United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) Portable Skills Training Programme 2026

If you’ve been waiting for a real opportunity to upgrade your skills, improve your employability, or start a small business — this is it.
United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) is opening life-changing doors for community members living within the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality through its Portable Skills Training 2026 programme.

This article breaks everything down for you in a simple, motivational and practical way — including requirements, how to apply, course options, and what this opportunity means for your future.

Quick Overview

Programme	UMK Portable Skills Training 2026 – Community Development Programmes
Courses Available	Basic Computer, New Venture Creation, Business Practices, Office Practice, Protection Services (Security Guards)
No. of Learners	25 (Basic Computer), 25 (New Venture Creation), 25 (Business Practices), 5 (Office Practice), 5 (Security)
Minimum Requirements	ABET Level 4 / Grade 10–12, South African Citizen, Local Residents Only, People With Disabilities Welcome
Where to Apply	Joe Morolong Training Centre (Mothibistad) or Email: Portableskills@UMK.co.za
Documents Needed	Updated CV, Certified ID Copy, Certified Qualifications
Closing Date	09 January 2026

About United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK)

UMK is a key player in the South African mining sector and one of the major manganese producers in the Northern Cape. Beyond mining, UMK is deeply committed to community development, skills upliftment, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for people around its operations.

By investing in portable skills training, UMK ensures that community members — especially youth — gain qualifications that can be used anywhere, even outside the mining industry.

This programme is part of UMK’s broader commitment to:

Local empowerment
Skills development
Poverty reduction
Economic participation
Opportunities for people with disabilities

In short: UMK is not just mining minerals — they are building communities.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Many young people in rural and mining communities struggle to access skills programmes that genuinely improve their employment chances. UMK’s Portable Skills Training fills this gap by providing:

Free skills development
Workplace-ready training
Entrepreneurial skills for self-employment
Opportunities for those without matric
Inclusion for people with disabilities

This programme gives you portable skills — meaning you can use them anywhere in South Africa.

In a tough job market, these skills are game changers.

What the Programme Offers (Courses & Seats Available)

UMK is offering five portable skills courses, each designed to open different career or business pathways. These skills are practical, in-demand, and can be used in various industries.

Basic Computer Training – 25 Seats

Perfect for beginners who want to:

Learn essential computer skills
Improve employability
Prepare for office jobs
Understand email, Microsoft Office, typing, and workplace technology

This course alone can help you qualify for admin jobs, data capturing, reception work, and more.

New Venture Creation – 25 Seats

If you dream of starting your own business, this course is for you.

You’ll learn:

How to register a business
How to write a business plan
Marketing and branding
Financial management
Customer service
How to identify market opportunities

This course is ideal for future entrepreneurs, hustlers, and self-starters.

Business Practices – 25 Seats

This course helps you understand how organisations operate.

It teaches you:

Workplace ethics
Customer relations
Basic office admin
Planning and organising
Understanding business communication

These are foundational skills needed in almost every sector — corporate, retail, NGOs, municipalities, and private companies.

Office Practice – 5 Seats

A more specialised course focusing on:

Filing systems
Professional communication
Office equipment
Reception duties
Record keeping

This is perfect for those targeting office-based employment.

Protection Services (Security Skills) – 5 Seats

Designed for people interested in becoming Security Guards or entering the security industry.

You’ll gain:

Basic security knowledge
Workplace safety
Access control
Incident reporting

Security guards are always in demand, making this course a strong entry point into formal employment.

Who Can Apply? (Minimum Requirements)

To qualify for the UMK Portable Skills Training 2026, you must meet the following:

ABET Level 4 OR Grade 10–12

You don’t need a matric certificate — ABET Level 4 is accepted.

South African Citizen

Only SA citizens may apply.

Local Residents Only

Applicants must live within the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality.

People With Disabilities Are Strongly Encouraged to Apply

UMK prioritises inclusive opportunities.

How to Apply for UMK Portable Skills Training 2026

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

You will need:

Updated CV
Certified copies of your ID
Certified copies of your qualifications

Make sure your documents are stamped within 3 months.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You can submit your documents in person or via email.

OPTION 1: HAND DELIVERY

Drop your application at: Joe Morolong Training Centre, Mothibistad

OPTION 2: EMAIL SUBMISSION

Portableskills@UMK.co.za

Make sure your email subject line includes:

Your name
The course you are applying for

Example:
SUBJECT: Thabo Mokoena – Business Practices Course

Important

Applicants must clearly state the name of the course they are applying for on the CV or cover letter.

Late applications will not be considered — apply early to avoid disappointment.

Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application

Edupstairs Advice

If you live in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, do not let this opportunity pass you by.

Why?

You don’t need matric
You receive real-world skills
You can start working or start a business
UMK opportunities are credible and career-shaping
These courses boost confidence, employability and income potential

Apply early, prepare your documents properly, and choose a course that aligns with your long-term goals.

This could be the turning point you’ve been praying for.

Career Growth Path After This Programme

Here are possible career paths depending on the course you choose:

After Basic Computer Training

Data Capturer
Office Assistant
Receptionist
Clerk
Junior Admin Officer

After New Venture Creation

Start your own small business
Work in community co-operatives
Become a freelancer or service provider

After Business Practices

Retail assistant
Customer service agent
Admin assistant
Call centre operator

After Office Practice

Office clerk
PA assistant
Front-desk operator
Filing clerk

After Protection Services

Security Guard (Grade E/D/C with further training)
Access control officer
CCTV operator

This is the kind of training that helps people break cycles of unemployment and build sustainable careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the training free?

Yes, UMK covers the training costs.

Do I get a stipend?

The advert does not mention a stipend, so applicants should assume no stipend unless confirmed during selection.

Do I need matric?

No — ABET Level 4 or Grade 10–12 is acceptable.

Can I apply if I’m not a local resident?

No — only residents of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District are eligible.

Will I get a certificate after training?

Yes, portable skills programmes usually include accredited or recognised certificates.

Can people with disabilities apply?

Absolutely — they are encouraged to apply.

What if my documents are not certified?

They must be certified before submission.

Can I apply for more than one course?

It is advisable to choose one course that best fits your career goals.

How long is the training?

Duration will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

How will I know if I am selected?

UMK or the training centre will contact shortlisted applicants directly.

CLOSING DATE: 09 JANUARY 2026

You can also:

Disclaimer

Edupstairs is not the official recruiter or administrator of the UMK Portable Skills Training Programme.
We simply share verified opportunities to help South African youth access employment, training and upliftment programmes.
For queries, always contact UMK directly using the details provided in the advert.

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