ALS Chemex – HR Intern

Recent graduates and final-year students who want practical experience across several areas of Human Resources can apply for an HR Internship with ALS Chemex South Africa in Johannesburg. The programme offers exposure to recruitment, employee administration, payroll support, training coordination, compliance and HR reporting.

This is a full-time, on-site internship lasting between six and 12 months. Previous work experience is not required, making it particularly relevant to candidates preparing to start their HR careers.

At a glance

What this opportunity is

The internship provides administrative and operational support to the ALS Human Resources department. At the same time, the successful candidate will gain practical exposure to the processes, systems and records used by an HR team in a laboratory and corporate working environment.

The programme is intended to build foundational Human Resources skills. Instead of focusing on only one HR function, the intern will work across recruitment, onboarding, employee administration, payroll support, learning and development, compliance and employee engagement.

The appointed candidate will need to work carefully with confidential employee information, communicate professionally and complete administrative tasks accurately and on time.

Who this opportunity may suit

This internship may be suitable for candidates who:

• Recently completed a relevant diploma or degree.
• Are currently completing the final year of a relevant qualification.
• Want to start a career in Human Resources.
• Have little or no formal work experience.
• Are interested in recruitment, onboarding and employee administration.
• Want exposure to payroll preparation and HR reporting.
• Can handle personal and employee information confidentially.
• Are organised and able to manage several tasks.
• Can communicate professionally with employees, candidates and managers.
• Are willing to learn in a multicultural and fast-paced working environment.

What you will do and learn

Recruitment and onboarding

• Help publish vacancies on appropriate recruitment platforms.
• Assist with reviewing CVs against the requirements of available positions.
• Schedule interviews and help coordinate interview arrangements.
• Communicate with candidates about interview logistics and recruitment steps.
• Prepare onboarding documents for newly appointed employees.
• Help coordinate employee induction and orientation activities.

HR administration

• Maintain employee records and Human Resources databases.
• File and manage HR documentation according to company procedures.
• Help prepare employment contracts, letters and other HR correspondence.
• Support the administration of employee leave and attendance information.
• Check that HR records are accurate, current and properly organised.

Payroll and employee support

• Help collect and verify employee information used during payroll preparation.
• Assist employees with routine HR questions and requests for documentation.
• Direct more complex matters to the appropriate Human Resources team member.
• Protect confidential employee and payroll-related information.

Training and development

• Help coordinate employee training sessions.
• Maintain accurate training records.
• Assist with monitoring mandatory compliance training.
• Support employee wellness and engagement activities.
• Help ensure that training information is recorded and available when required.

Compliance and reporting

• Help maintain compliance with labour legislation and company policies.
• Provide administrative support for Employment Equity requirements.
• Provide administrative support for Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment requirements.
• Help compile basic Human Resources reports and statistics.
• Promote adherence to ALS health and safety standards.

General HR support

• Provide general administrative assistance to the Human Resources team.
• Participate in HR projects and process-improvement activities.
• Complete assigned tasks within the expected timeframes.
• Represent ALS professionally and work according to the company’s values.

Eligibility requirements

Qualification

Applicants should have, or be completing, a diploma or degree in one of the following areas:

• Human Resources Management.
• Industrial Psychology.
• Business Administration.
• Another closely related field.

Study status

• You may be a recent graduate.
• You may also apply if you are currently completing your final year of study.

Experience

• No previous work experience is required.
• Previous internship or administrative experience will be advantageous, but it is not compulsory.

Right to work

To be eligible to work at ALS, applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be a permanent resident of South Africa.
• Hold, or be able to obtain, a valid visa that permits employment in South Africa.

Skills and competencies

ALS is looking for applicants who can demonstrate the following:

• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Good written and verbal communication.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Careful attention to detail.
• The ability to protect confidential information.
• The ability to work under pressure.
• The ability to organise and manage several tasks.
• A professional attitude and willingness to learn.
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• An interest in building a career in Human Resources.
• The ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Integrity, professionalism and responsible judgement.
• Problem-solving and time-management skills.

How performance may be assessed

The official listing identifies the following areas as important measures of performance:

• The accuracy and timely completion of HR administration.
• Effective coordination of recruitment and onboarding activities.
• Compliance with company policies and relevant labour requirements.
• Professional support provided to employees and management.
• Completion of assigned HR projects and administrative tasks.

What this internship really offers

This is a broad HR internship rather than a placement limited to filing or data capturing. The successful candidate will gain exposure to several stages of the employee lifecycle, from advertising vacancies and arranging interviews to onboarding, employee-record management, training coordination and payroll support.

The role should help the intern understand how different Human Resources functions connect. For example, information collected during recruitment and onboarding must be recorded correctly so that employee administration, payroll, training and compliance processes can function properly.

Applicants should also recognise that HR work involves confidential personal information. Accuracy, discretion, integrity and professional communication will therefore be just as important as technical knowledge.

Application checklist

Prepare the following before starting your application:

• An updated CV or résumé.
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the ALS HR Internship.
• Your qualification name, institution and completion date.
• Your expected completion date if you are still in your final year.
• Details of relevant modules, projects or practical assignments.
• Information about any previous internship, volunteer or administrative experience.
• Examples showing your communication, organisation and computer skills.
• Copies of supporting documents if requested by the Workday application form.
• A reliable cellphone number and email address.
• Confirmation that you meet the right-to-work requirements.
• The correct job-reference number: R6726.

The official advertisement specifically asks applicants to provide a résumé and cover letter that demonstrate their motivation and ability to meet the requirements of the internship.

What to include in your cover letter

Your cover letter should be specific to this internship. It can briefly explain:

• Which relevant qualification you completed or are completing.
• Why you want to develop a career in Human Resources.
• Why the ALS internship interests you.
• Which HR areas you would like to learn more about.
• How your studies have prepared you for administrative and confidential work.
• Your experience using Microsoft Office.
• An example of your organisation, communication or teamwork skills.
• Why you believe you can work professionally in a busy environment.

Important notes for applicants

• This is a full-time and on-site internship in Johannesburg.
• The programme is expected to last between six and 12 months.
• No previous work experience is required.
• Previous administrative or internship experience will be advantageous.
• Applicants must be recent graduates or current final-year students.
• The official listing does not state the remuneration or stipend.
• The official listing does not state an application closing date.
• A CV or résumé and a tailored cover letter should be submitted.
• Applicants must meet the applicable South African right-to-work requirements.

About ALS

ALS is an international testing, inspection and technical-services organisation. It provides scientific testing and data-based services across industries that include mining and commodities, environmental services, food and agriculture, equipment reliability, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

ALS operates laboratories and other facilities in multiple countries. The company states that it invests in employee training, professional development and career-building opportunities. Its published workplace values include safety, resilience, curiosity, care, commitment and honesty.

Official website: Visit the ALS website

Equal-opportunity statement

ALS describes itself as an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive working environment. The company also welcomes applications from people with different levels of ability and states that reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process are available upon request.

Quick tips for applicants

• Use the exact job title and reference number in your cover letter.
• Place your qualification and current study status near the beginning of your CV.
• Mention relevant modules such as recruitment, labour relations, organisational psychology or HR administration.
• Include academic projects that required research, accurate records or confidential information.
• Do not assume that having no work experience makes you ineligible; the listing specifically says experience is not required.
• Include part-time, volunteer, society or student-leadership experience when it demonstrates relevant skills.
• Mention your ability to use Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint honestly.
• Proofread your CV and cover letter before uploading them.
• Make sure the dates and qualification details in Workday match your documents.
• Apply promptly because no closing date has been published.

Common mistakes that may weaken an application

• Submitting a generic cover letter that does not mention ALS or the HR Internship.
• Failing to state whether you have graduated or are completing your final year.
• Leaving the qualification field incomplete.
• Not uploading the requested résumé and cover letter.
• Providing incorrect or outdated contact details.
• Claiming advanced Microsoft Office ability without being able to demonstrate it.
• Ignoring relevant academic, volunteer or administrative experience because it was unpaid.
• Submitting documents containing spelling, formatting or date errors.
• Providing information on Workday that does not match the CV.
• Waiting for a closing date announcement before applying.

Scam warning: read before applying

Applications should be submitted only through the official ALS Workday recruitment portal. Applicants should not pay an application, recruitment, interview or placement fee.

• Do not pay anyone who promises to secure the internship for you.
• Do not share banking passwords, card PINs or one-time passwords.
• Check that the Workday page identifies the position as HR Intern with reference R6726.
• Be cautious of messages from unofficial accounts or addresses.
• Do not send sensitive documents through unverified social-media contacts.

How this opportunity was verified

This opportunity was checked against the official ALS Workday vacancy page and ALS’s official careers information. The employer, Johannesburg location, on-site arrangement, full-time schedule, internship duration, department, reporting line, qualification requirements, experience requirement, right-to-work conditions and official application route were confirmed.

The vacancy is listed under job reference R6726. No closing date or remuneration information was shown in the official listing when this post was prepared, so these details have not been estimated.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the official ALS Workday recruitment portal:

1. Use the official Apply Here button below.
2. Read the full HR Intern listing on the ALS Workday page.
3. Select the Apply option on the official vacancy.
4. Create a Workday candidate account or sign in to an existing account.
5. Enter your personal and contact information accurately.
6. Add your qualification, institution and study-completion details.
7. Complete the employment and experience sections honestly.
8. Upload your updated CV or résumé.
9. Upload a cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability.
10. Add any other supporting information requested by the application form.
11. Check that the application refers to job reference R6726.
12. Review your information and documents before submitting.
13. Keep the confirmation email or screenshot as proof of your application.

Application Closing Date

No closing date was stated in the official ALS vacancy listing.

Interested candidates should apply as soon as reasonably possible. The employer may close or remove the vacancy once sufficient applications have been received.

Application Notes

• SA Learnerships is not the employer and does not process applications for this internship.
• Applications must be submitted through the official ALS Workday portal.
• The official job-reference number is R6726.
• A résumé and cover letter are required as part of the application.
• Only ALS can provide updates regarding shortlisting, interviews or appointments.
• Applicants should ensure that all submitted information is complete and accurate.
• No application closing date was published, so the opportunity may be removed without advance notice.
• Never pay anyone to submit or approve an internship application.