For young people who want a practical route into the mechanical trade, this Imerys Diesel Mechanic Learnership offers a serious career-building opportunity. The programme runs over 36 months and gives selected candidates theoretical training through Colliery Training College, along with practical exposure at the mine and plant.
The opportunity is offered by Imerys Refractory Minerals (Pty) Ltd and is listed as an apprenticeship in Heidelberg, Western Cape. It is aimed at community youth aged 18 to 35 who meet the academic, medical and workplace readiness requirements.
For applicants who enjoy engines, mechanical systems, mine equipment and hands-on technical work, this learnership could become a strong entry point into the diesel mechanic trade.
What is the Imerys Diesel Mechanic Learnership?
The Imerys Diesel Mechanic Learnership is a structured 36-month programme designed to help selected candidates gain experiential learning and work toward a national qualification in the diesel mechanic field.
The programme includes theoretical training through Colliery Training College, which is listed as an MQA-accredited institute. Candidates will also receive practical training exposure at the mine and plant.
This structure gives learners a chance to connect classroom learning with real workplace experience.
Who is offering this learnership?
The learnership is offered by Imerys Refractory Minerals (Pty) Ltd.
Imerys operates in the mining and quarrying sector and forms part of a global mineral-based specialties group. The company provides functional mineral solutions for different industries, including processing, consumer goods and building products.
Because the opportunity includes mine and plant exposure, selected learners can gain experience in a practical industrial environment.
What are the key learnership details?
Applicants should note the following details:
Company: Imerys Refractory Minerals (Pty) Ltd
Opportunity: Diesel Mechanic Learnership
Type: Apprenticeship
Employment Type: Full Time
Duration: 36 months
Training Provider: Colliery Training College
Training Focus: Diesel Mechanic field
Location: Heidelberg, Western Cape
Equity Status: EE/AA
The listing does not show a closing date. Therefore, interested applicants should submit as soon as possible while the opportunity remains available.
Who should consider this opportunity?
This learnership is suitable for young people who want to build a future in the diesel mechanic trade.
It may be a good fit for applicants who:
- Enjoy practical technical work
- Want to work with machinery and mechanical systems
- Can follow safety rules carefully
- Are interested in mine and plant environments
- Can complete theory and practical training
- Are self-motivated and willing to learn
- Communicate well with supervisors and team members
In addition, applicants should be ready for a structured 36-month learning journey.
What are the minimum requirements?
Applicants must meet the programme’s education and readiness requirements.
The listing states that candidates must be part of the community youth group aged 18 to 35 years. Applicants must also have Grade 12 with at least 40% in English, Mathematics and Physical Science.
The minimum requirement also includes N2 with four subjects relevant to the trade, such as Diesel Mechanic Theory. Alternatively, candidates may have National Certificate Vocational Level 3 with at least 40% in Mathematics, not Mathematics Literacy, and relevant trade-specific subjects.
What medical and safety requirements apply?
Applicants must be medically fit because the listing refers to Mine Health and Safety Act requirements.
Successful candidates must also complete the Mine Health and Safety Induction.
This is important because mine and plant environments require strict safety awareness, discipline and responsibility.
A diesel mechanic learner must not only understand tools and machinery. They must also respect safety rules every day.
What duties will successful candidates perform?
Successful candidates will need to follow company health and safety policies and procedures.
They will also need to maintain good housekeeping, follow task-related SOPs and checklists, use the correct documentation and assist the line manager with major and minor tasks.
In addition, learners may need to compile daily, weekly and monthly reports as instructed by the line manager.
These responsibilities can help learners build workplace discipline and understand the importance of accurate reporting.
What skills can help applicants stand out?
Applicants should show that they are self-motivated, eager to learn and serious about succeeding.
The listing also highlights good written and verbal communication.
Helpful qualities include:
- Strong interest in mechanics
- Willingness to learn
- Safety awareness
- Good communication
- Reliability
- Respect for instructions
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work with others
- Discipline in completing tasks and reports
These qualities matter because diesel mechanic training requires both technical ability and professional behaviour.
Why is this learnership valuable?
Diesel mechanics play an important role in industries that rely on heavy equipment, vehicles, mining machinery and plant operations.
Through this learnership, candidates can gain a mix of theoretical training and practical exposure.
As a result, learners can build skills that may support future opportunities in mining, maintenance, mechanical repair, plant operations and related technical fields.
Which documents should applicants prepare?
Applicants should prepare documents that prove their identity, qualifications and readiness for the programme.
Useful documents may include:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Grade 12 certificate
- N2 certificate with relevant trade subjects, where applicable
- NCV Level 3 certificate, where applicable
- Academic results
- Any mechanical, technical or workshop-related certificates
- Proof of residence, if required
All documents should be clear, readable and up to date.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: If you have any hands-on mechanical exposure, mention it clearly in your CV. This can include school workshop projects, fixing engines, assisting with vehicle repairs, helping with farm machinery or any technical tasks that show real interest in the trade.
How can candidates submit their applications?
Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal.
Before submitting, applicants should review the requirements carefully and make sure their documents support the diesel mechanic learning pathway.
What should applicants check before submitting?
Before sending an application, applicants should check the following:
- CV is updated
- ID copy is clear
- Grade 12 results are available
- English, Mathematics and Physical Science marks are visible
- N2 or NCV Level 3 documents are attached, where applicable
- Contact details are correct
- Any technical experience appears clearly on the CV
- Application is submitted while the listing is still open
Applicants should also avoid waiting too long because the listing does not provide a closing date.
Why does this opportunity matter?
Many young people want to enter technical trades but struggle to access structured training and practical workplace exposure.
This learnership helps close that gap by combining formal training with mine and plant-based experience.
In addition, the 36-month structure gives learners time to build discipline, technical confidence and a stronger understanding of diesel mechanic work.
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Final Thoughts
The Imerys Diesel Mechanic Learnership 2026 is a valuable opportunity for young people aged 18 to 35 who want to enter the diesel mechanic trade.
With theoretical training through Colliery Training College and practical exposure at the mine and plant, the programme can help learners build strong technical foundations.
Applicants who meet the academic, safety and medical requirements should prepare their documents carefully and submit their application through the official online application portal while the opportunity remains open.
