Are you a South African youth looking to build a career in engineering, mining and the technical trades? Valterra Platinum is inviting applications for an Engineering Learnership Programme (18.2 – Unemployed), offering eligible applicants an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience, technical knowledge and structured training within the mining industry.
The Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership Programme is designed for unemployed candidates who are interested in developing their skills in engineering and artisan trades. Successful learners will receive both off-the-job and workplace training, with successful completion of the programme leading to a nationally recognised Artisan qualification.
A total of 19 learnership opportunities are available across several technical disciplines, including Electrician, Boilermaker, Mechanical Fitter, Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Instrument Mechanician, Auto Electrician, Millwright and Rigger.
If you meet the academic and technical requirements, this could be an opportunity to gain valuable experience and develop a career in the mining and engineering industry.
Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership Programme
The programme is aimed at unemployed South Africans who want to gain practical experience in an engineering or artisan trade.
Valterra Platinum describes the opportunity as a chance for bold thinkers, problem-solvers and curious individuals to learn, grow and contribute within the mining industry.
The programme combines structured theoretical learning with practical workplace exposure. This approach allows learners to develop technical competencies while gaining an understanding of how their chosen trade operates in a real mining environment.
Successful completion of the learnership programme will result in a nationally recognised Artisan qualification.
Valterra Platinum Learnerships at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Company | Valterra Platinum |
| Programme | Engineering Learnership Programme |
| Programme type | 18.2 – Unemployed Learnership |
| Industry | Mining, Engineering & Platinum Group Metals |
| Training | Off-the-job and workplace training |
| Outcome | Nationally recognised Artisan qualification |
| Target applicants | Unemployed candidates |
| Location | South Africa |
| Application documents | CV, certified qualifications and South African ID |
| Host community applicants | Proof of residence required |
What Does the Valterra Platinum Learnership Offer?
The Engineering Learnership Programme provides learners with a combination of classroom-based or off-the-job training and practical workplace training.
1. Structured Training
Learners will participate in structured training designed to develop their technical knowledge and practical abilities.
The programme is intended to help candidates progress toward an artisan qualification in their selected discipline.
2. Workplace Training
One of the major benefits of the programme is the opportunity to receive workplace training.
Practical exposure can help learners understand how engineering principles and technical skills are applied in a mining environment.
3. Artisan Qualification
Successful completion of the programme will result in a nationally recognised Artisan qualification.
For candidates interested in technical careers, an artisan qualification can provide a foundation for pursuing future opportunities within engineering, mining, manufacturing, maintenance and related industries.
Available Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnerships
There are several trade disciplines available under the Engineering Learnership Programme.
Electrician Learnership – 2 Positions
Number of opportunities: 2
The Electrical learnership is aimed at candidates interested in electrical engineering and electrical trade work within a mining environment.
Applicants need to meet the specific Electrical subject requirements listed in the programme information.
Boilermaker Learnership – 3 Positions
Number of opportunities: 3
Boilermakers work with metal fabrication, structural components, welding and related engineering activities.
Applicants for the Boilermaker discipline need the required trade theory subjects, including:
- Plating/Welders Theory
- Plating Structural & Steelwork Drawings
Mechanical Fitter Learnership – 4 Positions
Number of opportunities: 4
The Mechanical Fitter programme is suitable for candidates interested in mechanical maintenance, machinery and industrial equipment.
The required subjects include:
- Fitting Trade Theory
- Engineering Drawings
With four positions available, Mechanical Fitter has the largest number of opportunities listed in the programme.
Diesel Mechanic Learnership – 2 Positions
Number of opportunities: 2
The Diesel Mechanic learnership is aimed at applicants interested in diesel-powered machinery, mechanical systems and maintenance.
The relevant requirements include:
- Diesel or Motor Trade Theory
- Engineering Drawings
Heavy Equipment Mechanic Learnership – 2 Positions
Number of opportunities: 2
Heavy Equipment Mechanics work with large machinery and equipment commonly used in industrial and mining environments.
Applicants need:
- Diesel or Motor Trade Theory
- Engineering Drawings
Measurement Control & Instrumentation Learnership – 1 Position
Number of opportunities: 1
There is one position available in Measurement Control & Instrumentation.
The relevant requirements include:
- Instrument Trade Theory
- Industrial Electronics
Candidates interested in instrumentation and industrial control systems may find this discipline particularly relevant to their career goals.
Auto Electrician Learnership – 1 Position
Number of opportunities: 1
The Auto Electrician learnership is aimed at candidates interested in vehicle and machinery electrical systems.
