Young South African artisan learners receiving technical engineering training in a mining workshop during the Seriti Engineering Learnership Programme 2026.

Seriti Engineering Learnership 2026 Opens for Young South Africans Interested in Artisan Careers

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South Africa’s mining industry continues to create strong demand for skilled artisans — and for many young people, engineering learnerships are one of the best ways to enter the sector.

If you are passionate about mechanics, electrical systems, mining equipment or technical problem-solving, the Seriti Engineering Learnership Programme (18.2) could be the opportunity that starts your career.

Applications are now open for qualifying candidates at Middelburg Mine Services in Mpumalanga, with the closing date set for 12 June 2026.

Seriti Engineering Learnership Programme (18.2) 2026

Seriti is inviting applications for its Engineering Learnership Programme (18.2) aimed at developing future artisans in critical mining and engineering trades.

The programme combines structured technical learning with practical workplace training to help learners work toward becoming qualified artisans.

Quick Overview

  • Programme: Engineering Learnership (18.2)
  • Employer: Seriti
  • Division: Middelburg Mine Services
  • Location: Mpumalanga
  • Reference Number: MMS051/26GS
  • Closing Date: 12 June 2026
  • Experience Required: Entry Level
  • Industry: Mining and Metals
  • Employment Type: Learnership
  • Target Group: External Applicants and Host Communities

Trades Available

Applicants may apply for one of the following artisan disciplines:

  • Auto Electrician
  • Boilermaker
  • Diesel Mechanic
  • Fitter
  • Rigger

No stipend amount was specified in the advert. However, engineering learnerships in the mining sector often provide a learner allowance during training.

Why This Learnership Matters for South African Youth

Breaking into engineering or mining without experience can be difficult.

This programme offers something many young people struggle to get: structured workplace exposure combined with formal artisan training.

Rather than learning only theory, successful learners gain hands-on technical experience while building toward recognised artisan qualifications.

For unemployed youth or school leavers with strong Mathematics and Science backgrounds, this opportunity can become a long-term career pathway.

Future Employability: What Career Opportunities Can This Open?

One of the biggest advantages of artisan training is long-term employability.

Qualified artisans remain in demand across:

  • Mining operations
  • Manufacturing
  • Engineering companies
  • Construction and heavy industry
  • Power generation
  • Maintenance and industrial services

Depending on the trade selected, future roles may include:

  • Qualified Artisan
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Auto Electrician
  • Diesel Mechanic
  • Mechanical Fitter
  • Plant Maintenance Specialist
  • Workshop Technician
  • Mining Equipment Specialist

Artisans with experience often progress into supervisory, inspection and technical specialist positions over time.

What Is an Engineering Learnership (18.2)?

An Engineering Learnership (18.2) combines theoretical learning and practical workplace training.

Learners are trained under experienced professionals while developing technical competence in a specific artisan trade.

Successful candidates may gain exposure to:

  • Engineering principles
  • Mining equipment maintenance
  • Fault-finding and diagnostics
  • Mechanical and electrical systems
  • Workshop practices
  • Workplace safety procedures
  • Industry standards and regulations

This combination of practical and classroom-based training helps learners move toward artisan certification.

Trades Available and What They Involve

Auto Electrician

Auto Electricians specialise in electrical systems used in vehicles and mining machinery.

Typical duties include:

  • Diagnosing electrical faults
  • Installing electrical systems
  • Repairing wiring systems
  • Maintaining vehicle electronics
  • Testing electrical components

Boilermaker

Boilermakers manufacture and repair metal structures and mining equipment.

Typical duties include:

  • Welding and cutting metals
  • Fabricating steel structures
  • Reading technical drawings
  • Conducting structural repairs
  • Inspecting equipment integrity

Diesel Mechanic

Diesel Mechanics maintain and repair diesel-powered mining vehicles and equipment.

Tasks may include:

  • Servicing heavy machinery
  • Diagnosing engine faults
  • Replacing worn components
  • Preventative maintenance
  • Testing equipment performance

Fitter

Fitters install and maintain mechanical systems used in mining operations.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Equipment assembly
  • Mechanical repairs
  • Precision measurements
  • Machine maintenance
  • Mechanical fault diagnosis

Rigger

Riggers specialise in safely lifting and moving heavy machinery and equipment.

