MQA Learnership Programme 2015 – 2016

Every year the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) offers individuals from different communities various learnership opportunities. These learnerships form part of the government’s National Skills Development Strategy to create skills and ease poverty and unemployment.

MQA Learnerships are open to those with the necessary qualification required to study towards qualifications such as Diesel Mechanics, Diamond Processing, Fitting and Turning, Jewellery Manufacture, Electrical Maintenance, Boiler-making, Welding and Engineering.

The learnerships consist of both theoretical and practical training in various fields, depending on which learnership you are doing.

MQA Learnerships

This is outcomes-based learning, and the learnerships are based on a legally binding contract between the learner, the employer, and the service provider.

Theory

About 40% of a learnership in the mining industry will consist of theoretical or workplace learning:

• The training must have a structured institutional learning component
• The learnership will have accredited training providers for the institutional component of the Learnership; and
• The learnership is an efficient and effective method for both learner and employer to achieve the qualification through a Learnership

Workplace Training

The remaining 60% of the training will be practical workplace (on-the-job) training

• This part of the training will include structured workplace learning which is determined by the qualification and associated unit standards
• Learners continue to receive a monthly stipend during this part of the training, but are responsible for their own accommodation, meals and transport
• The Department of Correctional Services does not pay a housing allowance, housing subsidy, pension fund, medical aid, danger allowance or overtime during a learnership.

Once the learner has successfully completed both the theoretical (instructional) and practical (workplace) phases, submitted a final Portfolio of Evidence (POE) and it has successfully undergone external verification, the relevant certification will be issued.

There are so many learnerships offered in the mining sector that it is impossible to list them all, but here are two examples of available learnerships.

1. Rigger Learnership

This position is critical for the safe operation and maintenance at a concentrator. Training focuses on how to provide specific rigging services and support to safely move specified heavy equipment and provide rope maintenance for chairlifts, winders and other rope-and-pulley-operated equipment.

You will need:

• A Grade 12 or equivalent NQF 4 qualification with English literacy or N2 in Engineering Studies
• Numeracy skills and literacy
• No major sensory restrictions
• Good motor skills (hand, eye and foot coordination)
• An analytical approach, with attention to detail.
• A valid Mobile/Overhead Crane and Forklift driving certificate would be an advantage, as would computer literacy (MS Office suite of packages).

• Working knowledge of applicable legislative, safety, health and environmental requirements and standards

• Working knowledge of and practical experience in engineering technologies and practices

How to Apply

Apply online at www.lonmin.com using reference number 5715