Ivanplats has opened applications for its Artisan Learnership Programme 2026 at the Platreef Mine near Mokopane in Limpopo.
The opportunity is aimed at suitably qualified South African citizens and permanent RSA residents who want to develop their skills towards recognised artisan trade qualifications in the mining industry.
The live Ivanhoe Platreef recruitment portal confirms that applications opened on 1 September 2026 and close on 15 September 2026 at 23:59.
The learnership covers several technical trades, including Boilermaker, Diesel Mechanic, Fitter and Turner, Instrumentation, Mechanical Fitter and Millwright.
Importantly, this is not an entry-level Grade 12 opportunity. Applicants must also have an N2 qualification in Engineering Studies and at least two years of working experience as an Artisan Assistant.
Ivanplats Artisan Learnership Programme 2026
Ivanplats (Pty) Ltd is a subsidiary of Ivanhoe Mines and is developing the Platreef mining project in Limpopo near Mokopane.
The Platreef project is designed around large-scale mechanised underground mining and modern mining technology.
The Artisan Learnership Programme forms part of Ivanplats’ skills development and training initiatives. Successful candidates will receive structured workplace training in technical disciplines relevant to the mining operation.
The official vacancy states that successful candidates can be enrolled for a maximum of three years, or until they obtain the relevant trade qualification, whichever happens first.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Ivanplats Artisan Learnerships 2026 |
| Company | Ivanplats (Pty) Ltd |
| Parent Company | Ivanhoe Mines |
| Location | Platreef Mine, near Mokopane, Limpopo |
| Duration | Maximum 3 years or until trade qualification |
| Minimum Education | Grade 12 / Matric + N2 Engineering Studies |
| Mathematics | Minimum 60% |
| Physical Science | Minimum 60% |
| Experience | At least 2 years as an Artisan Assistant |
| Citizenship | South African citizens and permanent RSA residents |
| Preference | HDSA candidates from surrounding communities and women |
| Closing Date | 15 September 2026 at 23:59 |
| Application | Online |
Available Artisan Learnerships
Applicants can apply for training in the following artisan disciplines:
- Boilermaker
- Diesel Mechanic
- Fitter and Turner
- Instrumentation
- Mechanical Fitter
- Millwright
These trades are closely connected to the technical and engineering requirements of a modern mining operation.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum requirements before applying.
Grade 12 / Matric
Candidates must have completed Grade 12.
The official advert specifies that applicants must have passed:
- Mathematics with at least 60%
- Physical Science with at least 60%
These marks are specifically stated in the live recruitment listing.
N2 Engineering Studies
Applicants must also have an:
N2 qualification in Engineering Studies.
This means the opportunity is primarily aimed at candidates who have already started building their technical and artisan-related qualifications.
Artisan Assistant Experience
Candidates must have at least:
2 years’ working experience as an Artisan Assistant.
Fresh listings:
Applicants who do not have the required experience may therefore not meet the minimum requirements for this particular learnership.
Additional Requirements
Successful applicants must be prepared to work in different areas of the mining operation.
Candidates must be willing to:
- Work underground and on surface.
- Participate in mining-related workplace training.
- Complete the required capability assessment.
- Undergo the relevant medical fitness examination.
- Meet the requirements of their selected artisan discipline.
- Work in a mining environment where health and safety requirements are strictly followed.
The official advert specifically states that candidates must be prepared to work underground and on surface and must pass the relevant medical fitness examination.
Ivanplats Artisan Learnership Duration
The learnership will run for a maximum of:
3 years
However, the programme may end earlier if the learner obtains the relevant trade qualification.
In other words, the three-year period is a maximum duration rather than a guarantee that every learner will remain on the programme for the full three years.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the required supporting documents before submitting their applications.
The official Ivanplats listing requires:
- Updated CV
- Certified copies of qualifications
- South African identity document
- Letter from the Tribal Authority or Induna
Applicants should make sure that their documents are clear and complete.
Missing documentation could affect the assessment of an application.
Who Will Receive Preference?
Ivanplats states that preference will be given to:
- Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA) from communities surrounding the Ivanplats Platreef Mine
- Women
The programme is open to:
- South African citizens
- Permanent RSA residents
These preference provisions do not mean that applicants can ignore the minimum educational and experience requirements. Candidates still need to meet the stated criteria.
How to Apply for Ivanplats Artisan Learnerships 2026
Applications are submitted online through the Ivanhoe Platreef recruitment system.
The live vacancy is listed as Artisan Learnership (REF: IVP-HRD-2620) on the Ivanhoe Platreef jobs portal.
Application page:
Apply for the Ivanplats Artisan Learnership 2026
The vacancy instructions also state that applications should be forwarded through Ivanhoe Communities before the closing date.
Steps to Apply
- Open the official Ivanhoe Platreef vacancy.
- Read the requirements carefully.
- Make sure you meet the Grade 12, Mathematics and Physical Science requirements.
- Confirm that you have an N2 Engineering Studies qualification.
