue their digital transformation journeys, qualified data professionals remain in high demand both in South Africa and internationally.

Career Opportunities After the Learnership

Completing this learnership may open opportunities in roles such as:

• Data Analyst
• Junior Data Scientist
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Reporting Analyst
• Data Quality Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Risk Analyst
• Audit Data Analyst
• Financial Data Analyst
• Machine Learning Analyst
• Analytics Consultant
• Database Analyst
• Information Analyst
• Digital Transformation Analyst

Benefits of the Programme

Successful learners will receive:

• Monthly stipend of R15,000
• Student Medical Aid
• Workplace experience with Standard Bank
• Formal industry-recognised qualification
• Mentorship from experienced professionals
• Exposure to banking and financial services
• Professional networking opportunities
• Career development support
• Valuable practical experience in data science

Application Tips

To improve your chances of being shortlisted:

• Prepare a professional, updated CV.
• Include all academic qualifications and transcripts.
• Highlight any experience with programming, analytics, or statistics.
• Mention software such as Excel, SQL, Python, R, Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools if applicable.
• Proofread your application carefully before submitting.
• Ensure all supporting documents are attached.

Programme Information

Company: Standard Bank of South Africa

Programme: Data Science Learnership

Duration: 24 Months

Start Date: 1 October 2026

Monthly Stipend: R15,000 plus Student Medical Aid

Qualification Awarded: Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng (5 Simmonds Street and/or 30 Baker Street, Rosebank)

How to Apply