Responsibilities include:

  • Rigging heavy loads
  • Conducting safety inspections
  • Operating lifting systems
  • Assisting with installations
  • Calculating safe load capacities

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following academic criteria.

Option 1: Grade 12 Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy)
  • Physical Science
  • Minimum E Symbol (40%) in required subjects

Option 2: N2 Qualification

Applicants may also qualify with an N2 qualification including four relevant trade-related subjects.

Trade-Specific Subject Requirements

Auto Electrician

  • Mathematics
  • Engineering Science
  • Industrial Electronics
  • Electrical Trade Theory

Boilermaker

  • Mathematics
  • Engineering Science
  • Plating and Structural Steel Drawing
  • Plater Trade Theory

Diesel Mechanic

  • Mathematics
  • Engineering Science
  • Engineering Drawing
  • Diesel or Motor Trade Theory

Fitter

  • Mathematics
  • Engineering Science
  • Engineering Drawing
  • Fitting and Machining Theory

Rigger

  • Mathematics
  • Engineering Science
  • Engineering Drawing
  • Mechanotechnology

Important Academic Notes

  • Subjects with F symbols will not be accepted
  • Minimum pass requirement is E Symbol (40%)
  • Mathematical Literacy is not accepted

Additional Requirements

Applicants must also:

  • Be willing to complete psychometric assessments
  • Be willing to work shifts
  • Be available for standby duties and call-outs
  • Be capable of working under pressure
  • Be self-motivated and innovative
  • Be able to identify faults independently
  • Be able to obtain a Certificate of Fitness
  • Possess a valid K53 driver’s licence
  • Have no criminal record

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • Updated CV in PDF format
  • Certified copy of South African ID
  • Certified Grade 12 certificate
  • Certified copies of relevant qualifications
  • Certified copy of valid driver’s licence
  • Proof of residence

Important Document Rule

Certification must be less than three months old.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

RELATED: Rand Water Learnership 2026 Opens for Unemployed Youth Seeking Office Administration Experience

Preference for Host Communities

Seriti indicated that preference may be given to applicants from surrounding host communities linked to the operation.

Applicants claiming community preference should ensure proof of residence is attached.

This supports local economic development and skills transfer within mining communities.

How to Improve Your Chances of Selection

Engineering learnerships are highly competitive.

To improve your chances:

  • Submit a professional CV
  • Attach every required document
  • Ensure certifications are valid
  • Highlight Mathematics, Science or technical strengths
  • Mention engineering projects or practical exposure
  • Clearly select the trade aligned to your interests
  • Submit before the deadline

Applicants should also prepare for possible psychometric testing and interviews.

Important Closing Date

The application closing date is:

12 June 2026

Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Applying early gives you time to correct document issues and avoid last-minute problems.

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE SERITI ENGINEERING LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME (18.2) 2026 HERE

Martine Smith’s Expert Insight

Engineering learnerships in mining are extremely competitive because they often lead to stable, high-demand artisan careers.

Here are four ways applicants can strengthen their chances:

1. Match Your CV to Your Trade Choice

If applying for Diesel Mechanic, mention engine-related exposure, technical hobbies or workshop experience. For Auto Electrician, emphasise electrical curiosity or technical subjects.

2. Take Mathematics and Science Seriously

Recruiters pay close attention to these results. If your marks are strong, place them prominently in your CV.

3. Avoid Incomplete Applications

Many strong candidates are rejected simply because certified documents expired or proof of residence was missing.

4. Prepare for Assessments

Psychometric testing often measures attention to detail, logic and technical reasoning. Practice following instructions carefully and answering under pressure.

Grow Your Career with MySetaPortal

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What you can access:

Final Thoughts

The Seriti Engineering Learnership Programme (18.2) offers more than entry-level training.

It provides a pathway toward becoming a recognised artisan in one of South Africa’s most important industries.

For young South Africans who enjoy practical work, technical systems and problem-solving, this opportunity could become the first step toward a stable and rewarding long-term career.

Interested applicants should prepare their documents carefully and apply before 12 June 2026.

For more verified learnerships, artisan opportunities, internships and bursaries, track updates through Mysetaportal.co.za.

Disclaimer: Mysetaportal.co.za is an independent information publisher and is not affiliated with Seriti, mining employers, SETAs or any South African government department. Applicants should always verify application requirements and deadlines through official employer channels.

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