Rio Tinto Artisan Learnership Programme 2026

Young South Africans who are passionate about technical careers now have an exciting opportunity to apply for the Rio Tinto Artisan Learnership Programme 2026. Rio Tinto is offering unemployed youth the chance to gain nationally recognised artisan qualifications while receiving practical workplace training and industry exposure.

This occupationally directed programme combines theoretical learning, hands-on technical training, and workplace experience to prepare learners for careers in the mining, engineering, and industrial sectors.

Trades Available in the Programme

The Rio Tinto Artisan Learnership Programme offers training in several high-demand artisan trades.

Available Trade Opportunities

• Diesel Mechanic
• Boiler Maker
• Millwright
• Refractory Mason
• Electrician
• Mechanical Fitter
• Instrumentation

These trades are highly valuable within industries such as mining, manufacturing, construction, industrial maintenance, and heavy engineering.

What Is an Occupationally Directed Artisan Learnership?

An artisan learnership is a structured programme designed to help learners become qualified artisans through a combination of:

• Classroom-based theoretical learning
• Practical technical training
• Workplace exposure
• Skills development
• Trade test preparation
• Industry assessments

Successful learners will receive a Trade Certificate issued by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), which is nationally recognised on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Career Opportunities After Qualification

Qualified artisans are often employed in industries such as:

• Mining
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Engineering
• Industrial maintenance
• Utilities and energy
• Heavy machinery operations

Because skilled trades remain in high demand, artisan careers can provide long-term employment and career growth opportunities.

Minimum Requirements

To apply for the Rio Tinto Artisan Learnership Programme 2026, applicants must meet all minimum requirements.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Be unemployed youth
• Have completed Grade 12 / Matric
• Have Core Mathematics
• Have Physical Science or Technical Matric subjects
• Possess a trade-related qualification
• Have a valid South African driver’s license (minimum Code B)
• Not currently participate in another SETA-funded learnership or apprenticeship
• Reside within the King Cetshwayo District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal

Required Application Documents

Candidates must prepare and submit the following documents:

• Updated CV
• Certified copy of Matric certificate
• Certified copy of trade qualification
• Certified copy of South African ID
• Certified copy of valid driver’s license
• Certified proof of residence
• Affidavit confirming the applicant is not participating in another SETA-funded programme

How to Apply

Apply here online for the Rio Tinto Artisan Learnership Programme 2026

Closing date: not specified