Colliery Training College: A legacy of excellence in skills development

Colliery Training College (CTC) has been a cornerstone of the South African skills develop-ment landscape since its establishment in 1965. Based in Emalahleni for over five decades, CTC is renowned as a premier provider of engineering and mining qualifications.

CTC offers a comprehensive range of artisan training programmes, including legacy listed (pre-2009) and occupational qualification trades. Training consists of knowledge, practical and workplace experience components, that  includes specific skills training and specialised industry-aligned short courses. 

Committed to fostering a highly skilled and innovative workforce, CTC empowers individuals through its high-quality, industry-aligned training programmes. With its collaborative approach and working 

closely with industry partners and stake-holders, CTC ensures that its curriculum remains relevant and up to date with the latest advancements in technology. This fosters continuous learning and develops a skilled workforce that values safety as a top priority, having a positive impact on the community.

The CTC legacy qualification includes the following trades: auto electrical, electrical, instrumentation, millwright/electromechanical, fitting and turning, fitting (including machining), diesel mechanic, earth moving equipment mechanic, boilermaker, welder and rigger ropesman. Owing to the phasing out of legacy trades, the learners registered on legacy qualifications must complete their qualification by June 30, 2027.

Occupational qualifications trades offered by CTC include transportation electrician (auto electrician), diesel mechanic, electrician, instrument mechanician, metal machinist, welder, boilermaker, heavy equipment mechanic, mechanical fitter, fitter and turner, rigger and millwright.

CTC offers a range of registered skills programmes and specialised customer-aligned short courses which include  artisan aide programmes, medium voltage  (switching), gas testing, and  flameproofing – maintenance of flameproof equipment (engineering), registered mining skills programmes; blasting assistant surface excavations, competent person A surface excavations, blasting assistant underground mining, and fall of ground competent A and B (underground coal).

These short courses equip trainees with   industry aligned skills, and the registered skills programmes earn credits on the national qualifications’ framework, or NQF, towards a qualification. The programmes are key to addressing critical skills needs, developing specific competencies, and creating a culture of accountability. CTC has further introduced a value-add service to its customers for candidate screening. 

CTC provides full qualifications in under-ground mining, surface excavations and mineral processing. After completing a set of basic training modules, students can progress to a range of full qualifications such as a blasting certificate, continuous miner or longwall mining qualification, opencast blasting certificate, or rock breaking/surface excavation certificate. CTC’s mineral processing courses include basic coal preparation for plant operators as well as advanced coal preparation for more senior mineral processing personnel.

Training is conducted at CTC’s state-of-the-art premises, offering affordable student accommodation, a variety of recreational areas and a dining hall. CTC training is geared to meet workplace demands and its workshops and training rooms are staffed by skilled training officers who are specialists in their various areas of expertise.

CTC’s dedication to quality is reflected in its numerous accreditations, including those from the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, Mining Qualifications Authority, Assessor and Moderator registrations with Department of Higher Education and Training and National Artisan Moderation Body. These accreditations validate CTC’s commitment to providing exceptional training and assessment services. 

In line with its commitment to progress, CTC has recently undergone a rebranding process, launching a new logo that symbolises its modern approach to skills development. The new brand identity aligns with CTC’s cutting-edge curriculum and reflects its unwavering dedication to preparing students for success in the ever-evolving engineering and mining industries. 

CTC remains committed to its mission to equip individuals – from new entrants to experienced professionals – with the essential engineering and mining skills needed for successful careers.  

As a Level 1 broad-based black economic empowerment contributor CTC remains steadfast in its drive towards enabling industry growth, while ensuring the safety of its students and the broader community. With its rich history, strong reputation and commitment to excellence, CTC continues to evolve and is poised to remain a leader in skills development for years to come.