South Africans with Grade 12, strong Mathematics and Physical Science results, an N2 Engineering Studies qualification and artisan-assistant experience have another opportunity to pursue a recognised artisan career in the mining industry.
IVANPLATS (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Ivanhoe Mines, has opened applications for its Artisan Learnership Programme 2026 intake at its Platreef mining project near Mokopane in Limpopo.
The latest intake opened on 1 September 2026 and applications are scheduled to close on 15 September 2026 at 23:59.
Successful candidates may be trained in technical disciplines including Boilermaking, Diesel Mechanics, Fitting and Turning, Instrumentation, Mechanical Fitting and Millwrighting.
This is particularly important for applicants who already have an N2 Engineering Studies qualification and practical experience as an Artisan Assistant but still need structured training and workplace exposure towards becoming qualified artisans.
Quick Overview: IVANPLATS Artisan Learnerships 2026
| Details | Information |
| Company | IVANPLATS (Pty) Ltd |
| Parent company | Ivanhoe Mines |
| Opportunity | Artisan Learnership Programme |
| Reference | IVP-HRD-2620 |
| Location | Near Mokopane, Limpopo |
| Opening date | 1 September 2026 |
| Closing date | 15 September 2026 at 23:59 |
| Minimum education | Grade 12 + N2 Engineering Studies |
| Mathematics | Minimum 60% in Grade 12 |
| Physical Science | Minimum 60% in Grade 12 |
| Experience | Minimum 2 years as an Artisan Assistant |
| Duration | Up to 3 years or until trade qualification is obtained |
| Citizenship | South African citizens and permanent RSA residents |
| Preference | HDSA applicants from surrounding communities and women |
About IVANPLATS and the Platreef Project
IVANPLATS is developing the Platreef project in Limpopo Province near Mokopane.
According to the company’s vacancy information, the project contains palladium, rhodium, nickel, copper and gold and is being developed using large-scale mechanised underground mining methods and modern technology.
This makes artisan development particularly relevant because highly mechanised mines depend on skilled technical employees to install, operate, inspect, maintain, diagnose and repair increasingly sophisticated mining equipment and infrastructure.
The Artisan Learnership Programme therefore provides successful candidates with an opportunity to develop practical occupational skills in an operational mining environment.
Artisan Learnership Fields Available
The September 2026 advertisement identifies the following technical disciplines:
- Boilermaker
- Diesel Mechanic
- Fitter & Turner
- Instrumentation
- Mechanical Fitter
- Millwright
These trades can lead to different technical career pathways within mining, engineering, maintenance and related industrial environments.
Applicants should select or pursue the discipline that corresponds most closely with their N2 Engineering Studies subjects, experience and career interests.
Minimum Requirements for the IVANPLATS Artisan Learnership
Candidates should read the requirements carefully before applying. This is not simply a Grade 12 learnership.
According to the current advertisement, suitable applicants must have:
-
Grade 12
Applicants must have completed Grade 12.
-
At least 60% for Mathematics
Applicants must have passed Grade 12 Mathematics with a minimum mark of 60%.
Applicants should not confuse Mathematics with Mathematical Literacy unless IVANPLATS specifically confirms otherwise.
-
At least 60% for Physical Science
Applicants must also have achieved at least 60% in Grade 12 Physical Science.
-
N2 Engineering Studies
Candidates must possess an N2 qualification in Engineering Studies.
The relevant engineering subjects should ideally correspond with the trade for which the applicant is being considered.
-
Artisan Assistant Experience
A significant requirement in this September intake is practical experience.
Applicants must have a minimum of two years’ working experience as an Artisan Assistant.
Candidates should therefore make sure this experience is clearly reflected on their CV.
Do not simply write “Artisan Assistant”. Where possible, explain the trade environment and the practical work you performed, such as assisting with maintenance, inspections, mechanical repairs, fabrication, fitting, fault finding, equipment installation or other relevant technical duties.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for someone who has already progressed beyond entry-level technical education.
A strong candidate would generally have:
Grade 12 → Mathematics and Physical Science at 60% or higher → N2 Engineering Studies → at least two years’ Artisan Assistant experience → interest in completing an artisan trade pathway.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. IVANPLATS may receive more qualifying applications than the number of training opportunities available.
How Long Is the IVANPLATS Artisan Learnership?
Successful candidates will be enrolled in the programme for a maximum period of three years, or until they receive the applicable trade qualification, whichever occurs first.
The programme should therefore be viewed as a serious long-term training commitment rather than short-term work experience.
Participants will need to complete the required theoretical, practical and workplace components associated with their training pathway.
You Must Be Prepared to Work Underground
Applicants should also understand the realities of pursuing an artisan career in mining.
Successful candidates must be prepared to work:
- Underground;
- On surface; and
- Across mining operations where required for their mining-related qualifications.
Candidates must also pass the applicable medical fitness examination.
This requirement is important because underground mining and technical maintenance environments can involve physically demanding and safety-critical work.
Capability Assessment
IVANPLATS also states that candidates must be willing to undergo the relevant capability assessment tool.
