Richards Bay Minerals P1/P2 Work Integrated Learnerships 2026

Richards Bay Minerals has officially opened applications for its 2026 P1/P2 Work Integrated Learning Programme. This exciting opportunity is aimed at unemployed South Africans.

The programme offers valuable workplace exposure within the mining and minerals sector and provides learners with the opportunity to gain practical technical and professional experience at one of South Africa’s leading mining operations.

Hosted in partnership with Rio Tinto, the programme is designed to help students bridge the gap between academic studies and industry employment.

About the Richards Bay Minerals P1/P2 Programme

The primary purpose of the P1/P2 Work Integrated Learning Programme is to provide learners with structured workplace experience required to complete their qualifications at Universities of Technology.

Successful applicants will be placed within operational areas at Richards Bay Minerals where they will receive practical on-the-job exposure aligned with their academic requirements.

The programme is designed to help learners develop:

• Technical workplace competencies
• Industry knowledge
• Professional communication skills
• Operational understanding within mining environments
• Workplace readiness and employability

This opportunity is ideal for students seeking real-world experience within South Africa’s mining and industrial sectors.

Fields of Study Accepted

Applications are invited from students studying within the following disciplines:

Engineering and Humanities Disciplines

Eligible students from Universities of Technology who require P1/P2 workplace training are encouraged to apply.

The programme supports practical learning exposure aligned with institutional requirements for graduation..

Benefits of the P1/P2 Work Integrated Learning Programme

The Richards Bay Minerals programme provides learners with valuable industry exposure and practical skills development.

Learners May Benefit From:

• Workplace experience within the mining sector
• Practical technical exposure
• Professional development opportunities
• Industry-relevant skills training
• Exposure to mining operations and systems
• Improved employability after graduation
• Networking opportunities within the mining industry

P1/P2 programmes are highly valuable because they help students gain practical experience required by employers after graduation.

Why Choose Richards Bay Minerals?

Richards Bay Minerals is one of South Africa’s leading mining operations and forms part of the global mining group Rio Tinto.

The company operates within the mining and minerals industry and contributes significantly to industrial production, employment, and skills development in South Africa.

Learners participating in the programme may gain exposure to:

• Mining operations
• Industrial systems
• Asset management environments
• Technical operational processes
• Safety and compliance standards
• Professional workplace practices

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a global mining and materials company operating in over 35 countries worldwide.

The company produces materials such as:

• Iron ore
• Copper
• Aluminium
• Critical minerals

Rio Tinto has operated for over 150 years and focuses on innovation, sustainability, and responsible mining practices.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Rio Tinto and Richards Bay Minerals are committed to creating inclusive workplaces where employees feel respected and valued.

The company encourages applications from:

• Women
• People living with disabilities
• Individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds
• LGBTQIA+ communities

The organisation believes diversity strengthens workplace performance and innovation.

Career Opportunities After Completing P1/P2 Training

Completing a Work Integrated Learning Programme can help students pursue future careers in:

• Mining operations
• Engineering support
• Asset management
• Technical services
• Maintenance operations
• Industrial administration
• Project coordination

Practical workplace experience is highly valuable when applying for permanent employment after graduation.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements before applying:

• Be unemployed South African youth
• Be a final-year student at a University of Technology
• Have Grade 12 / Matric
• Possess a valid South African Driver’s License (minimum Code B)
• P1/P2 must be required to complete qualification
• Must not have previously participated in P1/P2, vacation work, SETA-funded, or company-funded work experience programmes
• Must reside within the King Cetshwayo District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal

Applicants who do not meet these requirements may not be considered.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit all required documents when applying.

Documents Needed

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Stamped letter from University of Technology confirming P1/P2 requirement (minimum 12 months)
• Certified copy of Matric certificate
• Certified academic statement of results
• Certified copy of South African ID document
• Certified copy of valid South African driver’s license
• Certified proof of residence or domicile address

Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all documents are clear, certified, and up to date.

Selection Process

Acceptance into the programme will depend on:

• Successful interview performance
• Assessment results
• Verification of qualifications and supporting documents

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection

How to Apply

Apply here online for Richards Bay Minerals P1/P2 Work Integrated Learnerships 2026

Closing Date: 29 May 2026