Introduction
Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining, one of South Africa’s most respected and steadily expanding mining operations, is once again opening its doors to dedicated, ambitious and committed individuals through its prestigious 18.2 Engineering Learnership Programme. This initiative stands as a testimony to the company’s ongoing commitment to developing local talent, uplifting communities, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of technical skills within the mining and engineering environment.
The Engineering Learnership Program is specifically designed to create a structured pathway for individuals who aspire to develop their technical abilities within the engineering field while gaining industry-recognized qualifications. Over a period of 36 months, learners will experience an immersive combination of theoretical instruction and practical, hands-on workplace training tailored to meet the requirements of various engineering disciplines in mining.
This learnership opportunity is exclusively available to residents of the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District, ensuring that community members benefit directly from the operations conducted in the region. By prioritizing local participation, Tshipi é Ntle reinforces its commitment to economic inclusion and community growth.
Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will be eligible to obtain an MQA/QCTO-accredited Trade Test Certificate, equipping them with a nationally recognized qualification that opens doors to technical career opportunities across South Africa’s mining and engineering sectors.
The learnership is offered in the following key engineering trades essential to mining operations:
Electrician (x1)
Fitter – Fitting & Turning (x1)
Boilermaker (x1)
Diesel Mechanic (x1)
Millwright (x1)
Instrumentation Mechanician (x1)
These trades form the backbone of mining production and maintenance functions, and the programme is designed to produce competent artisans who can perform effectively within the demanding mining environment.
Programme Overview and Purpose
The objective of this Engineering Learnership is not only to empower learners with technical knowledge but also to develop well-rounded professionals who understand the broader context of mining engineering. Learners will take part in a holistic learning experience that covers:
Technical skills development
On-the-job training
Exposure to real equipment, tools, and systems
Mining safety standards and compliance
Workplace behaviour and discipline
Personal development and teamwork
Each participant will be placed under the guidance of experienced mentors, artisans, and supervisors who will provide ongoing performance assessment, coaching, and support. The programme follows a structured curriculum aligned with the requirements of the relevant trade and accredited by authoritative bodies such as the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
Through this programme, Tshipi é Ntle aims to cultivate a pool of competent young artisans capable of contributing to South Africa’s skilled workforce pipeline and supporting the future needs of the mining sector.
Duties & Responsibilities
Participants in the 18.2 Engineering Learnership will be required to carry out a variety of responsibilities essential for both their learning journey and workplace performance. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Participation in Theoretical and Practical Training
Learners will be expected to actively attend, participate in, and complete both theoretical and practical components of the learnership. This includes:
Reporting to training centres as scheduled
Completing assessments, assignments, and practical tasks
Demonstrating competency in workshop activities
Applying theoretical knowledge to real engineering tasks
This structured approach ensures that learners gain a balanced understanding of engineering concepts while learning to apply them in practical contexts.
- Adherence to Mine Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality Standards
Mining environments are highly regulated due to the risks associated with heavy machinery, electrical systems, deep excavations and industrial processes. Learners must strictly:
Follow all SHEQ policies and procedures
Take part in safety meetings and toolbox talks
Participate in risk assessments and understand hazard identification
Work safely under supervision
These requirements are essential for protecting the learner, their coworkers, and the overall work environment.
- Correct Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Learners will be supplied with the necessary PPE based on the activities performed. They must:
Wear PPE at all times in designated areas
Inspect PPE for wear and tear
Report damaged or missing PPE immediately
Use PPE according to training and legal regulations
Proper PPE discipline helps instill long-term safety behaviour that will be crucial throughout the learner’s engineering career.
- Reporting Unsafe Conditions or Incidents
One of the core responsibilities includes reporting:
Unsafe acts
Unsafe conditions
Faulty equipment
Injuries or near-miss incidents
Environmental hazards
Prompt reporting is essential to fostering a proactive safety culture and reducing workplace accidents.
- Maintaining Workplace Discipline
Learners are expected to uphold the behavioural and professional standards required in a mining environment. This involves:
Punctuality and time management
Respectful conduct toward supervisors, mentors, and fellow learners
Maintaining good housekeeping practices
Showing initiative and willingness to learn
Following instructions accurately
Demonstrating teamwork and problem-solving skills
Discipline is an important indicator of readiness for employment and the commitment required to progress into an artisan role.
