Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy 2026

Sanlam Limited; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services group is offering a 13-month graduate program in Data, AI, and Engineering in Bellville. This program provides hands-on experience and training in data management and engineering. Ideal candidates will be recent graduates or soon-to-be graduates with relevant degrees. Permanent employment and market-related benefits are included from the start.

Benefits

Market-related benefits

Hands-on experience

Ongoing technical training

Qualifications

• Eligible candidates must hold a degree or obtain one by end of 2025.
• No more than 12 months' related post-university experience is allowed.
• Programming experience will be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured 13-month development program.
• Work on business problems within Sanlam's technology ecosystems.
• Receive ongoing training and mentorship throughout the program.

Skills

Programming languages such as Python

Analytical skills

Understanding of Data Analysis

Education

BCom, BSc, BTech

Data Science / Data Analytics / Business Intelligence

Statistics / Mathematics / Finance / Actuarial

Tools

SQL

Java

Job description

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Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy 2026

Date: 4 Aug 2025

Location:

Bellville, Western Cape, ZA

Sanlam Group Tech is responsible for the provision of tech, engineering and security services. Driving business transformation and engineering groupwide digital, cloud, AI, security and data platforms that assist our business and clients to succeed. We also operate various technology platforms and shared services, ensure Cyber and Information Security resilience, and act as technology governance and risk orchestrator for technology across Sanlam.

Data, AI and Engineering Academy Graduate

An exciting opportunity to join a 13-month accelerated development program is available for soon-to-be or recent graduates to join the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy. Previously known as the Sanlam Data and Digital Academy.

We are seeking bright minds who are eager to build and develop technical, analytical, and business skills while working on real business problems within the Sanlam Analytics and Group Technology ecosystems.

Being selected for Data, AI and Engineering Academy Graduate position will entail

• Permanent employment from the onset.
• Market-related benefits and rewards.
• Participation in a structured 13 month accelerated development program.
• Hands-on experience in the largest and most diverse non-banking Financial Services organisation in Africa, now expanding into a banking and lending partnership with TymeBank.
• Exposure to leading-edge technologies and the opportunity to apply your skills in the process of designing and launching new capabilities or experimenting to deliver MVPs; innovative client centric products.
• Collaboration with experienced Sanlam employees participating in the programme.
• Opportunity to build a career at Sanlam, and gain access to opportunities across a diverse set of capabilities, propositions, and geographies.

All about Sanlam

Sanlam is one of the largest internationally active insurance organisations in the world and has the biggest non-banking financial services footprint on the African continent. The Group has an active presence in 33 countries, operating across the African continent, India, Malaysia, and selected developed markets. It is listed on the Johannesburg, A2X, and Namibian stock exchange.

Further to this, Sanlam has:

• Formed an InsurTech partnership with Africa’s largest telco, MTN
• Formed an African operations partnership with one of the world’s largest insurers, Allianz
• Established a dedicated FinTech cluster, applying cutting-edge engineering to build and launch digital and ecosystem-driven products, now partnering with TymeBank on multiple new propositions.

The application of technology and data is at the heart of our success. We strive to transform into a tech company with a strategy and associated investments geared towards the optimal use of technology to achieve objectives and market advantage. To this end, we are in the midst of a full cloud migration to AWS and the scaling of cloud-first data (Snowflake, dbt) and AI platforms (Bedrock, SageMaker) and have sourced talent from AWS, Google and Spotify to aid our journey.

The Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy forms part of Sanlam Group Technology. It is designed to build data analytical and technical skills which are critical in a fast-growing technological and data-driven environment, and critical to Sanlam’s success. We seek to build careers for people who can help to meet Sanlam’ stakeholder promises and drive further growth.

What will you do?

The Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy is offering two exciting development opportunities over a 13-month period, aimed at launching your career in either the Data or Software Engineering.

Data and AI:

• You are passionate about all things related to data: finding patterns in data, using data to build insight, aid decision-making and process action, and to create real value.
• You want to establish strong foundations in data management and data engineering, in a fast-moving and complex enterprise data domain.
• You’re interested in tackling complex data problems, and learning how to apply AI, ML, predictive analytics and generative AI to datasets to deliver unique insights, prompts and direction.
• You aspire to develop your analytical skills to grow your career in roles such as Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Engineer, or AI/ML engineer.

Software Engineering & AI:

• You have a passion for engineering and solving complex problems.
• You aspire to grow in the domains of engineering and modern engineering with an interest in cloud-native architecture, Infrastructure as Code and application integration
• You want to solve problems by applying the latest innovations in the digital world, modern engineeringpractices, as well as modern integration patterns, and AI techniques.
• You seek a career as a Software Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Test Engineer, Integration Specialist or Architect.

During the 13-month program you will receive

• Ongoing technical training, real-world enterprise-level experience, business acumen and competency-based training in a professional environment.
• Guidance through coaching and mentorship from subject matter experts in the Sanlam Technology and Sanlam Analytics Teams to ensure that you are well-equipped to grow and become successful in your chosen career.
• The opportunity to work cross-functionally in order to learn across various disciplines and be equipped with a diverse skillset, gaining access to multiple parts of the data and tech capabilities, and working with multiple parts of the business.
• Rotate to different IT and business teams to get exposure to a variety of tech and data disciplines, enabling you to find the best fit for your skills and interests.
• The opportunity to participate in innovation competitions and tech learning days, such as the SGT data day, and hackathons.
• Functional training with world class facilitators and hands-on experience with the leading IT & BI tools and technology that will enable you to play a key role in Sanlam’s strategy to modernise the IT agenda and drive the data driven decision making capability.

What will make you successful in this role?

The graduate programme is suited to independent and self-motivated individuals with strong analytical skills. Some of the key traits that will make you successful are, but not limited to:

• An innovative mindset and problem-solving ability
• A passion for data and technology
• The ability to juggle deadlines and tasks from various stakeholders
• A high value of client centricity and collaboration
• Be open to receive feedback for continuous personal growth

Qualification and Experience

We will only consider students who already hold a degree or will obtain a degree by the end of 2025. Previous work experience is not a prerequisite, but you should not have more than 12 months' related post-university professional working experience. Working experience obtained as part of a work-integrated learning programme won't be considered as professional working experience.

• BCom, BSc, BTech:
• Data Science / Data Analytics / Business Intelligence
• Statistics / Mathematics / Finance / Actuarial
• Industrial / Electrical / Chemical / Civil / Mechanical Engineering, BEng

Knowledge & Skills

We do not expect you to come with a wealth of knowledge as our curriculum will cover everything you need to know. However, it does help if you have a basic understanding of the following:

• Programming languages and frameworks such as Python, Java, .Net, and SQL
• Data analysis, modelling and visualisation
• Business and process analysis

Knowledge and Skills

Database Knowledge

IT Data Analysis

Data Security

Reporting and Administration

Personal Attributes

Interpersonal savvy - Contributing independently

Decision quality - Contributing independently

Plans and aligns - Contributing independently

Optimises work processes - Contributing independently

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth.Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

Cultivates innovation - Contributing independently

Customer focus - Contributing independently

Drives results - Contributing independently

Collaborates - Contributing independently

Being resilient - Contributing independently

Turnaround time

The job posting will close on 24 August 2025 and the selection process will commence following the closing date and shortlisted candidates will be notified via email. Remember to upload an updated CV and your full academic transcripts as we are unable to process your application without this information. Your application will be automatically disqualified should these requirements not be attached to your application.

The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.