Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) Learner Inspector Programme 2026 - 2029

Who can apply

• The employer lists a National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) or Mechanical Engineering. Crucially, the qualification must include qualifying subjects completed during the course of study that are accepted for Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) candidacy.
• That means an Electrical Engineering qualification title alone is not enough to prove your eligibility. For example, do not automatically assume an Electrical Engineering (Light Current) qualification meets the stated Heavy Current pathway.
• Mechanical Engineering graduates must also confirm that the modules and academic record satisfy the applicable GCC-candidate subject requirements. The department has not published a complete qualifying-module list in this two-page advert. It is therefore better to verify subject equivalence with the recruiting department than to guess.
• The Learner Inspector heading invites qualifying South African graduates. Applicants should have the precise qualification and qualifying subjects for the post they select.
• A National Diploma or Degree in the relevant discipline, with the required GCC/MMC candidate subjects.
• A valid Certificate of Fitness for the underground work involved in either position.
• A current Z83 application form, fully completed, accurate, legible, honestly provided, signed and dated.
• A comprehensive/detailed CV, with at least three contactable referees in the Z83/CV application information.
• A separate application for each position if applying for both reference numbers.
• Agreement to lawful personnel-suitability and security-clearance checks where applicable.
• The source states that only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified qualifications and other relevant documents on or before the interview, and that the certified copies should not be older than six months. Do not represent that as a universal initial-upload requirement. However, follow any explicit document fields on the live employer portal, and seek clarification if instructions differ.
• Fitness certificate: The separate post notices require a valid Certificate of Fitness. They do not expressly state that a scanned copy must accompany the initial Z83 and CV, so confirm the stage at which DMPR needs the certificate.
• A National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) or Mechanical Engineering with qualifying subjects for GCC candidacy.
• A National Diploma or Degree in Mining Engineering with qualifying subjects for MMC candidacy.
• The notice says certified copies of qualifications and other documents are required from shortlisted candidates on or before the interview. Follow actual portal fields and clarify conflicts.
• Ms N Sam at 012 444 3722 or Mr S Ngcaweni at 012 444 3021.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Mineral And Petroleum Resources - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

Your engineering diploma may meet the qualification level in this advert. The wrong subject combination can still stop you from qualifying for this programme.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), through its Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate, is inviting qualifying South African graduates to apply for the Learner Inspector Programme 2026/2027 to 2028/2029. The notice is on pages 10 to 11 of the DMPR annexure in DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 40 of 2026, published on 6 November 2026.

There are two advertised places at Pretoria Head Office. Each has a monthly stipend of R8,174.75, and both close on 20 November 2026. The first post accepts relevant Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) or Mechanical Engineering qualifications. The second post is for Mining Engineering.

Check two things before you apply. Your subjects must qualify you for the GCC or MMC candidate pathway, depending on the post. Both posts also need a valid Certificate of Fitness, because the work involves underground activities. A course with a similar engineering name does not prove you are eligible.

You can apply through the official DMPR e-Recruitment portal. You can also send your application by post, courier or hand delivery. Before you choose a reference, compare your qualification using the Careers and Qualifications Explorer. Then prepare a truthful CV using the ATS CV Assistant.

Please note: the circular uses the financial years 2026/2027 to 2028/2029. It does not give a start date, a contract length in months or a promise of permanent work. This is a Learner Inspector training programme. It is not automatically a registered SETA learnership with a SAQA ID.

Quick overview: DMPR Learner Inspector Programme 2026 to 2029

Do not confuse these with the 20 DMPR graduate internships, POST 40/91 to 40/110, on the earlier pages of the annexure. Those references start with DMPR/INT/2026/. The Learner Inspector posts are POST 40/111 and 40/112, and their references start with DMPR/LIP/2026/.

The two Learner Inspector posts: choose your exact reference

Both posts pay R8,174.75 per month. Both need a relevant National Diploma or Degree. Both say underground work requires a valid Certificate of Fitness.

If your qualification is in Electrical Engineering, check that it is in the Heavy Current discipline for Post 40/111. If you studied Mining Engineering, apply for Post 40/112 instead. Each reference needs its own application. The official portal is the common entry point. It is not a separate verified direct form link for each reference.

Position 1: Electrical (Heavy Current) or Mechanical Engineering, Post 40/111

Official reference: DMPR/LIP/2026/001. Location: Pretoria Head Office. Advertised places: 1. Monthly stipend: R8,174.75.

Who is this qualification for?

The employer asks for a National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) or Mechanical Engineering. Your study must also include qualifying subjects that are accepted for Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) candidacy.

An Electrical Engineering title on its own does not prove you are eligible. For example, an Electrical Engineering (Light Current) qualification does not automatically meet the Heavy Current requirement.

Mechanical Engineering graduates must also check that their modules and academic record meet the GCC candidate subject rules. The department has not published a full list of qualifying modules in this two-page advert. It is safer to ask the recruiting department about subject equivalence than to guess.

What might this career involve?

Mine health and safety inspection is a technical regulatory field. Work in this sector can involve engineering systems, safe plant operation, incident prevention, technical evaluations and compliance with mine safety rules. These are general examples only. The advert does not give a day-to-day duty list or a training timetable.

Explore electrical and mechanical engineering jobs using the Careers and Qualifications Explorer. You can research engineering occupations and skills through the National Skills Intelligence Explorer.

Underground requirement: The employer says the work will involve going underground. A valid Certificate of Fitness is required. The advert does not say that a self-declaration of good health is an acceptable replacement.

Position 2: Mining Engineering, Post 40/112

Official reference: DMPR/LIP/2026/002. Location: Pretoria Head Office. Advertised places: 1. Monthly stipend: R8,174.75.

The second Learner Inspector post requires a National Diploma or Degree in Mining Engineering.

The department adds a specific academic condition. The subjects you took during your studies must allow you to be accepted as a Mine Managers Certificate of Competency (MMC) candidate.

A general university degree, an unrelated technical diploma or an interest in mining does not meet this requirement. Compare the course content on your academic transcript with the MMC candidate conditions set by the department. If you are unsure, ask for clarification.

A mining engineering pathway can relate to mining operations, legal standards, hazards, risk management and underground safety. The announcement does not give details of supervision, training duties or how competence will be assessed.

The advert again says a valid Certificate of Fitness is required because of underground work. Think about the physical working conditions and the cost of moving to Pretoria before you apply.

For wider career planning, use Career Discovery. You can also explore mining-related occupational development routes on the SETA Platform.

GCC vs MMC: why the candidate requirement matters

The words 'to be accepted as a candidate' are important. They are not just decoration in the advert.

GCC candidate pathway: For Post 40/111, the department expects qualifying Electrical (Heavy Current) or Mechanical Engineering subjects linked to acceptance as a Government Certificate of Competency candidate.

MMC candidate pathway: For Post 40/112, your Mining Engineering qualification must include subjects linked to acceptance as a Mine Managers Certificate of Competency candidate.

What the notice does not say: It does not say you must already hold a completed GCC or MMC certificate. It also does not list exact subject names, credit totals, exam exemptions or any guarantee of a post.

How to check your academic fit

1. Find your official qualification title and your academic transcript or statement of modules.
2. Check the discipline required: Electrical Heavy Current or Mechanical Engineering for /001, or Mining Engineering for /002.
3. Check whether your modules meet the right GCC or MMC candidate pathway.
4. Contact the department's recruitment enquiry officers if your institution uses a different course name or you are unsure about module equivalence.
5. Do not claim GCC or MMC candidate eligibility until the facts have been confirmed.

You can use the Careers and Qualifications Explorer to look up registered qualifications. That tool cannot give official GCC or MMC candidate acceptance on behalf of DMPR.

Underground work: the Certificate of Fitness is not optional

Both job notices carry the same clear warning. Because the work involves going underground, a valid Certificate of Fitness is required.

This is a safety-sensitive condition. Mine work can expose workers to specialist environmental, physical and operational hazards, so employers must apply proper medical and fitness requirements.

Do not confuse the fitness certificate with a qualification certificate. A National Diploma proves your academic education. The Certificate of Fitness shows you are fit for the specified underground environment.

The advert does not name a medical provider, a medical examination format, an expiry period or the exact date by which the certificate must be provided. Ask the department how and when it will check the certificate. Do not pay for an unverified assessment or rely on a medical route that has not been approved.

The general internship notice also explains the department's personnel suitability and security vetting. Those checks are separate from the fitness requirement.

Who can apply? Requirements the circular confirms

The Learner Inspector heading invites qualifying South African graduates. You must have the exact qualification and qualifying subjects for the post you choose.

The application rules clearly confirm the following:

• A National Diploma or Degree in the relevant discipline, with the required GCC or MMC candidate subjects.
• A valid Certificate of Fitness for the underground work in either position.
• A current Z83 application form, fully completed, accurate, legible, honestly answered, signed and dated.
• A comprehensive or detailed CV, with at least three contactable referees in your Z83 or CV information.
• A separate application for each position if you apply for both reference numbers.
• Agreement to lawful personnel suitability and security clearance checks where these apply.

Do not invent further restrictions

The Learner Inspector notice does not give a numerical age limit. The quoted application instructions also do not list a general unemployment condition. Follow any extra conditions shown on the employer's live vacancy page, and answer employment-status questions honestly.

The earlier 20-post Graduate Internship Programme has a clear rule about people who have already taken part in other government internships. That rule is not repeated in the Learner Inspector notice on pages 10 to 11. Do not assume both programmes have the same eligibility rules. Contact DMPR if a past government internship might affect your application.

The Learner Inspector notice does not say that an N2, N3, ordinary Matric or NC(V) Level 4 qualification alone is enough for either post. These are graduate-level engineering posts.

Programme duration, monthly stipend and where you will work

The department names the financial years 2026/2027 to 2028/2029 for the Learner Inspector Programme. Both posts are at Pretoria Head Office, and both pay R8,174.75 per month.

Do not treat the financial years as a guaranteed 36-month contract, a set start date or a fixed end date. The source does not give the contract period in months. Confirm these terms directly with DMPR if you receive an offer.

The administrative base is Pretoria, but underground site work is part of the advertised role. Being based at Head Office does not mean your duties will be only at a desk.

The advert does not mention a travel allowance, an accommodation allowance, guaranteed permanent employment or study funding. Plan for transport and living costs, and check all conditions before you accept any offer.

Application documents: get the Z83 and CV right

A strong engineering qualification cannot make up for an incomplete government application.

The notice asks for the current Z83 Application for Employment form, which came into effect on 1 January 2021, and a comprehensive or detailed CV. You can use the official DPSA Z83 form. The Z83 Assistant can also help you complete the form.

At the first application stage, prepare the following:

1. One properly completed, signed and dated Z83 form for the specific reference.
2. A detailed CV that shows your real qualification, engineering modules, relevant projects and accurate contact details.
3. At least three contactable referees in your CV or Z83 information.
4. The correct DMPR/LIP/2026/001 or DMPR/LIP/2026/002 reference.
5. Correct login details if you use the online system.
6. Proof of submission, or postal or courier delivery details if you use a physical route.

What about certified qualifications and ID copies?

The source says only shortlisted candidates must submit certified qualifications and other documents on or before the interview. The certified copies should be no older than six months. This is not a general requirement for the first upload. Still, follow any document fields on the live portal, and ask for clarification if the instructions differ.

Fitness certificate: The post notices require a valid Certificate of Fitness. They do not clearly say a scanned copy must go with your first Z83 and CV. Confirm when DMPR needs the certificate.

If you apply for both posts, submit two separate applications

This is one of the easiest instructions to miss when you use government recruitment forms.

The DMPR Learner Inspector notice says that if you apply for more than one post, you must submit a separate Z83 form and supporting documents for each reference.

For example:

• Application A: Post 40/111, reference DMPR/LIP/2026/001, for a qualifying Electrical Heavy Current or Mechanical Engineering graduate.
• Application B: Post 40/112, reference DMPR/LIP/2026/002, for a qualifying Mining Engineering graduate.

The advert warns that if you list several posts on one form, only the first post will be considered. Apply for both posts only if you truly meet both sets of academic requirements, not just to improve your chances.

The employer allows you to withdraw a submitted application in writing.

How to apply online through DMPR e-Recruitment

The main online route is the DMPR e-Recruitment System.

1. Open the official portal and register a profile if you do not have one.
2. Enter your personal details accurately and create your login details.
3. Sign in and look at the current posts.
4. Search for Learner Inspector Programme (Mine Health and Safety) or the correct DMPR/LIP/2026/001 or 002 reference.
5. Select the correct listing. Confirm the required qualification, the Pretoria location and the current application instructions.
6. Complete the application using the current Z83 and detailed CV requirements, and any extra fields shown in the official process.
7. Submit before 20 November 2026, and save the confirmation if the portal gives one.

Both vacancy references are verified, but the circular does not give separate direct links for them. The two programme listings here link to the same official DMPR portal. The reference is shown in each listing's label and description.

If the portal does not show the new posts or is down, do not send your personal documents to an unverified link. Use the other official physical submission routes named in the circular, or contact the department for guidance.

Other official submission routes: post, courier or hand delivery

DMPR clearly offers postal, courier and hand delivery as alternatives to applying online.

Send post or courier applications with the exact reference, addressed to:

The Director-General, Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Private Bag X59, Pretoria 0001

Hand delivery: Trevenna Campus, corner of Meintjies and Francis Baard Street (former Schoeman Street), Pretoria.

The department has not given an exact closing hour for 20 November 2026. If you hand deliver, check the office receiving hours. If you post or courier, allow enough time for delivery.

Using a delivery method does not remove the need for the current Z83, a detailed CV, three referees or a separate application for each reference.

Prepare a relevant, accurate engineering CV

Your CV should make your discipline and its qualifying modules easy to spot.

A Mechanical Engineering graduate might highlight real modules, design projects, safety-related coursework and supervised technical practicals. An Electrical Heavy Current graduate might describe real exposure to power systems, machines or engineering laboratory work. A Mining Engineering graduate might highlight mining methods, mine planning, engineering geology or safety-focused study, but only if you actually studied these.

Use the ATS CV and Cover Letter Assistant to structure your CV. Do not claim GCC or MMC acceptance, a fitness certificate, practical experience or professional registration that you do not have.

A practical CV checklist includes your exact diploma or degree title, institution and completion year. Add your relevant engineering subjects, true technical projects or workplace experience, up-to-date contact details, and three referees who have agreed to be contacted.

Put the correct DMPR reference number on your Z83 application. You can include it in your other application materials where it fits.

Professional and training pathways: what can follow?

The Learner Inspector programme may offer experience relevant to technical mining regulation and professional development. The actual progression and outcome depend on the training contract, the assessments and the legal eligibility conditions. The advert does not describe these fully.

If you want a career in the mining industry, the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a useful organisation to research for learning pathways. You can explore the SETA Platform and its MQA programme information. This government notice does not say that MQA funds the two Learner Inspector places.

Research engineering careers and possible qualification routes through the Careers and Qualifications Explorer. Compare study providers using the University Explorer and the TVET College Explorer. Look at employment and skills information in the National Skills Intelligence Explorer.

These tools explain possible career paths. They are not extra eligibility rules from DMPR, and they do not prove that new placements are open.

Other recently published learnerships, apprenticeships and workplace programmes

The two DMPR posts are very specialised. If your qualification does not meet the GCC or MMC candidate requirements, look at other genuine training opportunities that are advertised separately. Do not send in an application that does not fit.

• Eskom Electrical Apprenticeship Programme 2027: electrical artisan training. Provincial deadlines are 13 to 17 November 2026. Verify the current status and its own eligibility rules.
• Northern Coal Non-Artisan Learnership Programme 2027: mining-related surface blasting. Closing on 30 November 2026. Verify the current status and its own eligibility rules.
• NERSA Internships and Learnerships 2027: energy and regulatory career streams. Check the individual requirements. Verify the current status and its own eligibility rules.
• Glencore 18.2 Artisan Learnership Programme 2026: technical artisan learnership in mining. Verify the recruitment status and its own eligibility rules.
• DHL YES4Youth Learnership Programme 2027: logistics-focused YES opportunity. This is not an inspector programme. Verify the current status and its own eligibility rules.
• Sasol Artisan Learnerships 2026: historical artisan programme. Closed on 23 October 2026. This intake has already closed, so use it for comparison only.
• MISA Apprenticeship and Experiential Learnership 2026/2027: historical engineering and WIL pathways. Closed on 28 September 2026. This intake has already closed, so use it for comparison only.
• Valterra Platinum Engineering Learnership Intake 2026: historical mining artisan opportunity. Closed on 30 September 2026. This intake has already closed, so use it for comparison only.

For the newest opportunities, check the latest learnerships and latest internships listings. Not every programme in the learnerships category is a registered learnership. A YES placement, an artisan apprenticeship or a graduate trainee scheme may have a different learning outcome.

Frequently asked questions about the DMPR Learner Inspector Programme

1. How many Learner Inspector posts does DMPR advertise?

Two: POST 40/111 and 40/112, each stating one intern.

2. When is the closing date?

20 November 2026. The circular does not give an exact closing time.

3. What is the monthly stipend?

R8,174.75 per month for each position.

4. Where are the positions based?

Both are listed at Pretoria Head Office, although the work includes underground activities.

5. What qualification is required for POST 40/111?

A National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) or Mechanical Engineering, with qualifying subjects for GCC candidacy.

6. What qualification is required for POST 40/112?

A National Diploma or Degree in Mining Engineering, with qualifying subjects for MMC candidacy.

7. Must I already hold the full GCC certificate?

The wording requires subjects that are enough to be accepted as a GCC candidate. It does not clearly require you to already hold the completed GCC certificate.

8. Must I already hold the Mine Managers Certificate?

The notice refers to academic subjects for acceptance as an MMC candidate. It does not require a completed MMC certificate.

9. Is a valid Certificate of Fitness required?

Yes. Both posts clearly require a valid Certificate of Fitness because of underground work.

