For many unemployed young South Africans, breaking into engineering or mining feels out of reach — especially without work experience.
The Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership Programme 2026 offers a rare, practical entry point for those who already have the right subjects but need real workplace exposure to move forward.
This learnership is aimed at unemployed candidates who want hands-on training in engineering trades, based at Amandelbult Mine in Thabazimbi, Limpopo — one of the country’s long-established platinum operations.
What Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership Actually Is (and Who It’s For)
This is an 18.2 Engineering Learnership for unemployed candidates, which means participants are trained while gaining structured, supervised experience in a real mining environment.
It’s best suited for:
- School leavers with Maths and Science
- TVET graduates with N2–N4 or NCV Level 4
- Young people who want a trade career, not a classroom-only qualification
Importantly, this programme is not about quick promises or guaranteed jobs. It’s about building credible trade experience, something many employers look for but few opportunities provide.
About Valterra Platinum (Context That Matters)
Valterra Platinum, previously known as Anglo American Platinum, is a major producer of platinum group metals (PGMs) with operations across Southern Africa.
In mining, reputation matters. Companies with long operational histories tend to run learnerships that are:
- Properly structured
- Safety-driven
- Aligned with national training standards
That makes this programme relevant for candidates who want experience that actually counts in the engineering and mining sectors.
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Engineering Trades Available in 2026
For the 2026 intake, Valterra Platinum is offering learnerships across several core engineering trades:
- Electrician
- Boilermaker
- Mechanical Fitter
- Diesel Mechanic
- Measurement Control & Instrumentation
- Auto Electrician
- Millwright
Each trade focuses on practical skill development, not theory alone. Learners are placed in environments where tools, machinery, and systems are used daily — which is exactly the exposure most entry-level candidates struggle to get.
What Learners Will Experience Day to Day
Participants can expect a structured routine that blends learning with real work. This typically includes:
- On-the-job training under qualified artisans
- Completing trade-specific practical tasks
- Following strict safety and operational procedures
- Logging progress through assessments and logbooks
- Working as part of technical teams in a mining setting
Mining is demanding, and this programme reflects that reality. Discipline, punctuality, and safety awareness are not optional — they’re part of the learning itself.
Minimum Requirements (What Really Matters)
Applicants must meet at least one of the following entry routes:
- Matric with Mathematics (not Maths Literacy), Physical Science, and English (minimum 40% each), or
- N2 or higher, with four subjects passed including Mathematics and Engineering Science, plus relevant trade subjects, or
- NCV Level 4 in the relevant trade, with all subjects passed (minimum 40%)
Trade-Specific Subjects (Examples)
Depending on the trade, Valterra Platinum looks for subjects such as:
- Electrical Trade Theory
- Engineering Drawings
- Industrial Electronics
- Fitting or Motor Trade Theory
These requirements matter because they reduce the risk of learners being placed into trades they’re not academically prepared for — something that often leads to drop-outs in technical programmes.
Why Opportunities Like This Matter Now
South Africa’s engineering and mining sectors continue to face a skills gap, even while unemployment remains high. Learnerships like this sit in the middle — helping employers train future artisans while giving young people a realistic pathway into skilled work.
Still, competition is high. Candidates who apply early, submit complete documents, and meet the subject requirements tend to stand a better chance.
How to Apply
Applications must include:
- An updated CV
- Certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents
Applications close on 25 February 2026.
Late or incomplete applications are usually not considered.
👉 Apply using the official Valterra Platinum application platform
FAQs (Real Questions Applicants Ask)
Is this learnership only for unemployed candidates?
Yes. This specific programme is classified as 18.2 – Unemployed, meaning employed applicants do not qualify.
Does completing the learnership guarantee a job?
No. Like most learnerships, completion does not guarantee permanent employment, but it significantly improves employability in technical trades.
Can I apply for more than one trade?
Applicants are generally advised to apply for one trade that matches their subjects and strengths.
Is mining experience required?
No prior mining experience is required, but candidates must be willing to work in a mining environment and follow strict safety rules.
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