MQA Non-Artisan Core Learnerships: Qualifications, Requirements, Registration Process and Grant Funding
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) supports skills development and workplace-based learning opportunities within South Africa’s mining and minerals sector. Among the programmes supported by the MQA are Non-Artisan Core Learnerships, which provide structured occupational learning opportunities for both employed and unemployed learners.
These learnerships are designed for occupational areas that are not trade-related but still play an important role in the mining and minerals industry. Learners can gain theoretical knowledge together with practical workplace experience, while working towards qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
For unemployed South Africans interested in building a career in mining, minerals, laboratories, mineral processing, jewellery manufacturing, occupational health and safety, diamond processing and related fields, MQA-supported learnerships can provide an important pathway into the sector.
It is important, however, to understand that the MQA does not simply place unemployed people directly into companies. Unemployed learners generally need to approach mining and minerals-sector employers for opportunities, because the MQA facilitates and funds training for employers in the sector.
What Is a Non-Artisan Learnership?
A learnership is a structured learning programme that combines education and workplace-based practical experience.
The MQA describes the Non-Artisan Core project as supporting employed and unemployed learners entering learnerships each year. These programmes are occupationally directed and lead to qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework.
Unlike artisan training, these programmes are not focused on trade qualifications. Instead, they cover a wide range of occupational areas that support mining and minerals operations.
A learner may therefore spend part of the programme completing structured learning and another part gaining practical experience in a workplace environment.
This combination can help learners understand how their chosen occupation operates in a real working environment.
Who Can Access MQA Learnerships?
MQA-supported learnerships can be accessed by different categories of learners, including:
- Employees of mining companies.
- Unemployed learners who obtain placement with mining or minerals-sector companies.
- Learners participating in occupational programmes supported by eligible employers and accredited training providers.
For unemployed learners, one of the most important points to understand is that finding an employer willing to provide workplace exposure is generally essential.
The MQA primarily facilitates and funds training for employers operating within the mining and minerals sector. Therefore, unemployed applicants should not assume that submitting their details directly to the MQA automatically guarantees a learnership placement.
Instead, unemployed learners should monitor recruitment opportunities from mining companies and other eligible employers and apply when learnership positions are advertised.
Opportunities for Unemployed Youth
Unemployment remains a major challenge for young people who have completed school or obtained post-school qualifications but have limited workplace experience.
Learnerships can help address part of this challenge by combining structured education with workplace exposure.
For an unemployed learner, a learnership can provide an opportunity to:
- Gain practical workplace experience.
- Develop occupational skills.
- Learn from experienced employees.
- Understand workplace procedures and standards.
- Build a professional record.
- Work towards an NQF-registered qualification.
- Gain exposure to the mining and minerals environment.
- Improve future employment prospects.
However, completing a learnership does not automatically guarantee permanent employment. Learners should treat the programme as an opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and experience while continuing to pursue suitable employment opportunities.
Unemployed Learners Must Find a Mining Company Placement
One of the most important aspects of the MQA Non-Artisan Core programme is the role played by mining companies and other eligible employers.
An unemployed learner who wants to participate cannot simply rely on the MQA to provide a workplace.
The information supplied for the programme explains that unemployed learners need to be placed with mining companies for on-the-job training.
This means prospective learners should actively search for mining-sector learnership advertisements.
Potential employers may advertise opportunities through their own careers pages, recruitment platforms, newspapers, social media channels, career exhibitions and other recruitment channels.
Applicants should always verify that a learnership advertisement is genuine before providing personal information.
The Role of Accredited Skills Development Providers
Employers do not necessarily manage every aspect of the training process themselves.
The registration process involves MQA-accredited Skills Development Providers.
Employers, through their accredited Skills Development Providers, are responsible for registering learners on the MQA Learner Management Information System, referred to in the supplied programme information as the I Share System.
This registration process allows the relevant learner and programme information to be captured and managed.
It also helps ensure that the learner’s participation is properly documented.
Registration Process for Learners
The registration process involves the employer and its accredited training provider.
