South Africa continues to face a major shortage of qualified artisans in mining and engineering fields. According to the latest labour data from Statistics South Africa, technical trades such as electricians, diesel mechanics, and fitters remain among the most in-demand skills in the country.
To help address this skills gap, De Beers Group has opened applications for its Engineering Learnership Programme at Venetia Mine in Limpopo for 2026.
The programme offers unemployed South African youth an opportunity to train as artisans while gaining real workplace experience inside one of the country’s largest mining operations.
Applications close on 20 March 2026.
Where the Learnership Will Take Place
The programme will be hosted at Venetia Mine near Musina in Limpopo, one of the most important diamond mining operations in South Africa.
Learners will also receive technical training at the De Beers accredited training centre in Randfontein, Gauteng.
This combination of classroom training and practical work experience forms part of a four-year artisan development programme.
Why Artisan Training Matters in South Africa
Engineering and mining trades remain critical to South Africa’s economy.
According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, the country needs thousands of additional artisans every year to support industries such as mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
Programmes like the Venetia Engineering Learnership help young people gain the skills required to work in these industries while building long-term careers.
For many learners, artisan qualifications can lead to permanent employment in mining companies, engineering firms, or construction projects.
Engineering Trades Available in the 2026 Learnership
Successful applicants will train in one of the following artisan trades:
- Boilermaker
- Instrument Mechanician
- Electrician
- Fitter and Turner
- Diesel Mechanic
- Transportation Electrician (Auto Electrician)
- Rigging
Applicants must include the correct trade reference number when submitting their application.
Minimum Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for the De Beers Engineering Learnership, applicants must meet the following academic requirements.
- Grade 12 with Mathematics (not Maths Literacy)
- Physical Science
- English
- Minimum pass mark of 40 percent in all subjects
- Applicants must also have one of the following technical qualifications.
- N2 qualification with four trade-related subjects or
- NCV Level 3 with Mathematics and relevant technical subjects
Additional Conditions Applicants Must Meet
Applicants must also be able to meet several programme requirements.
- Willingness to travel to the training centre outside Limpopo
- Ability to obtain a Red Ticket medical fitness certificate
- Successful completion of criminal background checks
- Successful completion of technical and psychometric assessments
- Transport to the Randfontein training centre will be sponsored by the company.
Documents Required for the Application
Applicants must submit the following documents.
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Proof of residential address
- Letter from a Municipality or Tribal Council confirming local residency
- The letter confirming local residency must not be older than three months.
- Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Preference for Local Communities
De Beers has stated that preference may be given to applicants from Blouberg and Musina municipalities.
This forms part of the company’s employment equity and community development commitments linked to mining operations in the region.
Local hiring initiatives like this aim to create more economic opportunities in communities surrounding major mining projects.
What Successful Learners Will Receive
Candidates accepted into the programme will enter a four-year Section 18.2 Learnership Contract.
During the programme they will receive:
- Formal engineering training
- Hands-on technical experience at Venetia Mine
- Access to De Beers artisan development programmes
- Exposure to large-scale mining operations
- After completing the programme, learners may qualify as artisans in their chosen engineering trade.
How to Apply for the De Beers Engineering Learnership
Applications must be submitted online before the closing date.
Applicants should ensure they meet all academic and documentation requirements before submitting their application.
APPLY FOR DE BEERS ENGINEERING LEARNERSHIP 2026
Closing date for applications: 20 March 2026
Sources and References
Statistics South Africa Labour Force Survey
Department of Higher Education and Training Skills Shortage Reports
De Beers Group Careers Portal