Applicants should therefore be prepared for the possibility of additional screening after their initial application.
Depending on the selection process, assessments could examine suitability for the programme and technical learning environment. Candidates should follow the instructions supplied by IVANPLATS if shortlisted rather than relying on unofficial assessment information.
Documents Required for Your Application
Applicants must prepare the required documentation before submitting their application.
IVANPLATS states that applications must include:
- An updated CV;
- Certified copies of qualifications;
- South African Identity Document; and
- A letter from the Tribal Authority/Induna.
The last requirement is particularly important for applicants from communities surrounding the Platreef Mine.
Do not wait until the closing date to start looking for supporting documents.
Edupstairs Application Tip
Your CV should make it easy for the recruiter to verify the requirements.
Near the beginning of your CV, clearly show:
Education
- Grade 12
- Mathematics result
- Physical Science result
- N2 Engineering Studies
- Relevant N2 subjects
Experience
- Artisan Assistant
- Employer
- Trade/department
- Employment dates
- Main technical responsibilities
If you have two or more years of relevant Artisan Assistant experience, make sure the employment dates are clearly visible.
Preference for Local Communities, HDSA Applicants and Women
IVANPLATS states that preference will be given to Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA) from local communities surrounding the Ivanplats Platreef Mine and women.
The programme is open only to South African citizens and permanent RSA residents.
Applicants should understand the difference between a minimum eligibility requirement and a preference criterion.
Meeting the minimum requirements makes you potentially eligible to compete for the opportunity. The company’s stated preference may then influence selection among qualifying applicants.
How to Apply for the IVANPLATS Artisan Learnership Programme 2026
APPLY FOR THE IVANPLATS ARTISAN LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 INTAKE HERE
Application Closing Date is 15 September 2026 at 23:59
Because supporting documentation includes certified qualifications, an ID and a Tribal Authority/Induna letter, applicants are encouraged to prepare these documents well before the deadline.
Explore Artisan and Mining Qualifications on Edupstairs
Applicants who want to understand how artisan qualifications, trades and mining-sector skills programmes work can use the Edupstairs SETA Platform.
Explore the Edupstairs SETA Platform
The platform brings together programmes and qualifications associated with South Africa’s 21 SETAs, including learnerships, apprenticeships, qualifications and workplace learning pathways.
For this opportunity, the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is particularly relevant because its sector covers mining, minerals, mineral processing, metallurgy, engineering trades, mine health and safety and related occupational development.
Edupstairs has a dedicated guide to the MQA Artisan Learnership Programme, which explains trade-focused workplace learning leading towards artisan certification.
Explore the MQA Artisan Learnership Programme on Edupstairs
Candidates can also explore the wider MQA qualification catalogue to understand different mining and engineering qualification pathways.
Explore MQA Qualifications on Edupstairs
Explore the Boilermaker Qualification
Applicants interested in becoming boilermakers can explore the Occupational Certificate: Boilermaker through the Edupstairs MQA qualification catalogue.
The Edupstairs record identifies this as an artisan-trade qualification relevant to mining and minerals workplaces.
Explore the Occupational Certificate: Boilermaker
Applicants should remember that qualification registration, provider accreditation and enrolment arrangements can change. The specific requirements of the current IVANPLATS intake remain the requirements that matter when applying.
Explore the Millwright Qualification
Millwrighting is another discipline included in the IVANPLATS intake.
Millwrights typically operate at the intersection of mechanical and electrical systems, making the trade particularly relevant in highly mechanised industrial and mining operations.
Edupstairs lists an Occupational Certificate: Millwright within its MQA qualification catalogue.
Explore the Occupational Certificate: Millwright
Interested in Becoming a Diesel Mechanic?
Edupstairs also provides a dedicated career guide for aspiring Diesel Mechanics.
The Career & Qualification Explorer identifies Diesel Mechanic as a trade occupation and provides information about related qualifications and occupational pathways.
Explore the Diesel Mechanic Career on Edupstairs
This can help applicants understand the longer-term career pathway rather than viewing the IVANPLATS opportunity simply as a temporary learnership.
Use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer
Applicants who are still deciding which technical trade best suits them can also use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer.
Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer
The platform allows users to search South African careers and SAQA qualifications and explore OFO occupations, NQF levels and career-to-qualification relationships.
Search for terms such as:
- Boilermaker
- Diesel Mechanic
- Fitter
- Fitter and Turner
- Millwright
- Instrumentation
- Engineering
- Artisan
This is useful for applicants who want to understand what happens after completing an artisan training programme.
Need an N2 Engineering Qualification? Explore TVET Colleges
Applicants who are interested in future artisan opportunities but do not currently meet the N2 requirement should not submit false qualifications or alter their academic records.
Instead, they can investigate appropriate engineering study routes offered through South Africa’s public TVET college system.
Explore South African TVET Colleges on Edupstairs
The Edupstairs TVET Colleges Explorer can help prospective students investigate colleges, programmes and related study information.
Remember, however, that this particular IVANPLATS intake requires applicants to already meet the advertised requirements. Starting an N2 programme now would therefore be preparation for future opportunities rather than a way to meet the 15 September 2026 deadline.