Generally, the employer identifies suitable learners for a supported programme and works with an accredited Skills Development Provider to complete the necessary registration requirements.
The learner must provide the relevant supporting documentation required for the registration process.
This means applicants should keep important documents ready when applying for learnership opportunities.
Having documents prepared can make it easier to complete the administrative process if an employer offers a placement.
Documents Required for Learnership Registration
According to the programme information supplied, employers must provide a Learning Programme Agreement together with supporting documentation when registering a learner.
Documents can include:
- Certified copy of the learner’s identity document.
- Learning Programme Agreement.
- Training Plan.
- Proof of disability where applicable.
- Highest educational qualification, except where the qualification has open access.
- Employment contract where applicable.
- Confirmation of employment where applicable.
Learners should ensure that copies of their documents are clear and valid.
Applicants should also follow the specific document requirements given by the employer or accredited training provider because requirements can differ according to the particular programme and learner category.
Learning Programme Agreement
The Learning Programme Agreement is an important part of workplace-based learning.
It establishes the formal relationship surrounding the learner’s participation in the programme and sets out relevant responsibilities and arrangements.
Learners should carefully read any agreement before signing it.
They should understand:
- The duration of the programme.
- The learning requirements.
- Workplace responsibilities.
- Training arrangements.
- Assessment requirements.
- Attendance expectations.
- The responsibilities of the employer.
- The responsibilities of the training provider.
- The responsibilities of the learner.
Keeping a copy of signed documentation is also advisable.
Training Plans
A training plan provides structure to the learner’s development.
Because learnerships combine theoretical learning and practical workplace exposure, the training plan helps identify what the learner is expected to learn and how the learning will be delivered.
A properly structured plan can include the occupational competencies that the learner needs to develop, workplace activities, learning milestones and assessment requirements.
Learners should take their training plans seriously because successful completion depends on meeting the required learning and workplace standards.
MQA Registered Non-Artisan Learnerships
The MQA supports a range of registered learnerships covering different occupational areas within the mining and minerals sector.
The list supplied for the Non-Artisan Core project includes the following programmes.
National Certificate: Mining Operations for Underground Hard Rock
This programme relates to mining operations in underground hard-rock environments.
Underground mining requires employees to understand workplace procedures, operational processes, safety requirements and the conditions associated with working below the surface.
A qualification in this area can provide occupational learning relevant to underground mining operations.
National Certificate: Jewellery Manufacturing
Jewellery manufacturing is another occupational field represented in the MQA learnership portfolio.
Learners in this area can develop knowledge and practical skills connected with jewellery production and manufacturing processes.
This field is particularly relevant to the precious-metals and minerals value chain.
National Certificate: Occupational Health, Safety and Environment: Mining and Minerals
Health, safety and environmental practices are essential components of the mining industry.
This qualification focuses on occupational health, safety and environmental considerations within the mining and minerals environment.
Learners can develop knowledge relevant to maintaining safe working conditions and supporting workplace health and environmental practices.
National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations
Rockbreaking is an important activity associated with surface mining and excavation.
A programme in this field provides occupational learning related to rockbreaking activities and the requirements associated with safe mining operations.
National Certificate: Diamond Processing
Diamond processing is another specialised area within the mining and minerals sector.
The programme provides a pathway for occupational learning connected with the processing of diamonds.
Further Education and Training Certificate: Jewellery Designing
Jewellery design combines technical knowledge with design and manufacturing concepts.
The FET Certificate in Jewellery Designing is aimed at developing occupational skills in this field.
National Certificate in Mining Operations: Underground Coal
Coal mining has specific operational requirements, and underground coal mining requires workers to understand the environment, processes and safety procedures associated with underground operations.
This qualification provides occupational learning related to underground coal mining.
Further Education and Training Certificate: Jewellery Manufacturing Operations
This programme focuses on operational aspects of jewellery manufacturing.
Learners can develop skills relevant to the production environment and processes involved in jewellery manufacturing.
National Certificate: Chemical Operations
Chemical operations are relevant to several industrial and processing activities within the minerals sector.
This qualification provides occupational learning related to chemical operations and associated workplace practices.
National Certificate: Rock Breaking Underground Hard Rock
This programme is focused on rockbreaking within underground hard-rock mining environments.
It is one of the specialised occupational programmes relevant to underground mining activities.
National Certificate: Mining Technical Support
Mining operations require technical support across various activities.
The Mining Technical Support qualification provides occupational learning for work supporting mining operations.
Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining Operations
The FET Certificate in Mining Operations provides another route for learners interested in mining-related occupational development.
National Certificate: Laboratory Practice: General
Laboratories play an important role in mining and minerals operations.
Laboratory practice can involve testing, analysis, sample handling and maintaining appropriate procedures.
The General Laboratory Practice qualification provides learning relevant to this environment.
National Certificate: Laboratory Practice: Precious Metal
Precious metals require specialised laboratory processes.
This qualification provides occupational learning connected with laboratory practices involving precious metals.
National Certificate: Mineral Processing
Mineral processing is an important stage in the minerals value chain.
Learners can gain occupational knowledge relating to processes used to treat and process mineral materials.
National Certificate: Metals Production: Mining and Minerals
Metals production is another important component of the mining and minerals industry.
This programme provides occupational learning associated with metals production processes.
Further Education and Training Certificate: Mineral Processing
The FET Certificate in Mineral Processing provides a structured qualification pathway for learners interested in mineral processing occupations.
National Certificate in Winding Engine Driving
Winding systems are important in certain underground mining environments.
This specialised programme relates to winding engine driving and associated occupational responsibilities.
National Certificate: Occupational Hygiene and Safety: Mining and Minerals
Occupational hygiene and safety are important in protecting workers in mining environments.
This qualification provides learning in an area concerned with workplace hazards, occupational health and safety practices.
Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond Processing
Diamond processing is a specialised area within the minerals sector.
The FET Certificate provides structured occupational learning in this field.
Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Analysis: Mining and Minerals
Laboratory analysis supports many mining and minerals activities.
This qualification focuses on laboratory analysis within the mining and minerals environment.
National Certificate: Strata Control Operations
Strata control is important in underground mining because geological conditions can affect workplace safety.
This qualification provides occupational learning connected with strata control operations.
National Certificate: Laboratory Practice: Coal
Coal-related laboratory work can support testing, analysis and quality-related activities.
The National Certificate in Laboratory Practice: Coal provides learning relevant to this occupational area.
Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond and Evaluation
Diamond evaluation involves specialised knowledge within the diamond value chain.
The qualification provides structured learning relevant to this field.
National Certificate in Diamond Processing Operator
This programme is designed around occupational skills associated with diamond processing operations.
MQA Learnership Funding and Grant Amounts
The MQA provides different funding arrangements for supported learnership categories.
The supplied information identifies separate payment structures for Non-Artisan Core, Non-Artisan Beneficiation and Non-Artisan Disability programmes.
It is important to understand that these amounts are programme funding/grant amounts and should not automatically be interpreted as a learner’s monthly salary or stipend.
Non-Artisan Core Payment
The Non-Artisan Core payment is processed in two tranches:
Registration: R20,000
Completion: R30,000
Total: R50,000
The two-stage structure means that the funding is linked to different stages of the programme rather than being presented as a single payment to a learner.
Applicants should therefore not assume that they will personally receive R50,000 as a cash payment.
The actual learner remuneration or allowance, where applicable, depends on the employer, programme arrangements and applicable regulations.
Non-Artisan Beneficiation Payment
The Non-Artisan Beneficiation payment is processed in two tranches:
Registration: R10,000
Completion: R25,000
Total: R35,000
Again, this represents the funding structure associated with the programme rather than an advertised learner salary.
Non-Artisan Disability Payment
For qualifying learners with disabilities, the supplied information identifies a separate funding structure:
Registration: R15,000
Completion: R35,000
Total: R50,000
Proof of disability may form part of the supporting documentation required during registration.
Applicants should follow the employer’s instructions regarding acceptable proof and documentation.
