HomeChoice Junior Data Scientist Opportunity Vacancy 2026
HomeChoice
IT & Telecommunications (MICT SETA)
Monthly stipend
Not stated
- Opportunity
- Internship
- Minimum education
- Degree (NQF 7)
- Location
- Cape Town, Western Cape
- SETA
- CETA
- Posted
- 11 Aug 2026
Sourced via the Graduates24 portal, last confirmed there by our scraper on 11 August 2026.
The apply link goes directly to homechoice.simplify.hr — applications never pass through SetaJobs.
We rewrite adverts for readability; the closing date, requirements and application method come from the source advert — confirm them there before you apply. How we source listings →
Opportunity Overview
HomeChoice is offering a Junior Data Scientist opportunity based in Cape Town. This role provides support to the Data Science team, focusing on the development, monitoring, and improvement of statistical and machine learning models. These models are essential for guiding critical business decisions across Credit Risk, Collections, Fraud, and Marketing.
This position is designed for an analytical, curious, and technically minded individual. It offers the chance to gain practical data science experience within a supportive team environment, working with real business data in a fast-paced retail setting.
Minimum Requirements
- An undergraduate degree or relevant qualification in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related numerate discipline.
- Foundational to intermediate skills in SQL, SAS, Python, and Excel, with the ability to extract, clean, analyse, and interpret structured datasets.
- A solid understanding of statistics, probability theory, data analysis, and machine learning concepts.
- Exposure to data science, machine learning, statistical analysis, predictive modelling, reporting, or automation through academic projects, internships, graduate programmes, personal projects, or early career work experience.
- Ability to write clear, structured, and well-documented code that supports repeatable analysis, handover, and future review.
Advantageous:
- Ongoing personal development in data science, statistics, AI, or machine learning (e.g., online learning, certifications, portfolio work, or personal projects).
- Exposure to retail, credit, collections, fraud, marketing, customer analytics, or model monitoring.
Key Responsibilities
- Data Preparation and Analysis: Extract, clean, validate, and analyse customer, product, credit, and campaign data using tools like SQL, SAS, and Python. Identify trends, patterns, and opportunities to support business decisions.
- Reporting and Insight Delivery: Prepare clear PowerBI reports, summaries, and data outputs for stakeholders. Translate analytical results into practical business insights.
- Model Monitoring and Maintenance: Monitor predictive models used across Credit Risk, Collections, Fraud, and Marketing. Track performance, data quality, and unusual results, escalating issues as needed.
- Predictive Modelling Support: Assist with model development, testing, validation, and documentation under guidance. Prepare features, training datasets, and performance summaries for model review.
- Best Practice, Coding Standards, and Automation: Adhere to coding standards, write reusable code, and maintain clear documentation. Automate regular processes to improve efficiency.
- Use of AI Tools and Emerging Technologies: Utilise approved AI tools to enhance productivity, assist with coding, summarise outputs, and explore analytical approaches. Validate AI-generated outputs for accuracy and relevance.
- Collaboration and Continuous Learning: Work collaboratively with data and business teams to understand requirements and deliver useful outputs. Continuously build knowledge of business processes, data science, machine learning, statistics, and software development.
How to Apply
To apply for this Junior Data Scientist opportunity, please click on the following link:
This listing in context
What the 338 opportunities we currently hold say about this one.
- Live internships
- 61
- In Western Cape
- 8
- Closing within 7 days
- 1
61% of the 61 live internships we hold ask for Degree (NQF 7), so this listing asks for what most of them ask for.
Live internships stay open for a median of 46 days between posting and closing date.
Calculated by SetaJobs from the 338 listings open on this site right now, and updated as they change. Browse all 32 opportunities in Western Cape.
What you'll need to apply
Internships usually ask for your completed qualification up front — that is the thing being checked.
- Your CV
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of any qualifications
- A short motivation letter
What an internship actually is
An internship is a fixed-term work-experience placement for someone who already holds a qualification. Unlike a learnership, it does not award a new qualification — its purpose is to convert a certificate, diploma or degree into the experience that entry-level adverts keep asking for. In the public service these run for a set term and are generally not renewable.
What the work actually looks like
- You are placed in a specific unit under a named supervisor and given the unit's ordinary work, at a junior level.
- Most of the learning is by assignment rather than instruction: you are handed a real task, given the file, and expected to ask.
- Many programmes require a workplace report or a supervisor evaluation at the end, which is what your certificate of service is based on.
What you leave with
Documented work experience and a certificate of service — the thing that lets you answer "experience required" on the next application. No new qualification is awarded.
Where this leads next
Junior or entry-level post
Completing the internship and applying as an experienced candidate rather than a graduate.
Fixed-term contract post
Often the realistic next step in government, where permanent posts are advertised less frequently.
Permanent appointment
Competing successfully for an advertised post — internships rarely convert automatically.
A typical route, not a guarantee — progression depends on vacancies, funding and your own performance.
Watch out for this
Government internships are usually once-only: having completed one, you may be ineligible for another. Check the advert's exclusion clause before applying if you have interned before.
About CETA & this sector
CETA is the SETA for construction and the built environment, funding artisan and trade programmes that lead to recognised, portable qualifications.
Helpful guides before you apply
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