The listed requirements include:
- Motor Electrical Trade Theory
- Industrial Electronics
Millwright Learnership – 2 Positions
Number of opportunities: 2
Millwrights work across mechanical and electrical systems, making this a multidisciplinary technical trade.
The requirements include relevant combinations of:
- Electrical Trade Theory
- Fitting Trade Theory
- Engineering Drawings
- Industrial Electronics
Rigger Learnership – 2 Positions
Number of opportunities: 2
The Rigger learnership is aimed at candidates interested in rigging, lifting equipment and related engineering activities.
The listed requirements include:
- Rigger Trade Theory
- Engineering Theory
Total Number of Learnership Opportunities
The programme offers opportunities across nine technical disciplines.
| Trade | Positions |
| Electrician | 2 |
| Boilermaker | 3 |
| Mechanical Fitter | 4 |
| Diesel Mechanic | 2 |
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | 2 |
| Measurement Control & Instrumentation | 1 |
| Auto Electrician | 1 |
| Millwright | 2 |
| Rigger | 2 |
| Total | 19 |
Valterra Platinum Learnership Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum academic and technical requirements for the programme.
The requirements include Matric with Mathematics, Physical Science and English, together with the relevant N2 or higher subjects for the selected discipline.
Matric Requirements
Applicants need Matric with:
- Mathematics — not Mathematics Literacy
- Physical Science
- English
Each of these subjects must have a minimum 40% pass.
This is an important requirement. Candidates should therefore carefully check their Matric results before applying.
N2 or Higher Requirement
Applicants must also have N2 or higher, with all four subjects passed, including:
- Mathematics
- Engineering Science
Additional subjects depend on the specific trade or discipline selected.
Candidates should therefore ensure that their N2 subjects correspond with the trade they are applying for.
Trade-Specific N2 Requirements
Different disciplines have different technical subject requirements.
Boilermaker
Applicants need:
- Plating/Welders Theory
- Plating Structural & Steelwork Drawings
Electrical
Applicants need:
- Electrical Trade Theory
- Industrial Electronics
OR
- Engineering Drawings
Diesel Mechanic
Applicants need:
- Diesel or Motor Trade Theory
- Engineering Drawings
Mechanical Fitter
Applicants need:
- Fitting Trade Theory
- Engineering Drawings
Instrument Mechanician
Applicants need:
- Instrument Trade Theory
- Industrial Electronics
Auto Electrician
Applicants need:
- Motor Electrical Trade Theory
- Industrial Electronics
Millwright
Applicants need the relevant combination of:
- Electrical Trade Theory
- Fitting Trade Theory
- Engineering Drawings
- Industrial Electronics
Rigger
Applicants need:
- Rigger Trade Theory
- Engineering Theory
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Applicants need:
- Diesel or Motor Trade Theory
- Engineering Drawings
NCV Level 4 Alternative
The programme also indicates that candidates with NCV Level 4 in the appropriate trade may qualify, provided that all subjects have been passed with a minimum 40% pass.
Applicants with NCV qualifications should make sure that their qualification is relevant to the trade they are applying for.
Explore other opportunities:
Documents Required for the Application
Applications must be accompanied by the required supporting documents.
Applicants should prepare the following:
1. CV
A current CV must be submitted with the application.
Your CV should clearly present your educational background, technical qualifications, skills and relevant training.
2. Certified Qualifications
Applicants need to provide certified copies of all relevant qualifications.
Make sure that your documents are clear and readable before submitting your application.
3. South African ID
A copy of your South African identity document must accompany the application.
4. Proof of Residence for Host Community Applicants
Applicants from the relevant host communities must provide proof of residence.
The proof of residence must have the required stamp from the relevant tribal office or municipality.
This is an important requirement for candidates applying from host communities, and applicants should ensure that the correct proof of residence is included with their application.
Why Choose an Engineering Learnership in Mining?
Engineering and artisan skills are essential to the mining industry.
Mining operations depend on qualified technical personnel to maintain equipment, support production, manage electrical systems, maintain machinery and ensure that engineering processes operate effectively.
A learnership can give young people an opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical workplace exposure.
For candidates interested in technical careers, gaining experience in a mining environment can also provide valuable insight into industrial engineering operations.
About Valterra Platinum
Valterra Platinum, formerly known as Anglo American Platinum, is a major producer of platinum group metals (PGMs).
The company has integrated mining, smelting and refining operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe and markets the metals it produces globally.
