OBJECTIVES OF THE WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME

The main objective of Work Experience Programme is to support learners with on-the job training activities required to attain their qualifications and to pursue careers within the mining and minerals sector. Learners from the University of Technologies/Universities/TVET Colleges will be placed at workplace by host employers to provide structured workplace based learning programme.

On an annual basis, The MQA invites employers to apply for discretionary grants. Once their applications are approved, they are able to assist with P1 and P2 training or vacation work requirements of learners.

CRITERIA FOR THE LEARNERS TO BE PLACED BY HOST EMPLOYERS ON THE WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME

The MQA will only fund learners who meet the following criteria:

• The learners must be unemployed and South African citizen.
• The learners must be required by his/ her institution to complete the work experience programme to obtain the qualification (A letter from the institution must be submitted)
• Learners that are to be placed for P1/P2 from Universities of Technology, are placed by the host company for the period required by the institution, to a maximum of 12 months
• Learners that are to be placed for P1/P2 from TVET Colleges, are placed by the host company for the period required by the institutions, to a
  maximum of 2 years
• Learners that are to be placed for Vacation Work from Universities, are placed by the host company for the period required by the institutions, to a maximum of 16 weeks
• Must not have undergone Work Experience (P1/P2 or Vacation Work) before whether MQA funded or company funded.

LIST OF DISCIPLINES SUPPORTED FOR WORK EXPERIENCE INCLUDE

• 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 that require work experience programme to acquire their qualifications.

GRANTS PAYABLE BY THE MQA FOR THE WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME

The discretionary grant are paid by the MQA to host employer as follows:

The grant amount of R 156 000.00 is paid by the MQA to the host company for a learner placed for P1/P2 for a period of 12 months.
The grant is payable in tranches of R 39 000.00 on a quarterly 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, 3 & 4: 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 amount of R24 000 is paid to host employer for learners placed for Vacation Work.
The grant is payable in tranches of R 12 000.00 for 2 months:

• 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: is paid to the employer upon completion of the programme. The host employer is required to submit a letter indicating that the learner has completed the 2 months programme.

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 RESPONSIBILITIESm