Tharisa Minerals has opened its Graduate in Training Programme for recent graduates who want structured workplace exposure in the mining industry. The programme covers Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering, Employee Relations and Information Technology, giving young professionals a practical route into technical and business-focused mining environments.
For many graduates, the biggest challenge comes after graduation: getting that first real workplace opportunity.
This programme helps close that gap. It gives selected graduates a chance to build business skills, learn inside a mining environment and gain practical exposure in their chosen field. The opportunity was posted on 19 May 2026, and the reference number is GIT0085DM.
What is the Tharisa Graduate in Training Programme about?
The Tharisa Graduate in Training Programme gives recently qualified candidates a chance to enter the work environment through a limited-duration graduate contract.
Through this programme, graduates can learn how professional mining operations work while developing business and technical skills.
In addition, the programme helps candidates understand workplace expectations, teamwork, communication and industry standards.
Which study fields can graduates choose from?
Tharisa Minerals offers graduate training exposure in selected disciplines.
The available fields are:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering
- Employee Relations under Human Resources
- Information Technology
Each field has its own programme code. Mechanical Engineering uses GIT26-MCE, Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering uses GIT26-M/CE, Employee Relations uses GIT26-ER, and Information Technology uses GIT26-IT.
Who can apply for this programme?
Applicants need a National Diploma or Degree in one of the listed fields.
They must also be recent graduates with no prior work experience. Therefore, this opportunity suits candidates who have completed their studies but have not yet started a formal career.
In addition, applicants need strong communication skills, good interpersonal skills and basic computer literacy in Microsoft Office. They should also show a willingness to learn, adapt and work in a team.
What other requirements should applicants know?
Only South African citizens may apply.
Tharisa Minerals also gives preference to applicants from local community or labour-sending areas. However, the company states that it will not provide accommodation.
Because the programme operates in a mining or industrial environment, applicants must also be medically fit.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Do not submit a CV that only lists your qualification. Add final-year projects, practical modules, computer skills, teamwork examples and any mining, industrial or technical exposure. Recruiters need to see that you can move from theory into a real operating environment.
What are the programme details?
The opportunity falls under the Student/Graduate work level.
It runs as a contract opportunity with a market-related salary. The listing also marks the opportunity as an EE position.
The job location appears as North West, and the closing date is 27 May 2026.
How long does the programme run?
The job specification describes the programme as a 2-year graduate-in-training opportunity.
However, the opportunity details section shows the duration as 2–3 years. Because of this, applicants should check the final contract period during the recruitment process or when they receive official communication from Tharisa Minerals.
Why should recent graduates consider this opportunity?
A graduate programme can make the transition from university or college to the workplace much easier.
Instead of entering the job market with only academic knowledge, graduates can gain hands-on experience, understand workplace systems and build confidence in a structured setting.
For engineering, metallurgy, chemical engineering, employee relations and IT graduates, this type of exposure can also strengthen future applications.
That first structured opportunity can become the foundation for long-term career growth.
How can applicants strengthen their CV?
Applicants should tailor their CV to the discipline they choose.
Mechanical Engineering applicants can highlight maintenance, design, workshop, plant or project exposure. Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering applicants can mention processing, laboratory work, mineral systems, chemical processes or final-year research.
Employee Relations applicants should focus on communication, labour relations knowledge, HR administration, confidentiality and conflict-handling skills.
Information Technology applicants should highlight troubleshooting, systems support, networking, software, hardware and customer service.
Before submitting, applicants should also check that their contact details are correct. In addition, every document should be clear, updated and professionally named.
Applicants must complete their submission through the official online application portal.
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Final Thoughts
The Tharisa Graduate in Training Programme gives recent graduates a practical way to enter the mining industry and build meaningful workplace exposure.
With opportunities in engineering, metallurgy or chemical engineering, employee relations and IT, the programme suits candidates who are ready to learn, adapt and grow in a professional mining environment.
Applicants who meet the requirements should prepare a focused CV and submit before the closing date.
