If you’ve been waiting for a real opportunity to break into the mining sector, this is it!
United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Mining Learnerships (18.2) and Mineral Processing Learnerships (18.2) — and if you stay in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District Municipality, this opportunity is literally created for you.
- Are you Ready for these Learnerships? Take the Learnership Readiness Quiz here
- Track Your Daily Career Score here
- Create and Download your CV for these Learnerships here
- Create a Motivational Letter for these Learnerships here
- Practice Interview Questions and Answers for these Learnerships here
- View more 2026 Learnerships here
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | UMK Mining Learnerships (18.2) 2026 & Mineral Processing Learnerships (18.2) 2026 |
| Location | John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality / Joe Morolong Local Municipality |
| Stipend | Not specified |
| Vacancies | Mining Learnerships: 10 positions / Mineral Processing Learnerships: 3 positions |
| Minimum Qualification | Matric with Maths & Science (Mining) / Grade 10 / ABET L4 (Mineral Processing) |
| Application Email | Recruitment@umk.co.za |
| Closing Date | 16 December 2025 |
About UMK – United Manganese of Kalahari
United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) is one of South Africa’s leading manganese producers and a key employer in the Northern Cape. The company is known for:
- Responsible mining
- Investing in local communities
- Eco-friendly extraction methods
- Skills development and job creation
UMK operates open-cast manganese mines and invests heavily in its surrounding communities by offering structured learnerships that help young people gain practical, real-world mining experience.
What the 2026 Mining Learnership (18.2) Offers
This programme is designed to empower unemployed youth who want to grow a career in mining. If you join this learnership, you will:
Gain real on-the-job training
Work in the Mining Department and get hands-on exposure in open-cast mining environments.
Learn critical mining competencies
You will be trained to safely and efficiently assist with blasting, excavation, drilling, and other mining activities.
Build your technical and safety skills
Mining requires discipline, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of safety rules.
Open the door to long-term employment
After completing the learnership, many candidates qualify for roles such as General Miner, Blasting Assistant, Equipment Operator, and more.
Mining Learnership (18.2) – Minimum Requirements
To qualify, you must have:
- Grade 12 with Maths and Science
- Be a resident of JTG District Municipality / Joe Morolong Municipality
- Technical ability and good communication skills
- Discipline, responsibility, and a positive work ethic
- Ability to meet medical fitness requirements for mining environments
- Reliability, professionalism, and willingness to learn
Vacancies available: 10
What the 2026 Mineral Processing Learnership (18.2) Offers
If you are more interested in the processing side of mining, this learnership is your gateway to learning how manganese ore is crushed, screened, sorted, and prepared for export.
You will receive training in:
- Ore Reception (MQA accredited)
- Ore Crushing (MQA accredited)
- Scrubbing & Screening (MQA accredited)
These SETA-accredited skills open doors to processing plants across South Africa.
Mineral Processing Learnership – Minimum Requirements
- Grade 10 OR ABET Level 4
- Resident of JTG District / Joe Morolong Local Municipality
- Basic communication and technical skills
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic
- Medically fit to work in a plant environment
Vacancies available: 3
How to Apply (Both Learnerships)
Send the following documents to: Recruitment@umk.co.za
Your application must include:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Clearly state the position and reference number in your email subject line
Why These Learnerships Matter
Mining remains one of South Africa’s biggest employers. But the industry is highly technical — meaning you cannot simply walk in and start working.
Learnerships like these are golden opportunities because they:
- Give you formal qualifications
- Provide real industry experience
- Make you employable anywhere in the country
- Support communities by skilling the local youth
- Create pathways toward life-changing careers
If you live in the JTG District, this opportunity is literally on your doorstep — made specifically to uplift your community and help you secure a long-term future.
Edupstairs Advice
If there is one piece of advice we give to all applicants, it is this:
Apply early, apply correctly, and apply confidently.
Mining learnerships are competitive — but candidates from JTG District already have a major advantage. Make sure your documents are properly certified, your CV is updated, and your email subject line is correct.
This one application could open the door to a lifetime of opportunities.
Career Growth Path After Completing These Learnerships
Mining Learnership graduates can grow into:
- General Miner
- Blasting Assistant
- Drilling Operator
- Dump Truck Operator
- Miner Supervisor
- Safety Officer
- Mining Technician
Mineral Processing Learnership graduates can grow into:
- Plant Attendant
- Crushing Plant Operator
- Screening & Sorting Technician
- Control Room Operator
- Metallurgical Assistant
- Processing Supervisor
With further experience and studies, many graduates progress to Mine Overseer, Metallurgist, or Plant Manager roles.
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need previous mining experience?
No. These learnerships are designed for unemployed youth with no prior experience.
- Must I live in the JTG District?
Yes. Only local community members qualify.
- Can I apply for both mining and processing learnerships?
You should apply for one — the one aligned with your qualifications.
- Do I need medical fitness tests?
Yes, mining laws require candidates to be medically fit.
- Will I get a job after the learnership?
Employment is not guaranteed, but many graduates are absorbed based on performance.
- Are these learnerships accredited?
Yes, the Mineral Processing programme includes SETA-accredited modules.
- Can I submit my application after the deadline?
No. Late applications are not accepted.
- Can I hand-deliver my application?
Applications must be emailed to Recruitment@umk.co.za.
- What is the duration of the learnership?
Duration wasn’t listed, but mining learnerships typically run for 12 months.
- Is the stipend disclosed?
Not specified, but most mining learnerships pay competitive stipends.
CLOSING DATE: 16 DECEMBER 2025
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not a recruitment agency. We do not influence the employer’s selection process. Information is sourced from official notices and shared to empower youth with access to opportunities. Always verify details on the official company website before applying.
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. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE