Company: Valterra Platinum
Industry: Mining, Metals & Engineering Operations
Location: Amandelbult Complex, Thabazimbi / Limpopo, South Africa
Position Type: Multi-Year Structured Artisan Learnership
Posted Date: 05 August 2026
Closing Date: Monday, 31 August 2026
About Valterra Platinum & The Engineering Learnership
Valterra Platinum is a major producer of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) operating extensive underground and surface mining facilities in South Africa. The Amandelbult Complex is one of the region’s flagship mining operations.
The Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership Programme (2027 Intake) is a multi-year structured artisan training program. It combines institutional theoretical learning with extensive hands-on practical workplace exposure across underground and surface engineering workshops. Successful candidates will work towards completing an accredited trade test to earn a nationally recognized Artisan Qualification (NQF Level 4 / Red Seal).
Available Engineering Trades
Applicants can register their preference for one of the following core technical trades:
- Electrical: High-voltage systems, transformers, switchgear, electric motors, and underground power distribution.
- Fitting & Turning / Mechanical: Precision machining, pumps, gearboxes, mechanical drives, and conveyor maintenance.
- Boilermaking / Fabrication: Structural steel fabrication, heavy plate work, welding, and structural repair.
- Instrumentation: Automated sensors, process control loops, PLC interfaces, and calibration of monitoring devices.
- Millwright / Mechanical Maintenance: Integrated electrical and mechanical maintenance across processing plants.
Key Responsibilities & Practical Workstream Exposure
Under the direct supervision of qualified Section Artisans and Engineers, learners will be trained across four core areas:
1. Institutional & Workshop Training
- Theory & Practical Modules: Complete formal trade theory modules at an accredited mining technical training centre.
- Hand & Power Tools: Master basic benchwork, precision measurement, manual machining, and tool safety.
2. Practical Plant & Underground Maintenance
- Preventative Maintenance: Assist artisans in inspecting, servicing, and maintaining heavy mining equipment, processing plants, and conveyor systems.
- Troubleshooting: Participate in fault-finding, machinery overhauls, and breakdown repairs across the mine complex.
3. Safety & Trade Compliance
- Mine Safety Standards: Adhere strictly to the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), hazard identification procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Logbook Maintenance: Keep detailed, up-to-date practical logbooks to track competency achievements for trade test entry.
Candidate Profile & Minimum Selection Criteria
To qualify for entry into the 2027 learnership cohort, applicants must meet at least ONE of the following academic entry paths:
Academic Requirements (Path A or Path B):
- Path A (Matric): Grade 12 / Matric Certificate with Pure Mathematics, Physical Science, and English (minimum 40% or higher in each subject).
- Path B (TVET / N-Courses): Relevant N2 CertificateORNCV Level 4 qualification with all four relevant technical subjects passed (e.g., Mathematics, Engineering Science, Trade Theory, Industrial Electronics / Drawing).
General Selection Criteria:
- Citizenship: South African Citizen.
- Medical Fitness: Must be declared medically fit to work in a mining environment (Pass a Mine Medical Examination / Certificate of Fitness).
- Age & Employment: Unemployed youth looking to start an artisan career.
- Location Preference: Candidates residing within the local mine host communities (Amandelbult, Thabazimbi, Limpopo) will be given preference in line with the mine’s Social and Labour Plan (SLP).
What Valterra Platinum Offers
- Nationally Recognized Qualification: Full funding and practical preparation for a Red Seal Trade Test (NQF Level 4 Artisan).
- Paid Learnership Allowance: Receive a monthly learnership stipend throughout the theoretical and practical training phases.
- Comprehensive Safety Gear: Full provision of specialized mining safety equipment (PPE) and tools.
- Career Foundation: Direct workplace exposure inside a premier Platinum Group Metals mining operation.
Career Advice for Engineering Applicants
- Highlight Your Specific Subject Marks: If applying with Matric, explicitly state your percentage marks for Maths, Physical Science, and English near the top of your resume.
- Specify Your Preferred Trade: Make sure your application cover letter and CV clearly state your preferred technical trade (e.g., Preferred Trade: Electrical or Boilermaking).
- Organize Certified Supporting Documents: Ensure clear, certified copies of your SA ID, Matric certificate or N2/NCV results, and proof of residence are ready for submission.
Sample Technical & Interview Preparation Questions
Trade Awareness & Safety
- Question (Mine Safety):“Why is strict adherence to safety protocols and Risk Assessments (SLAM/HIRA) so crucial before performing maintenance work in a mining environment?”
- Question (Trade Choice):“What specific aspect of your chosen trade (e.g., Electrical or Fitting) interests you most, and how have your academic studies prepared you for it?”
Workplace Learning & Commitment
- Question (Problem Solving):“Can you describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a technical problem or construct something using hand tools?”
How to Apply
Submit your application directly through the official Valterra Platinum recruitment portal or local community submission centers:
- Location: Amandelbult Complex, Limpopo
- Intake Year: 2027
- Closing Date:31 August 2026