Internship

Welcome to the Future of Learning Internship Application (Darkroom Project)

Thank you for your interest in joining the Future of Learning Internship Programme, part of the Darkroom Project — a joint initiative between the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and merSETA.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team developing innovative, open-source systems that use Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Data Science, and Creative Learning Design to reimagine skills development in South Africa and beyond.

We are recruiting for the following positions (starting June/July 2026 or until filled):

• AI and Software systems development (AI, VR & LLM Ecosystem) — 3 positions
• Data Engineering (AI, NLP & Predictive Analytics) — 3 positions
• Virtual Reality Vibe Coding Systems Design — 3 positions
• Creative Learning, UX Research & Communication Intern - 2 position
• Applications closes when: all the positions are filled - if this link is still available there are still positions available. Positions filled will be removed from this list)

Although each intern will be appointed to a specific focus area, you will collaborate across projects and disciplines as part of a highly creative and research-driven team.

About the Projects

Project 1: FutureSkills Map

The development of a dynamic AI-powered platform that maps the evolution of skills across South Africa’s manufacturing and engineering sectors, using real-time data to forecast future workforce needs and inform policy and training design - a Miro board with an AI driven back end to scrape data and cluster it

Project 2: merSIA (merSETA Sector Intelligence Assistant)

A secure, closed large language model (LLM) system designed specifically for the MER sector to provide accurate, citation-based insights for decision-making, research, and policy development.

Project 3: VR4Skills

A pioneering initiative to make Virtual Reality training affordable and accessible by developing low-code and no-code tools that allow educators and industry specialists to design immersive learning experiences without advanced technical skills.

Creative Learning, Research & Communication (CLRC)

The creative and pedagogical hub of the Darkroom Project — translating complex technical innovations into accessible learning materials, visual media, short courses, and communication assets that amplify impact and build capacity.

Important Application Instructions

Please note that incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

To submit your application, you must:

• Upload all required artefacts (CV, academic transcripts, technical tasks, motivational video, etc.) to a Google Drive or OneDrive folder.
• Ensure that your folder and files are set to “Anyone with the link can view.”
• Paste the folder link and individual artefact links in the relevant fields within this form.
• You may upload your motivational video to YouTube (unlisted) and share the link here.

We encourage you to share this opportunity with your peers who have backgrounds in Computer Science, Data Engineering, AI, Education, Visual Arts, Communication Design, or related fields.

This is a unique chance to contribute to nationally significant projects shaping the Future of Work and Learning.

We look forward to reviewing your application and welcoming the next generation of innovators, creators, and researchers to the Darkroom team!