Are you a Chemical Engineering student looking to complete your practical workplace experience at a world-leading refinery? Impala Platinum Limited is recruiting 7 Work Experience Learners for a one-year placement at their Springs operations.
This programme is specifically designed for students who have completed their theoretical National Diploma and require P1 and P2 modules to graduate.
Position Details:
- Company: Impala Platinum Limited (Implats)
- Location: Springs, Gauteng (Refineries)
- Duration: 12 Months (Commencing January 2027)
- Number of Openings: 7
- Closing Date: 17 April 2026
Requirements:
- Education: Must have completed the National Diploma in Chemical Engineering (Theory).
- Documentation: A letter from your Institution of Higher Learning confirming that you require P1 and P2 to complete your qualification.
- Academic Record: Strong academic performance in process control and chemistry modules.
What You’ll Do (The Refinery Track):
- Process Monitoring: Assist in monitoring chemical plant parameters (temperature, pressure, and flow rates) to ensure optimal metal recovery.
- Sampling & Analysis: Conduct regular sampling of process streams and interpret lab results to adjust plant operations.
- Mass & Energy Balances: Gain hands-on experience in calculating plant efficiencies and identifying areas for process improvement.
- Safety & Environment: Work strictly within ISO and Mine Health and Safety Act standards, specifically regarding hazardous chemical handling.
How to Apply:
Applications for Implats are usually submitted via their internal recruitment portal or specific regional HR offices. Ensure your application includes:
- Updated CV.
- Certified ID copy.
- Full Academic Transcript.
- The official “P1/P2 Requirement Letter” from your university.
Apply here
Career Advice for Implats Applicants
- Understand “Refining”: Research the difference between a “Mine” and a “Refinery.” Implats Springs is where the final, high-purity platinum group metals (PGMs) are produced. Show you understand the chemical complexity involved.
- Safety is Non-Negotiable: Refineries handle high temperatures and corrosive chemicals. In your interview, demonstrate that you have a “safety-first” mindset and respect for standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Springs Locality: If you are from Springs, Brakpan, or Benoni, mention your location. Being local to the East Rand is often a logistics advantage for shift-based roles.
Possible Interview Questions
Technical & Process
- “Can you explain the basic principle of a ‘Heat Exchanger’ or a ‘Distillation Column’ within a refinery context?”
- “How do you handle a situation where a chemical reaction is not yielding the expected output?”
- “What is the importance of ‘pH control’ in an aqueous chemical process?”
Situational
- “The learnership starts in January 2027. What are you planning to do for the remainder of 2026 to keep your engineering skills sharp?”
- “Tell us about a time you had to follow a very strict set of instructions to ensure a safe outcome.”