This Is a New September Intake
Job seekers who remember seeing IVANPLATS Artisan Learnerships earlier in 2026 should note that this is a newer intake.
Edupstairs previously reported on an IVANPLATS Artisan Learnership intake that carried reference IVP-HRD-2615 and closed on 17 July 2026.
The current opportunity opened on 1 September 2026, carries the vacancy reference IVP-HRD-2620, and closes on 15 September 2026.
Applicants who missed the previous intake therefore have another opportunity to check whether they qualify for the latest programme.
What Happens After Applying?
IVANPLATS states that if applicants have not heard from the company within 14 days after the closing date, they should assume their application was unsuccessful.
Since applications close on 15 September 2026, candidates should monitor the contact information supplied on their application after the deadline.
Make sure your:
- Mobile number is correct;
- Email address is active;
- Phone remains reachable; and
- Voicemail, SMS and email inbox are checked regularly.
Also check your spam or junk email folder where appropriate.
Tools you may find useful:
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice to Applicants
The strongest applications will make the minimum requirements immediately visible.
Before submitting, check these five critical items:
- Your Mathematics mark: Confirm that it is at least 60%.
- Your Physical Science mark: Confirm that it is at least 60%.
- Your N2 qualification: Make sure your certified N2 documentation is included.
- Your Artisan Assistant experience: Clearly demonstrate at least two years of relevant experience on your CV.
- Your supporting documents: Do not overlook the Tribal Authority/Induna letter.
Applicants who satisfy all five should prioritise completing their application before the deadline rather than waiting until 15 September.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
When do applications close for the IVANPLATS Artisan Learnership 2026?
Applications for the current intake close on 15 September 2026 at 23:59.
-
Where is the learnership based?
The opportunity is associated with the IVANPLATS Platreef project near Mokopane in Limpopo Province.
-
Can I apply with only Grade 12?
No. The advertisement requires Grade 12 plus an N2 Engineering Studies qualification, together with the stated experience requirement.
-
What Mathematics mark do I need?
Applicants must have obtained at least 60% in Grade 12 Mathematics.
-
What Physical Science mark do I need?
A minimum of 60% in Grade 12 Physical Science is required.
-
Is previous work experience required?
Yes. The current advertisement requires a minimum of two years’ working experience as an Artisan Assistant.
-
Which artisan fields are available?
The advertised disciplines include Boilermaker, Diesel Mechanic, Fitter & Turner, Instrumentation, Mechanical Fitter and Millwright.
-
How long does the learnership last?
The programme can run for a maximum of three years or until the candidate obtains the relevant trade qualification, whichever occurs first.
-
Will I have to work underground?
Candidates must be prepared to work both underground and on surface in mining operations where required.
-
Is a medical assessment required?
Yes. Candidates must pass the relevant medical fitness examination.
-
Do I need a letter from an Induna or Tribal Authority?
Yes. The advertisement lists a letter from the Tribal Authority/Induna among the documents that must accompany the application.
-
Can permanent residents apply?
Yes. The advertisement states that applications are open to South African citizens and permanent RSA residents.
-
Is preference given to local applicants?
Yes. IVANPLATS states that preference will be given to HDSA candidates from local communities surrounding the Platreef Mine and women.
-
Does meeting all the requirements guarantee selection?
No. Meeting the requirements means you may be eligible for consideration. Shortlisting, assessments, medical fitness and the company’s selection process still apply.
-
Is there a guaranteed permanent job after the learnership?
The advertisement does not state that successful completion guarantees permanent employment. Applicants should therefore not interpret participation in the learnership as an automatic promise of a permanent IVANPLATS position.
Our Conclusion
The IVANPLATS Artisan Learnership Programme 2026 intake represents a valuable opportunity for technically experienced South Africans who want to progress from engineering studies and Artisan Assistant experience towards becoming qualified artisans.
With training opportunities in Boilermaking, Diesel Mechanics, Fitting and Turning, Instrumentation, Mechanical Fitting and Millwrighting, the programme provides pathways into technical occupations that are central to modern mining and industrial operations.
Applications opened on 1 September 2026 and close on 15 September 2026 at 23:59.
Candidates should prepare their CV, certified qualifications, South African ID and Tribal Authority/Induna letter and apply through the application channel specified by IVANPLATS.
Do not wait until the final day to apply.
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is an independent education and opportunities information platform and is not IVANPLATS, Ivanhoe Mines, MQA or a recruitment agency acting on their behalf. Information is provided to help applicants understand the advertised opportunity. Recruitment requirements, dates and selection processes remain subject to the employer’s official vacancy information.
Applicants should never pay anyone who claims they can guarantee selection for a learnership, apprenticeship or employment opportunity.
Editorial Integrity
This article was prepared using the current IVANPLATS Artisan Learnership vacancy information supplied for the September 2026 intake and additional research into relevant Edupstairs career, qualification, TVET and SETA resources. Where the vacancy contains an apparent reference-number inconsistency, Edupstairs has highlighted it rather than silently changing the employer’s published information.
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