- Confirm that you have at least two years’ Artisan Assistant experience.
- Prepare your CV.
- Prepare certified copies of your qualifications and identity document.
- Obtain the required Tribal Authority/Induna letter.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit the application before the closing time.
Important Reference Number Note
There is an important reference-number discrepancy applicants should be aware of.
The live Ivanhoe Platreef jobs portal lists the vacancy as:
Artisan Learnership – REF: IVP-HRD-2620
However, the body of the advertisement states:
ARTISAN LEARNERSHIPS – REF: IVP-HRD 2612
Because the live recruitment system currently displays IVP-HRD-2620, applicants should rely on the reference shown on the official application page when completing the online application.
Ivanplats Learnership Closing Date
The application closing date is:
15 September 2026 at 23:59
The official recruitment portal confirms that the vacancy closes at 23:59 on 15 September 2026.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to apply.
Late applications will not be considered according to the vacancy notice.
What Happens After Applying?
Ivanplats may assess candidates against the stated educational, technical and experience requirements.
Applicants must also be willing to complete the required capability assessment and medical fitness examination.
The recruitment portal currently shows the vacancy as open and receiving applications.
Ivanplats also states that applicants who do not receive feedback within 14 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Is There a Stipend or Salary?
The published Artisan Learnership advert does not state a stipend or salary amount.
Applicants should therefore not assume a specific monthly amount unless Ivanplats communicates it directly during the recruitment process.
This is important because online posts sometimes publish estimated learnership stipends that are not contained in the official advertisement.
Why Consider an Artisan Learnership at Ivanplats?
Artisan skills are important in the mining, engineering, manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Training in areas such as mechanical fitting, millwright, diesel mechanics and instrumentation can provide technical skills that are useful across a range of industries.
For candidates who already have an N2 qualification and Artisan Assistant experience, the Ivanplats opportunity could provide a pathway towards obtaining a recognised trade qualification while gaining experience in a major mining environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need for the Ivanplats Artisan Learnership?
You need Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science at a minimum of 60%, an N2 qualification in Engineering Studies, and at least two years’ experience working as an Artisan Assistant.
Which trades are available?
The programme covers Boilermaker, Diesel Mechanic, Fitter and Turner, Instrumentation, Mechanical Fitter and Millwright.
How long is the Ivanplats Artisan Learnership?
The programme can run for a maximum of three years, or until the learner obtains the relevant trade qualification, whichever occurs first.
Where is the learnership based?
The programme is associated with the Ivanplats Platreef Mine near Mokopane in Limpopo.
Can permanent residents apply?
Yes. The advertisement states that applications are open to South African citizens and permanent RSA residents.
Do women qualify to apply?
Yes. Women are encouraged to apply, and the advertisement states that preference will be given to women and HDSA candidates from surrounding communities.
Is the learnership open to Grade 12 applicants without N2?
No. Grade 12 alone does not meet the stated minimum requirements. The advertisement also requires an N2 qualification in Engineering Studies and at least two years of Artisan Assistant experience.
Is there a stipend?
No stipend amount is provided in the published advertisement. Applicants should wait for official communication from Ivanplats regarding financial arrangements.
What if I do not receive feedback?
Ivanplats states that applicants who do not hear from the company within 14 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Ivanplats Artisan Learnerships 2026 Summary
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Ivanplats (Pty) Ltd |
| Project | Platreef Mine |
| Province | Limpopo |
| Area | Near Mokopane |
| Programme | Artisan Learnership |
| Duration | Maximum 3 years |
| Education | Grade 12 / Matric |
| Mathematics | Minimum 60% |
| Physical Science | Minimum 60% |
| Technical Qualification | N2 Engineering Studies |
| Experience | 2 years as Artisan Assistant |
| Trades | Boilermaker, Diesel Mechanic, Fitter & Turner, Instrumentation, Mechanical Fitter, Millwright |
| Medical | Required |
| Capability Assessment | Required |
| Work Environment | Underground and surface |
| Eligible Applicants | SA citizens and permanent RSA residents |
| Preference | HDSA local communities and women |
| Closing Date | 15 September 2026, 23:59 |
| Stipend | Not stated |
| Application | Online |
Conclusion
The Ivanplats Artisan Learnerships 2026 offer a valuable opportunity for technically qualified South Africans who want to progress towards an artisan trade qualification in the mining industry.
However, applicants should pay close attention to the requirements. This is not simply a Grade 12 learnership. Candidates need Grade 12 with at least 60% in Mathematics and Physical Science, an N2 Engineering Studies qualification, and a minimum of two years’ experience as an Artisan Assistant.
The programme covers six technical disciplines, including Boilermaker, Diesel Mechanic, Fitter and Turner, Instrumentation, Mechanical Fitter and Millwright, and can run for up to three years or until the relevant trade qualification is obtained.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your documents carefully and submit your application through the official Ivanhoe Platreef recruitment system before 15 September 2026 at 23:59.