10. Does the advert list an age limit?

No numerical age limit appears in the two-page Learner Inspector notice.

11. Is an N3 or Matric certificate enough?

No. The advertised entry routes require the relevant National Diploma or Degree with the specified competency candidate subjects.

12. Do I need the Z83 form?

Yes. A current, fully completed, signed and dated Z83 is required, along with a detailed CV.

13. How many referees should I give?

The Z83 and CV instructions ask for at least three contactable referees.

14. Can I apply for both references with one Z83?

No. Use a separate Z83 and supporting documents for each post. A form that lists several posts may be considered only for the first one.

15. Do certified qualifications have to be sent straight away?

The notice says shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies of qualifications and other documents on or before the interview. Follow the portal fields, and ask for clarification if the instructions conflict.

16. Can I apply by email?

No general application email address is given. Use the official DMPR e-Recruitment portal, post, courier or hand delivery.

17. Can someone who completed a previous government internship apply?

The Learner Inspector section does not repeat the restriction in the Graduate Internship section. Check with DMPR directly if this applies to you.

18. Is the duration definitely 36 months?

The source lists the financial years 2026/2027 to 2028/2029. It does not give a start date or a guaranteed contract length in months.

19. What happens after I apply?

The department will only contact shortlisted applicants. If you receive no feedback within three months after the closing date, you should treat your application as unsuccessful.

20. Who can answer questions about the requirements?

Ms N Sam and Mr S Ngcaweni are the named contacts for questions about the requirements.

Engineering careers and applications

Choose your next step using these connected resources. Each one does a different job:

• Understand qualification routes: Careers and Qualifications Explorer, University Explorer and TVET College Explorer.
• Research occupations and skills evidence: Career Discovery and National Skills Intelligence Explorer.
• Investigate mining and artisan training: SETA Platform (including MQA), Learnerships Hub and Internships Hub.
• Prepare your government application: ATS CV Assistant, Z83 Assistant and Ask AI.
• Explore other employment: Company Entry-Level Jobs and Recruitment Scam Detector.

The primary sources are the DPSA Circular 40 DMPR annexure, the DPSA Circular 40 publication page, the official Z83 PDF and the DMPR e-Recruitment portal. The career resources above are independent research and application tools. They are not official DMPR screening.

Check your subjects before you submit

The first common mistake is applying with the wrong type of engineering qualification. Check your diploma or degree title, and also the subjects needed for GCC or MMC candidate acceptance.

The second common mistake is forgetting underground fitness. Both posts clearly require a valid Certificate of Fitness. Confirm how and when to provide it through the employer.

The third common mistake is using one Z83 for two references. Prepare a separate, complete application for each post you truly qualify for. An accurate Z83, a detailed CV, contactable referees and the correct reference number all matter.

If neither post matches your qualifications, use the SETA Platform and the Careers and Qualifications Explorer to look at other engineering routes. You can also look at Eskom Electrical Apprenticeships and other recent opportunities, while checking their own closing dates.

Advertised closing date: 20 November 2026. No exact closing time is given.

Disclaimer and editorial notes

This directory is independent. It does not recruit, receive applications, shortlist candidates, check fitness, issue engineering competency certificates or guarantee an appointment with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

Primary source: DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 40 of 2026, Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources annexure, PDF pages 10 to 11 (printed pages 90 to 91), issued on 6 November 2026. This listing covers only POST 40/111 and POST 40/112 in the Learner Inspector Programme 2026/2027 to 2028/2029.

Confirmed by the circular: two reference numbers, one position per reference, Pretoria Head Office, a R8,174.75 monthly stipend, the Electrical Heavy Current, Mechanical and Mining academic routes, the GCC or MMC candidate subject condition, the underground Certificate of Fitness requirement, the closing date, the Z83 and CV requirements, separate applications, three referees, the e-Recruitment and physical submission routes, and shortlisting and security checks.

Not stated in the source: a numerical age requirement, a compulsory unemployment condition in this two-page notice, an exact programme start date, a fixed duration in months, guaranteed employment, a detailed training curriculum, a certificate-issuing outcome, an exact closing hour, separate portal links for each post, or an initial upload requirement for the Certificate of Fitness. These details have not been added.

The source also does not describe this Learner Inspector scheme as a registered SETA learnership with a SAQA qualification. Information about mining occupations, MQA, professional development, the career tools and related technical programmes is general educational guidance.

Always check live vacancy availability and instructions on DMPR e-Recruitment and in the official circular. Do not pay anyone who promises guaranteed selection, and do not share personal application documents through unofficial recruitment channels.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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