Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Skills Development Learnership Programmes

The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is one of South Africa's 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) responsible for developing skills within the mining and minerals sector. Through its Skills Development Learnership Programmes, the MQA aims to equip unemployed youth and current employees with industry-relevant knowledge, practical workplace experience, and nationally recognised qualifications.

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The MQA plays a vital role in addressing skills shortages within the mining industry while supporting economic growth, transformation, and employment opportunities across South Africa.

What is the Mining Qualifications Authority?

Established under the Skills Development Act, the Mining Qualifications Authority is responsible for promoting education, training, and skills development within the mining and minerals sector. The authority works closely with mining companies, training providers, government departments, and organised labour to ensure that the industry has access to a skilled and competent workforce.

Its responsibilities include:

• Funding learnerships and skills programmes.
• Supporting apprenticeships and artisan development.
• Awarding bursaries for mining-related studies.
• Facilitating internships and graduate development programmes.
• Promoting Work Integrated Learning (WIL).
• Developing occupational qualifications.
• Improving workplace training standards.
• Advancing transformation and employment equity within the mining sector.

What are MQA Learnership Programmes?

MQA Learnerships combine structured classroom learning with practical workplace experience. Participants receive industry-specific training while working under the supervision of experienced professionals at mining companies and approved employers.

Upon successful completion, learners receive a nationally recognised qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), enhancing their employability within the mining and related industries.

Fields of Training

MQA-funded learnerships may be offered in a variety of occupations, including:

• Mining Operations
• Engineering
• Boilermaking
• Fitting and Turning
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Diesel Mechanics
• Welding
• Instrumentation
• Geology
• Surveying
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Environmental Management
• Metallurgy
• Mineral Processing
• Logistics and Supply Chain
• Human Resources
• Finance and Accounting
• Information Technology
• Business Administration

The availability of programmes depends on the needs of participating mining companies and employers.

Benefits of MQA Learnerships

Successful learners can benefit from:

• Practical workplace experience.
• Accredited occupational training.
• Nationally recognised qualifications.
• Industry mentoring and coaching.
• Improved employability.
• Career development opportunities.
• Exposure to modern mining technologies.
• Professional networking opportunities.
• A monthly training allowance or stipend, where applicable.

Who Can Apply?

Although requirements vary between employers, applicants generally need to meet the following criteria:

• South African citizenship.
• Grade 12 (Matric) or an equivalent qualification.
• Relevant qualification where required.
• Good communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and work in a mining environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Meeting any medical fitness requirements applicable to mining roles.

Certain technical programmes may require Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Engineering Graphics and Design, or technical qualifications.

Skills Developed During the Programme

Participants gain both technical and workplace skills, including:

• Mining and engineering practices.
• Equipment operation and maintenance.
• Health and safety compliance.
• Technical problem-solving.
• Teamwork and communication.
• Leadership development.
• Computer literacy.
• Time management.
• Quality assurance.
• Environmental awareness.

Additional MQA Skills Development Opportunities

In addition to learnerships, the Mining Qualifications Authority supports:

• Apprenticeships
• Artisan Development Programmes
• Graduate Internships
• Bursaries
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
• Skills Programmes
• Adult Education and Training (AET)
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Community development initiatives

These programmes help address scarce and critical skills within the mining and minerals sector.

Why Choose an MQA Learnership?

The mining industry remains one of South Africa's largest employers and continues to require skilled professionals across a wide range of technical, engineering, operational, and business disciplines. MQA Learnerships provide participants with valuable workplace experience while developing the competencies needed to build sustainable careers.

By combining practical training with accredited education, these programmes help bridge the gap between learning and employment, giving young South Africans a strong foundation for long-term career success in the mining sector.

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