Following its demerger from Anglo American plc, Valterra Platinum became an independent publicly listed company, with primary and secondary listings on the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges, respectively.
The company is entering a new chapter focused on its own strategy, operational excellence, sustainability and long-term value creation.
Its operations span the PGM value chain from mine to market, with safety and sustainability positioned as important aspects of its approach to business.
For prospective learners, this means the programme offers exposure to a major industrial environment where engineering and technical skills play an important role.
Who Should Apply for the Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership?
This opportunity may be suitable for you if you:
- Are unemployed.
- Have Matric.
- Passed Mathematics rather than Mathematics Literacy.
- Passed Physical Science and English.
- Achieved the required minimum marks.
- Have N2 or higher with the required subjects.
- Have an appropriate NCV Level 4 qualification, where applicable.
- Are interested in an artisan or engineering career.
- Want to gain practical workplace experience.
- Are interested in the mining industry.
- Can provide the required supporting documentation.
However, applicants should carefully compare their qualifications with the specific requirements of the trade they want to apply for.
How to Improve Your Learnership Application
Competition for engineering and mining learnerships can be strong, so applicants should ensure that their applications are complete and accurate.
Update Your CV
Your CV should be clear, professional and easy to read.
Include:
- Contact details
- Educational qualifications
- Matric subjects and results
- N-level qualifications
- NCV qualifications, where applicable
- Trade-related subjects
- Technical skills
- Relevant training
- Any practical experience
Check Your Subjects
Do not apply without checking the subject requirements for your selected trade.
For example, the requirements for a Mechanical Fitter are different from those for an Auto Electrician or Instrument Mechanician.
Prepare Certified Documents
Ensure that your qualification documents have been certified as required.
Also prepare a clear copy of your South African ID.
Check Proof of Residence Requirements
If you are from a relevant host community, make sure your proof of residence has the required stamp from the relevant tribal office or municipality.
Failure to provide required supporting documentation could affect the completeness of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership?
It is an 18.2 unemployed Engineering Learnership Programme offering structured off-the-job and workplace training in various artisan and technical disciplines.
What qualification can I obtain?
Successful completion of the programme will result in a nationally recognised Artisan qualification.
Which trades are available?
The listed opportunities include Electrician, Boilermaker, Mechanical Fitter, Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Measurement Control & Instrumentation, Auto Electrician, Millwright and Rigger.
How many positions are available?
There are 19 listed learnership opportunities across the nine disciplines.
Do I need Matric?
Yes. Applicants need Matric with Mathematics, Physical Science and English, with a minimum 40% pass in each, according to the stated requirements.
Can I use Mathematics Literacy?
No. The requirement specifically states Mathematics and not Mathematics Literacy.
Do I need N2?
Yes. The minimum requirements include N2 or higher, with all four subjects passed, including Mathematics and Engineering Science, as well as the relevant trade-specific subjects.
Can NCV Level 4 applicants apply?
Yes. The programme information states that candidates with NCV Level 4 in the appropriate trade, with all subjects passed at a minimum 40%, may qualify.
Do I need previous work experience?
The opportunity is described as an 18.2 unemployed learnership programme, designed to provide practical workplace training and experience.
Applicants should review the official programme requirements for any additional eligibility conditions.
What documents must I submit?
Applications must include:
- CV
- Certified copies of relevant qualifications
- Copy of South African ID
Applicants from host communities must also provide appropriately stamped proof of residence.
Final Thoughts
The Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership Programme presents an opportunity for unemployed South Africans who want to develop technical skills and pursue careers in engineering, mining and artisan trades.
With 19 opportunities across nine disciplines, the programme provides several possible career pathways, including Electrician, Boilermaker, Mechanical Fitter, Diesel Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Instrument Mechanician, Auto Electrician, Millwright and Rigger.
The combination of structured off-the-job training and workplace training can help learners develop practical skills while working toward a nationally recognised Artisan qualification.
Before applying, carefully check the requirements for your preferred trade, particularly the Matric Mathematics, Physical Science and English requirements, N2 or higher subjects, trade-specific technical subjects and required supporting documents.
For host community applicants, remember to include the required proof of residence with the appropriate tribal office or municipal stamp.
If you meet the requirements and are passionate about engineering, problem-solving and building a future in the mining industry, the Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership Programme could be an opportunity worth exploring.
Simphiwe Dube is the Founder and Managing Editor of sa-learnership.co.za, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships and skills development programmes.
He specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable and up-to-date guidance.
Simphiwe is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so that South African students, graduates and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence.