When only the best is good enough

The Colliery Training College (CTC), an important centre for artisan and mining skills training in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, has been part of the coal mining industry since 1964. Prominent mining houses (Anglo American Thermal Coal, Seriti, Exxaro, Glencore, Izimbiwa Coal, Kangra Coal and South32) own and control CTC but allow the college to offer its services to other employers from any sector in any industry, making it the preferred training college in the region.

Student numbers currently average about 700 per day in the engineering workshops, 70 in mining training and 45 in mineral beneficiation training.

What do we do?

CTC trains artisans in various traditional trades, such as fitters and turners, electricians, and diesel mechanics.  Miners and mineral process beneficiation operators are trained in a similar way. All these trades and occupations are important in times of high levels of economic activity. Unfortunately, during times of low growth, demand for these skills also decline. But with the emphasis on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, artisans need to be upskilled and trained (we call them Artisan 4.0™). And CTC is at the forefront of ensuring that the artisans trained now, are ready for Industry 4.0.

CTC provides “off job” skills for a period totalling six months after which the “on job” skills are obtained with employers where practical tasks are performed under supervision. Partnerships with employers are therefore important. This is a critical part of the learning process because this is where occupational knowledge and practical training is applied in the workplace. Students will be exposed to real life situations such as work ethics, safety responsibilities and industry level performance standards, as well as really getting to know what it is like to be an artisan in South Africa.

Research and development are undertaken continuously to ensure only applicable and up to date training material and training aids are used. In reply to the exacting safety requirements of clients and to ensure only the best safety outcomes for its learners, CTC was recently assessed and found to conform to the OHSAS 18001 standard. Before any task is attempted during training, learners are taught to do a proper risk assessment as if they were attempting a real-life task.

In 2016, CTC was recognised by the National Skills Authority as the best provider of artisan training in South Africa. And since then the college has been building on its success. 

Additional courses are also available. Anyone wishing to improve his/her skills can also choose between all modules/unit standards available to suit their companies’ or own needs. 

CTC follows a modular approach to training with competency-based assessments for which learners retain credit. All our training is geared to meet workplace demands. Our workshops and training rooms are staffed with skilled training officers in their various areas of expertise. CTC is accredited by the Mining Qualifications Authority and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. A memorandum of understanding exists between CTC and relevant SETAs.