Why Workplace Training Matters
One of the major advantages of a learnership is that it combines classroom or structured learning with workplace experience.
A qualification by itself may provide theoretical knowledge, but workplace exposure allows learners to understand how those concepts are applied in an actual occupational environment.
For example, a learner interested in laboratory practice may learn about procedures and principles through structured training and then gain practical exposure in an appropriate workplace.
Similarly, a learner pursuing mining operations may learn occupational concepts while also becoming familiar with workplace procedures, equipment, safety practices and operational expectations.
This combination can make the learning experience more practical and relevant.
Mining Companies Play an Important Role
Mining companies are central to workplace-based learning because they provide the environment in which practical training takes place.
For unemployed learners, securing a placement with an eligible mining or minerals-sector employer is therefore a critical step.
Young people interested in these opportunities should regularly check the careers pages of mining companies and look for vacancies containing terms such as:
- Learnership.
- MQA learnership.
- Non-Artisan learnership.
- Mining learnership.
- Mineral processing learnership.
- Laboratory learnership.
- Diamond processing learnership.
- Jewellery manufacturing learnership.
- Occupational health and safety learnership.
- Mining operations learnership.
Applicants should carefully read the requirements before applying.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The educational requirements for a learnership depend on the particular qualification.
Some programmes may require Grade 12, while others can have additional academic or occupational requirements.
The supplied information also notes that the learner’s highest qualification may be required during registration, except where the relevant qualification has open access.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that one set of requirements applies to every MQA learnership.
The correct approach is to check the specific advertisement issued by the employer.
What Learners Can Expect
A learner entering a mining-sector learnership should be prepared for a structured programme.
Depending on the occupational area, the learner may be required to:
- Attend scheduled training.
- Complete learning activities.
- Participate in workplace training.
- Follow employer policies.
- Comply with health and safety requirements.
- Complete assessments.
- Maintain attendance.
- Complete workplace tasks.
- Work with supervisors and trainers.
- Demonstrate the required occupational competencies.
Mining environments can be demanding, and learners should understand that workplace training comes with responsibilities.
Health and Safety in Mining Learnerships
Health and safety are particularly important in mining.
Learners may work in environments involving heavy equipment, machinery, underground operations, processing facilities, laboratories or other potentially hazardous workplaces.
For this reason, learners should follow all safety instructions provided by the employer and training provider.
They may be required to attend safety inductions and use appropriate personal protective equipment where applicable.
Safety procedures should never be ignored simply because a learner is participating in a training programme.
Learnerships Are Not Automatically Permanent Jobs
An important point for unemployed applicants is that a learnership should not be confused with a permanent employment contract.
A learnership provides structured occupational learning and workplace exposure.
Although the experience can help a learner become more competitive when applying for jobs, successful completion does not necessarily mean that the employer must permanently employ the learner.
Learners should therefore use the opportunity to build their skills, professional behaviour, knowledge and workplace experience.
How to Look for an MQA Learnership
Unemployed learners interested in these programmes should take a proactive approach.
Start by identifying mining and minerals companies operating in South Africa.
Then visit their official career websites and look for learnership or training opportunities.
Applicants can also monitor legitimate recruitment announcements from eligible employers and training providers.
When a learnership is advertised, carefully check:
- The name of the employer.
- The learnership title.
- The qualification.
- The location.
- The minimum education requirement.
- Age requirements, if any.
- Citizenship or residency requirements.
- Required documents.
- Application closing date.
- Official application method.
Do Not Pay for a Learnership Application
Job seekers should be cautious of scams.
A genuine recruitment process should provide clear information about the employer and application process.
Applicants should be especially careful if someone asks them to pay money to secure a learnership, guarantee a position or speed up recruitment.
Do not send banking PINs, passwords or other sensitive financial information to people claiming to represent a mining company or training provider.
Where possible, verify vacancies through the employer’s official website or another trusted source.
Legislation Related to Learnership Implementation
Learnerships operate within South Africa’s broader skills-development and employment-law framework.
The programme information identifies several pieces of legislation and regulations relevant to learnership implementation.
These include:
Skills Development Act
The Skills Development Act provides an important legislative framework for skills development and learnerships in South Africa.
It supports the development of occupational skills and workplace learning.
Skills Development Levies Act
The Skills Development Levies Act establishes the framework for skills development levies and contributes to the funding environment for skills development.
Sector Education and Training Authorities operate within this broader skills-development system.
Workplace-Based Learning Programme Agreement Regulations
These regulations are relevant to workplace-based learning arrangements and provide a framework for agreements associated with workplace learning programmes.
Sectoral Determination Number 5 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act
Sectoral Determination 5 relates to learnerships and certain conditions applicable to learners.
It forms part of the legal framework governing relevant workplace arrangements.
National Minimum Wage Act
The National Minimum Wage Act is also identified as relevant to the implementation environment for learnerships.
Learners and employers should refer to the applicable legislation and current regulations for the conditions that apply to their particular programme.
Why the MQA Programme Is Important to the Mining Sector
The mining and minerals sector requires a wide range of occupations beyond traditional artisan trades.
Mining operations depend on employees working in areas such as:
- Laboratory services.
- Mineral processing.
- Occupational health.
- Safety.
- Environmental functions.
- Mining operations.
- Diamond processing.
- Jewellery manufacturing.
- Technical support.
- Strata control.
- Chemical operations.
- Metals production.
Non-Artisan Core learnerships help create structured pathways into some of these occupational areas.
The programmes also demonstrate that opportunities within mining are not limited to underground mining jobs.
A learner interested in laboratory work, processing, health and safety, jewellery or other technical occupations may also find relevant career pathways within the broader mining and minerals value chain.
Advice for Young People Applying for Learnerships
If you are unemployed and interested in an MQA-supported learnership, start preparing before applications open.
Keep your identity document and educational certificates available.
Prepare a professional CV containing your education, skills, contact details and any previous experience.
If you have completed additional courses or qualifications, include them where relevant.
Also prepare certified copies when the employer specifically requests them.
Most importantly, research the company before applying.
Make sure you understand what the company does and what the advertised learnership involves.
Apply for Opportunities That Match Your Qualifications
Applicants should avoid applying blindly for every available learnership.
Instead, look at the qualification and determine whether your education and interests match the programme.
For example, someone interested in laboratory work may want to focus on laboratory-related opportunities, while someone interested in mining operations may search for mining operations programmes.
Choosing opportunities that match your interests can make the learning experience more meaningful.
What Happens After Completing a Learnership?
Completion of a learnership can give a learner an occupational qualification and workplace experience, provided all programme requirements have been successfully completed.
Learners can then use their experience when applying for relevant employment opportunities.
Some may continue developing their skills through additional qualifications, while others may seek employment in the occupation in which they trained.
The next step depends on the learner’s qualifications, experience, available vacancies and career goals.
Final Thoughts
The MQA Non-Artisan Core Learnership programme provides structured occupational learning opportunities in several areas connected to South Africa’s mining and minerals sector.
The programme covers occupations ranging from mining operations and mineral processing to laboratory practice, occupational health and safety, diamond processing, jewellery manufacturing and other technical fields.
Both employed and unemployed learners can potentially participate, although unemployed learners need to understand the important role of mining-sector employers. The MQA facilitates and funds training for eligible employers, while employers and their accredited Skills Development Providers are responsible for learner registration and workplace arrangements.
For unemployed applicants, the most important step is therefore to actively search for learnership opportunities advertised by mining and minerals-sector companies.
Applicants should keep their documents ready, carefully check programme requirements, apply through legitimate channels and avoid anyone asking for payment in exchange for a job or learnership.
The MQA-supported learnership system is designed around structured workplace-based learning, allowing participants to develop occupational knowledge and practical experience while working towards recognised qualifications.
For young South Africans seeking a pathway into the mining and minerals industry, these programmes can provide exposure to a broad range of occupations beyond traditional artisan careers. The key is to identify a suitable programme, meet the requirements, secure an appropriate employer placement where required, and commit to completing both the theoretical and practical components of the learnership.