BACKGROUND

In the process of forging ahead with skills development initiatives and the transformation of the mining and minerals sector, the MQA established in 2005 an internship programme which was initially known as graduate development programme (GDP), now known as Internship Programme. The MQA Internship Programme is aimed to ensure that graduates with (Degree/ Diploma/ N6-diploma) get structured work experience in the sector, which relates to their qualification in order for them to be ready for employment. The coaches within companies transfers skills and knowledge to graduates. Programme requirements include on-the-job training, technical skills, as well as soft skills training

LIST OF DISCIPLINES SUPPORTED FOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME INCLUDE

The target group for the programme is young unemployed, historically disadvantaged South Africans who have competed degrees/diplomas/ N6 (diploma) in
the scarce skills disciplines as identified in the MQA Sector Skills Plan.

• Metallurgical Engineering
• Jewellery Design Manufacturing and related qualifications
• Geology
• Mining Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mining Surveying
• Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)
• Chemical Engineering (Mineral Processing)
• Environmental Health and Management
• Analytical Chemistry
• Electro Mechanical Engineering/ instrumentation Mechanician
• Industrial Engineering
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Occupational Hygiene
  Mining companies that qualify for the MQA grants are afforded an opportunity by the MQA to provide placement to graduates on non-core
  mining disciplines. Companies are permitted to utilise 20% of their allocated grants on the project to host learners with non-core mining
  qualifications on an internship programme to acquire structured workplace training.

CRITERIA FOR THE LEARNERS TO BE PLACED BY HOST EMPLOYERS ON THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
The MQA will only fund learners who meet the following criteria:

• The learner is unemployed and a South African citizen
• The graduates should have achieved the relevant qualification at a HET level (including TVET colleges, only N6 Diploma graduates are accepted into
  the programme)
• Must not have benefitted from an internship programmes before whether MQA funded or company funded

GRANTS PAYABLE BY THE MQA FOR THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

The discretionary grant are paid by the MQA to host employer as follows:
The grant amount of R 340 000 is paid by the MQA to the host company for a learner placed on an Internship Programme for a period
of 24 months. The grant is paid in tranches of R 56 667 on a tri-annual basis:

• Tranche 1: is paid to the host employer upon registration of signed Workplace Based Learning Programme Agreement together with
  supporting documents and on completion of the Monitoring and Evaluations activities conducted by the MQA.
• Tranche 2 to 8: will be paid to the host employer upon the submission of quarterly learner progress reports as well as completion of the
  Monitoring and Evaluations activities conducted by the MQA
  The grant paid by the MQA should cover the costs for training, allowances (stipend, travel, accommodation, medical cover) unemployment insurance fund,
  personal protective clothing, short courses and other costs that necessary during the period of training.

HOST COMPANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

A host employer to disburse allowance to the learner as follows: