Exxaro Coal: Engineering Learnership Programme 2026: Your Pathway Into an Artisan Career in Mining

Who can apply

• Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements.
• Option 1: Grade 12 / Standard 10
• Applicants must have:
• Grade 12 / Standard 10
• Minimum E Symbol or 40% and above in: English Mathematics
• English
• Mathematics
• Important:
• Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
• Option 2: NCV Level 4
• Applicants may also apply if they possess:
• NCV Level 4
• Minimum E Symbol or 40% and above in all subjects
• Option 3: Technical High School Learners
• Applicants who completed Grade 12 or Standard 10 at a Technical High School may qualify if they have:
• Science
• Technical Drawing
• All subjects must be passed with:
• E Symbol or 40% and above
• Applicants must also possess:
• For Most Trades
• Minimum N2 qualification
• All four trade theory subjects completed
• For Plater Boilermaker
• Structural Steel Drawings as one of the four required subjects
• These additional requirements help ensure candidates have the necessary technical foundation for artisan development.
• To be considered, candidates must:
• Successfully complete the selection process
• Reside within the Ga-Nala community
• Provide proof of residence
• The residency requirement is important and forms part of Exxaro’s commitment to community development.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Exxaro Coal - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

South Africa’s mining sector remains one of the country’s largest employers of skilled artisans. For young people who have completed Matric, NCV qualifications, or technical studies and are looking for an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience, the Exxaro Matla Coal Engineering Learnership Programme could be a valuable stepping stone.

Exxaro Coal Mpumalanga is offering engineering learnership opportunities at its Matla Coal operation in Kriel, Mpumalanga. This programme combines structured learning with practical workplace exposure, helping learners develop the skills needed to pursue careers in engineering trades within the mining industry.

Applications close on 25 June 2026.

Quick Overview

• Opportunity: Engineering Learnership Programme 2026
• Organisation: Exxaro Matla Coal
• Location: Kriel, Mpumalanga
• Closing Date: 25 June 2026

Fields of Training:

• Diesel Mechanic
• Electrical
• Fitting (Including Machining)
• Fitter and Turner
• Plater Boilermaker

Programme Type:

• Structured Learnership
• Workplace-based Training
• Engineering Development Programme

Community Requirement:

• Applicants must reside within the Ga-Nala community

Understanding the Engineering Learnership

The Exxaro Engineering Learnership consists of:

• Structured unit-standard-based learning
• Practical workplace training
• Exposure to real engineering environments
• Skills development under qualified supervision
• Preparation for artisan career pathways

Unlike classroom-only education, a learnership allows participants to apply theoretical knowledge in a real workplace while learning industry standards, safety procedures, and practical technical skills.

This combination makes learners more employable once they complete their training.

Engineering Trades Available

Diesel Mechanic

Diesel Mechanics are responsible for maintaining and repairing heavy-duty mining equipment and machinery powered by diesel engines.

Typical duties include:

• Engine maintenance
• Fault diagnosis
• Equipment inspections
• Repairs and servicing
• Performance testing

Mining companies rely heavily on skilled diesel mechanics to keep production equipment operational.

Electrical

Electrical learners develop skills related to:

• Electrical installations
• Maintenance of electrical systems
• Fault finding
• Electrical safety procedures
• Equipment testing

Qualified electricians are consistently in demand across multiple industries.

Fitting (Including Machining)

Fitters work with mechanical equipment and machinery used in industrial environments.

Training may include:

• Machine maintenance
• Equipment assembly
• Precision measurements
• Mechanical repairs
• Workshop practices

Fitter and Turner

This trade combines fitting skills with precision machining techniques.

Learners may gain experience in:

• Operating machine tools
• Manufacturing components
• Mechanical fitting
• Reading engineering drawings
• Precision engineering

Plater Boilermaker

Boilermakers fabricate, assemble, and repair steel structures and equipment.

Skills may include:

• Structural fabrication
• Welding-related activities
• Reading technical drawings
• Manufacturing metal components
• Maintenance of mining structures

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements.

Option 1: Grade 12 / Standard 10

Applicants must have:

• Grade 12 / Standard 10
• Minimum E Symbol or 40% and above in: English Mathematics

Important:

• Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.

Option 2: NCV Level 4

Applicants may also apply if they possess:

• NCV Level 4
• Minimum E Symbol or 40% and above in all subjects

Option 3: Technical High School Learners

Applicants who completed Grade 12 or Standard 10 at a Technical High School may qualify if they have:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Technical Drawing

All subjects must be passed with:

• E Symbol or 40% and above

Additional Trade-Specific Requirements

Applicants must also possess:

For Most Trades

• Minimum N2 qualification
• All four trade theory subjects completed

For Plater Boilermaker

Applicants must have:

• Structural Steel Drawings as one of the four required subjects

These additional requirements help ensure candidates have the necessary technical foundation for artisan development.

Application Requirements

To be considered, candidates must:

• Successfully complete the selection process
• Reside within the Ga-Nala community
• Provide proof of residence

The residency requirement is important and forms part of Exxaro’s commitment to community development.

What Will Learners Be Expected to Do?

Successful candidates will be expected to:

• Participate fully in the training programme
• Maintain satisfactory performance levels
• Follow workplace rules and regulations
• Demonstrate commitment to learning
• Complete all required assessments
• Adhere to safety standards

Engineering learnerships are demanding and require discipline, commitment, and a willingness to continuously learn.

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE EXXARO COAL: ENGINEERING LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE

Documents You Should Prepare

Applicants should prepare:

• Updated CV
• Certified copy of South African ID
• Certified Matric certificate
• Certified NCV certificate (if applicable)
• N2 qualification documents
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of residence
• Additional trade-related certificates

Ensure all documents are clear and easy to read before uploading.

Understanding N2, N3, N4 and Trade Test Requirements in South Africa

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The Difference Between Being Qualified and Being Employable in 2026

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Edupstairs Advice

Engineering learnerships offered by established mining companies are highly competitive because they provide practical experience that many employers value.

Before applying:

• Ensure your CV is updated.
• Verify that all qualifications meet the requirements.
• Prepare certified supporting documents.
• Apply well before the closing date.
• Research the trade you are interested in pursuing.
• Be prepared for assessments and interviews.

If you meet the requirements and are passionate about becoming an artisan, this opportunity could be an excellent foundation for a long-term career in engineering and mining.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Where is the learnership located?

The programme is based at Exxaro Matla Coal in Kriel, Mpumalanga.

• When is the closing date?

Applications close on 25 June 2026.

• Is Mathematical Literacy accepted?

No. The advert specifically states that Mathematical Literacy is not applicable.

• Can qualified artisans apply?

No. Qualified artisans will not be considered during the selection process.

• Is proof of residence required?

Yes. Applicants must reside within the Ga-Nala community and provide proof of residence.

• Do I need an N2 qualification?

Yes. Applicants must possess a minimum N2 qualification with all four required trade subjects.

• Can I email my application?

No. Email applications will not be accepted.

• Will completing the learnership guarantee employment?

No. Completion of the programme does not automatically guarantee permanent employment.

You can also:

Disclaimer

Edupstairs shares opportunities for informational purposes only. We are not the recruiting organisation. Applicants should verify all information and submit applications through the official Exxaro recruitment platform before the closing date.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 - 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

Frequently asked questions

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