If you’re looking for a solid opportunity to break into the mining and engineering sector with hands‑on training, the 2026 Engineering Learnership from Valterra Platinum could be your stepping stone. This programme offers unemployed South African youth the chance to earn a nationally recognised artisan qualification while gaining real-world experience in one of the country’s leading mining operations. The closing date for applications is 01 December 2025.
Why This Learnership Matters
Mogalakwena Mine (operated by Valterra Platinum) offers this initiative as part of its commitment to community upliftment, skills development, and sustainable mining practices. StudentRoom.co.za+2Makoya Learning+2
At a time when technical skills and artisan qualifications are in high demand across South Africa’s mining and industrial sectors, this learnership is a chance for you to build a career with strong future prospects — even if you’re starting out without prior formal work experience.
What the Learnership Offers
- Structured Training — Theory + Practical: The programme combines classroom/off‑the‑job instruction with on‑site, on‑the‑job training at Mogalakwena Mine. This ensures you gain both theoretical engineering knowledge and hands-on experience.
- Nationally Recognized Artisan Qualification: On successful completion, you earn a trade‑artisan qualification — valuable for future employment in mining, manufacturing, maintenance or other industrial sectors.
- Multiple Trade Options: Valterra Platinum offers learnership positions in a variety of trades to match different skills and interests:
- Electrician
- Boilermaker / Plater
- Mechanical Fitter
- Rigger
- Diesel Mechanic
- Earthmoving Equipment Mechanic
- Auto Electrician
- Millwright
- Measurement, Control & Instrumentation
- Real Mining‑Industry Exposure: As a learnership candidate, you’ll work at a major PGM (platinum group metals) mine — giving you valuable exposure to mining operations, heavy machinery, industrial safety standards, and a high‑performance work environment.
- Career Growth Potential: Completing this learnership can open doors to employment within Valterra Platinum, other mines, industrial plants or maintenance facilities. A trade qualification plus real work experience makes your CV much stronger.
Who Should Apply — Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify for the Valterra Platinum 2026 Engineering Learnership, you must meet certain academic and personal criteria:
✅ Academic / Qualification Requirements
You must meet one of the following:
- Matric (Grade 12) with:
- Mathematics (not Maths‑Literacy) — minimum 40%
- Physical Science — minimum 40%
- English — minimum 40%
- N3 (or higher) with trade‑relevant subjects (depending on chosen trade). For example: electrotechnology or electrical trade theory for Electrician; plating & structural steelwork with welding theory for Boilermaker / Plater.
- NCV Level 4 in an appropriate trade field — provided all relevant subjects are passed (with at least 40%).
✅ Additional Criteria
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be unemployed at the time of application.
- Applicants from host communities around the mine are given first preference — if this applies to you, you need to submit proof of residence (stamped by tribal office or municipality).
- Required application documents: updated CV; certified copies of qualifications; certified copy of South African ID; and proof of residence (for host‑community applicants).
Important: Closing Date & How to Apply
- The closing date for the 2026 Engineering Learnership is 01 December 2025.
- It’s best to apply early — applications may be processed on a rolling basis, and late or incomplete submissions may be rejected.
- Applications are submitted through the official Valterra Platinum careers portal (or the link provided in their learnership advertisement).
Why You Should Seriously Consider This Opportunity
If you are enthusiastic about engineering, enjoy working with tools, machinery, or electrical systems, and are open to working in mining — this learnership offers a rare blend of theory, practice, formal qualification, and real mining‑industry exposure.
- Secure a trade qualification: Skilled artisans are always in demand, whether in mining, construction, manufacturing or maintenance.
- Gain real‑world industrial experience: Working at Mogalakwena Mine gives exposure few other programmes can match — and that’s a huge advantage when job hunting.
- Build a long-term career path: Many artisans go on to become supervisors, technicians, or get absorbed into full‑time roles after successful completion.
- Support to get started: Usually, learnerships come with a stipend to help with transport and living costs (though the exact amount for this programme was not specified). Edupstairs+2Careers Portal+2
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Apply early — don’t wait until the final day. Spots are limited and many candidates will apply.
- Ensure your documents are complete and certified — missing even one (ID, proof of residence, qualification copies) can result in disqualification.
- Choose the trade that fits your strengths — if you’re good at Maths/Science, Electrician or Diesel Mechanic may suit; if you like metalwork and welding, consider Boilermaker/Plater.
- If you’re from a host community near Mogalakwena, include proof of residence — this can increase your chances, as local candidates are prioritised.
- Prepare a strong, clear CV that highlights your academic results, any technical courses or relevant skills, and your motivation to join mining / engineering.
Final Word
The 2026 Engineering Learnership at Valterra Platinum is a golden opportunity for young South Africans looking to launch a career in engineering and mining. With a nationally recognised artisan qualification, hands-on training, real workplace exposure, and potential for future employment — it stands out as one of the most promising learnerships available today.
If you meet the requirements and are ready to commit, be sure to apply before 01 December 2025. This could be the first step toward a stable, skilled trade career that lasts a lifetime
Dear sayouthjobs.co.za Owner.