Desired Experience & Qualifications
To be considered for the Engineering Learnership, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Educational Requirements
Applicants must possess:
Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science
Note: Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
N2 Engineering Studies or higher, with all subjects relevant to the selected trade, each passed with at least 40%
OR
NCV Level 4 equivalent in an appropriate trade with all subjects passed with a minimum of 40%
These academic requirements ensure that learners have the foundational theoretical knowledge needed to engage with complex engineering concepts.
- Valid Driver’s License
A valid driver’s license is necessary as it demonstrates responsible behaviour and may be required for travel between training centres, operational areas, or workshop facilities.
- Proof of Residence
Applicants must provide:
A valid proof of residence confirming they live within the JTG District
Evidence of the high school they attended
This ensures the programme remains accessible to local community members, in alignment with Tshipi é Ntle’s commitment to socio-economic development.
- Medical Fitness
Because the mining environment involves physical labour and safety-sensitive tasks, candidates must be able to obtain a Medical Fitness Certificate as per mining legislative requirements.
This ensures:
Physical capability to perform engineering tasks
Suitability for working in underground or surface mining environments
Compliance with occupational health regulations
Programme Benefits and Learning Outcomes
This learnership offers participants a broad range of personal, educational, and career benefits, including:
- Nationally Recognized Qualification
Upon successful completion, learners receive an MQA/QCTO Trade Test Certificate, which is one of the most respected artisan qualifications in South Africa.
- Hands-on Experience
Learners work directly with:
Industry-standard machinery
Electrical and mechanical systems
Hydraulic and pneumatic components
Welding and fabrication tools (for artisans like boilermakers)
Diagnostic and instrumentation equipment
This practical exposure builds confidence and enhances employability.
- Personal Development
Throughout the programme, learners develop:
Communication skills
Problem-solving abilities
Teamwork and collaboration
Workplace discipline
Time management
Technical literacy
These skills are essential for both personal growth and workplace readiness.
- Employability Enhancement
Graduates from this programme are well-positioned for employment in:
Mines and mineral processing plants
Engineering workshops
Manufacturing industries
Mechanical and electrical maintenance fields
Heavy-duty automotive environments
Construction and industrial sectors
Trade-Specific Overview
Below is a brief description of the engineering trades available in the learnership:
Electrician
Learners will be trained to:
Install, repair, and maintain electrical systems
Work with transformers, motors, circuits, and control panels
Conduct electrical fault-finding
Perform preventative maintenance on electrical infrastructure
Fitter (Fitting & Turning)
Learners will:
Assemble, maintain, and repair mechanical machinery
Use precision tools and machine equipment (lathe, milling machine)
Perform alignment and balancing
Work on pumps, conveyors, and gearbox systems
Boilermaker
Learners will:
Fabricate and repair metal structures
Work with welding equipment
Construct pipes, chutes, and structural frameworks
Read and interpret technical drawings
Diesel Mechanic
Learners will:
Service and maintain heavy diesel equipment
Inspect engines, hydraulics, and drivetrain systems
Conduct mechanical diagnostics
Repair earth-moving machinery
Millwright
This dual-skilled trade combines mechanical and electrical training.
Learners will:
Install and maintain electro-mechanical systems
Troubleshoot machinery malfunctions
Work on automation equipment and drive systems
Instrumentation Mechanician
Learners will:
Install and service electronic instruments
Work on sensors, controllers, and measurement systems
Maintain industrial automation and monitoring equipment
Ensure accuracy of instrumentation readings
Conclusion
The 18.2 Engineering Learnership offered by Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining is a comprehensive and life-changing opportunity designed for individuals who are passionate about engineering, eager to learn, and committed to building a strong technical career in the mining industry. This programme offers a structured path to professional development, exposure to real-world engineering environments, and a recognized qualification that enhances employability across multiple industries.
By investing in this programme, Tshipi é Ntle demonstrates its commitment to developing local skills, supporting community growth, and contributing to the future of South Africa’s engineering and mining sector.
If you are motivated, disciplined, and enthusiastic about building a sustainable engineering career, this learnership provides the ideal platform to begin your journey.
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