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MQA Learnerships 2026

Mining Qualifications Authority · Mining and Minerals sector · Verified 2026-05-18

Funds learnerships, internships and trade-test programmes across the SA mining and minerals sector. Mine-safety-related qualifications fall under MQA.

Official website: mqa.org.za
Sector: Mining and Minerals
One of: SA's 21 SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities)

Industries MQA covers

  • Gold mining
  • Platinum mining
  • Coal mining
  • Diamond mining
  • Mineral processing

Major employers running MQA-aligned learnerships

The following are well-known SA employers in the mining and minerals sector that have historically run learnerships aligned to MQA. Where we have a dedicated company page, the link goes through to it.

How MQA learnerships work

  • You apply through an employer, not the SETA. MQA does not place learners directly. Apply via the employer's official careers portal.
  • The qualification is national. On completion you receive a SAQA-registered qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) - it's the same qualification regardless of which employer you did the learnership with.
  • Most run 12 months. Some artisan and engineering learnerships run 2-4 years to a Red Seal trade test.
  • You earn a monthly stipend. SETA-funded programmes must pay at least the DHET minimum learner allowance for your NQF level. Most employers pay above the minimum.
  • You can only do one SETA-funded learnership at a time. Employers check this when you apply.

Avoid scams

Legitimate MQA learnerships are never advertised through WhatsApp groups, SMS, or Facebook posts asking for "processing fees" or "placement fees". SETAs and accredited employers do NOT charge to apply. If a learnership listing requires payment to a personal bank account, it is a scam.

Frequently asked questions

What does MQA stand for?
MQA is the Mining Qualifications Authority. It is one of South Africa's 21 SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities), established under the Skills Development Act of 1998 to fund and accredit skills development in the mining and minerals sector.
What learnerships does MQA fund?
MQA funds learnerships, internships and skills programmes across Gold mining, Platinum mining, Coal mining, Diamond mining and more. The qualification you receive on completion is registered with SAQA on the National Qualifications Framework.
How do I find a MQA-funded learnership?
Apply directly through employers in the mining and minerals sector - examples include Anglo American, Sibanye-Stillwater, Harmony Gold, Implats. MQA does not place learners directly; it funds and accredits the programme. Always apply via the employer's official careers portal - never pay any fee to "secure" a learnership.
What is the MQA levy and how does it work?
Employers in SA pay a 1% Skills Development Levy on payroll to SARS each month. SARS distributes 80% of that to the relevant SETA, which uses it to fund learnerships, bursaries and skills programmes in its sector through Mandatory and Discretionary Grants. The remaining 20% goes to the National Skills Fund.

Other SETAs

See all 21 SETAs →

SETA details verified against the SETA's own website and the DHET register on 2026-05-18. For the authoritative SETA register see dhet.gov.za/SETAlinks. We are not affiliated with MQA - apply through the SETA's own portal or through employer careers portals.

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