Act now – the Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership is looking for 16 unemployed South Africans, and the closing date is 30 September 2026. This is a chance to start a career in the platinum processing industry while you are still learning.
What the opportunity is
Valterra Platinum is offering an 18‑month learnership that blends classroom study with on‑the‑job training. Successful learners will work towards a nationally recognised artisan qualification. The learnership covers six trades:
- Mechanical Fitter – 5 places
- Boilermaker – 4 places
- Electrician – 4 places
- Rigger – 1 place
- Instrument Mechanician – 1 place
- Millwright – 1 place
The 16 spots are spread across the Rustenburg Process operations (PMR, BMR, Converter Plant and Waterval Smelters). Each operation advertises a specific mix of the trades, for example one site may have one Mechanical Fitter, one Boilermaker, one Electrician and one Instrument Mechanician, while another offers two Mechanical Fitters, one Boilermaker, one Electrician and one Millwright.
Who can apply – eligibility criteria
You can qualify through any of the following routes:
- Matric or Technical Matric with the required subjects.
- N2 (or higher) in a relevant technical field.
- National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4 in a related trade.
Matric route
You must have:
- Mathematics (not Mathematics Literacy)
- Physical Science
- English
- At least 40 % in each of those subjects.
N2 or higher route
Relevant subjects differ by trade. Below are the key subjects for each discipline:
- Mechanical Fitter / Millwright: Fitting Trade Theory (or Mechanotechnology), Engineering Drawings, Mathematics, Engineering Science.
- Boilermaker: Plating and Structural Steelwork (or Welders Theory), Steelwork Drawings, Mathematics, Engineering Science.
- Electrician: Electrical Trade Theory (or Electrotechnology), Industrial Electronics (or Engineering Drawings), Mathematics, Engineering Science.
- Rigger: Rigging Trade Theory, Engineering Drawings, Mathematics, Engineering Science.
- Instrument Mechanician: Instrument Trade Theory (or Industrial Instrument), Industrial Electronics, Mathematics, Engineering Science.
For NCV Level 4 holders, the same subject list applies and you must have at least 40 % in the relevant modules.
What you will gain
The learnership provides:
- Structured engineering training.
- Off‑the‑job learning at a recognised institution.
- Workplace‑based training in real processing plants.
- Hands‑on experience with engineering equipment.
- Skills that lead directly to an artisan qualification.
These benefits give you more than theory – you will actually use the tools and techniques required in the platinum industry.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Identify which of the six trades matches the subjects on your certificate.
- Gather all required documents:
- Updated CV.
- Certified copies of your qualifications.
- South African ID copy.
- Proof of residence (only if you are from a host community; must bear a municipal or tribal stamp).
- Combine the documents into a single PDF if possible, and make sure every page is clear.
- Visit the official Valterra Platinum application portal.
- Complete the online form, upload your PDF, and double‑check the information.
- Submit before the deadline – applications are reviewed as they arrive.
Tips to improve your chances
- Make sure you meet the exact subject requirements for the trade you choose – a mismatch will lead to rejection.
- Confirm you have at least 40 % in each required Matric subject; Mathematics Literacy does not count.
- If you are applying from a host community, ensure the proof of residence carries the correct stamp.
- Keep your CV concise and highlight any hands‑on experience (even school projects).
- Upload legible, colour‑clear copies of all certificates.
- Apply early – spots fill up quickly.
Final thoughts and next steps
The Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership 2026 offers a solid pathway into the platinum processing sector. With 16 positions across Mechanical Fitting, Boilermaking, Electrical, Rigging, Instrumentation and Millwright, the programme can match a range of technical backgrounds.
If you have the right Mathematics, Science or technical subjects, start today: match your qualification to a trade, prepare the documents listed above, and submit a complete application before 30 September 2026. This could be the first step toward a rewarding artisan career.