The Engineering Learnership Programme (Polokwane Smelter) gives unemployed applicants an opportunity to train in one of four engineering trades at Valterra Platinum. The programme combines training away from the job with experience in the workplace. Learners who complete it successfully will receive a nationally recognised artisan qualification.
If you are considering applying, the most useful first step is to check both your subjects and your documents. The advert sets out different qualification routes, and applications missing required documents will be declined. The closing date is 30 September 2026. Please see section 6 to apply.
Table of Contents
1. About the Engineering learnership Programme ( Polokwane Smelter)
Valterra Platinum is offering this 18.2 unemployed learnership at its Polokwane Smelter. It is intended for people who want to develop practical skills in an engineering trade within the mining industry.
Training has two parts. Learners receive structured training away from the job and training in the workplace. This means the programme covers technical learning as well as the chance to apply that learning in a working environment. According to the advert, successful completion leads to a nationally recognised artisan qualification.
Valterra Platinum, formerly Anglo American Platinum, produces platinum group metals. Its operations include mining, smelting and refining in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The company says safety, learning and development are part of its approach to work.
2. Available trades
There are four learnership positions, with one position listed for each trade:
| Trade | Number of positions |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Fitter | 1 |
| Electrician | 1 |
| Boilermaker | 1 |
| Instrument Measurement Control and Instrumentation | 1 |
Choose the trade that matches your qualifications when completing the application. The advert gives subject details for some trades, so applicants using an N2 or higher qualification should read those requirements carefully before applying.
3. Qualifications needed
The advert provides three possible qualification routes. You need to meet the requirements of one of them:
1. Matric: You must have Mathematics, Physical Science and English, with a minimum mark of 40% in each subject. Mathematics Literacy does not meet the stated Mathematics requirement, or
2. N2 or higher with all subjects as per the specific Discipline requirements below.
- Boilermaker Plater: Plating & Structural Steelwork/Welders Theory and Plating Structural & Steelwork Drawings
- Electrical: Electrical Trade Theory / Electrotechnology / Electrotechnics and Industrial Electronics, or Engineering Drawings, or
3. NCV Level 4: You must have an NCV Level 4 qualification in an appropriate trade, with a minimum pass of 40% in all subjects
For Boilermaker, the advert specifies Plating and Structural Steelwork, Welders Theory, and Plating and Structural Steelwork Drawings.
For Electrical, it lists Electrical Trade Theory, Electrotechnology or Electrotechnics, along with Industrial Electronics or Engineering Drawings.
If you plan to apply for Mechanical Fitter or Instrument Measurement Control and Instrumentation through the N2 route, check the original job advert for the subject requirements for that trade. The information provided here does not list those subjects separately.
4. Preference for host communities
Valterra Platinum states that first preference will be given to relevant applications from host communities. This is a preference for applicants whose applications meet the programme’s requirements; it does not replace the qualification or document requirements.
If you are applying from a host community, you must include proof of residence. The document must carry a stamp from the relevant tribal office or municipality. Check that the stamp is visible in the file you upload, especially if you are scanning or photographing the document.
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5. Documents to prepare
Gather your documents before starting the online form. The advert requires:
- Your CV. Make sure your contact details are current so you can be reached about your application.
- Certified copies of your relevant qualifications. Include the qualification you are using to meet the entry requirements.
- A certified copy of your South African ID.
- Stamped proof of residence, if you are applying from a host community.
The required documents may be attached as one document. If you combine them into a single file, check that every page is included and readable. A missing qualification page or an unclear ID copy could make it difficult to assess your application.
The advert says incomplete applications will be declined. Taking a few minutes to review your uploaded files before submitting can help you avoid leaving out a required document.
6. How to apply
Apply through the online application form linked to the Valterra Platinum job advert.
Apply For The Engineering Learnership Programme – Polokwane
Valterra Platinum says applications are reviewed as they come in. The stated closing date is 30 September 2026. Before submitting, make sure your chosen trade, qualification details and uploaded documents agree with one another.
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7. What to check before submitting
Use this short check to review your application:
- Trade: Have you selected the position that fits your qualifications?
- Subjects and marks: If you are applying with Matric or NCV Level 4, do your results meet the stated 40% requirements? If you are applying with N2 or higher, do you have the subjects required for your trade?
- Documents: Are your CV, certified qualification copies and certified South African ID copy attached?
- Residence: If you are from a host community, is your proof of residence stamped by the relevant tribal office or municipality?
- File quality: Can someone clearly read every page you uploaded?
The Engineering learnership Programme ( Polokwane Smelter) offers a route into artisan training for applicants who meet its entry requirements. Read the original advert carefully, prepare the documents that apply to you and submit the online form by 30 September 2026.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
How many positions are available?
There are four positions: one each for Mechanical Fitter, Electrician, Boilermaker, and Instrument Measurement Control and Instrumentation.
Can I apply with Mathematics Literacy?
No. Applicants using Matric to qualify must have Mathematics, Physical Science and English, with at least 40% in each subject. The advert specifically excludes Mathematics Literacy.
Can I apply with an N2 qualification?
Yes, if your N2 or higher qualification includes the subjects required for the trade you choose. Check the original advert’s trade requirements before applying.
Do applicants from host communities need proof of residence?
Yes. Their proof of residence must be stamped by the relevant tribal office or municipality.
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