Tronox KZN Sands Apprenticeships Open 7 Engineering Trade Opportunities in Mineral Processing

Tronox KZN Sands is offering seven three-year engineering apprenticeships across four technical trades in Empangeni and Mtunzini, giving unemployed South African youth a route into artisan careers linked to mining, mineral processing and industrial plant maintenance.

The intake includes opportunities for Electricians, Instrument Mechanicians, Fitters and Boilermakers.

Applicants need Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science, a valid driver’s licence and an N3 qualification with Mathematics, Engineering Science and two relevant trade theory subjects.

Applications close on 30 September 2026 at 16:00.

Which engineering trades are available?

The seven positions are divided across four trades:

• Electrician: 1 position
• Instrument Mechanician: 2 positions
• Fitter: 2 positions
• Boilermaker: 2 positions

Each trade supports a different part of an industrial operation, but all four are important in keeping plant equipment, electrical systems and production infrastructure working safely.

What will you gain from the apprenticeship?

You will complete a structured three-year programme combining technical training with practical workplace experience.

The aim is to develop you toward qualification as an artisan in your chosen trade.

You can expect to build practical skills in areas such as:

• Industrial maintenance
• Fault finding
• Equipment inspection
• Repair work
• Plant safety
• Technical procedures
• Engineering teamwork

The exact training will depend on the trade you enter.

What does an Electrician apprentice train for?

The Electrician apprenticeship focuses on the electrical systems used in an industrial environment.

You can expect to develop knowledge around areas such as:

• Electrical equipment
• Power distribution
• Motors
• Wiring
• Fault finding
• Electrical maintenance
• Safe isolation procedures

In mineral-processing operations, reliable electrical systems are essential because production equipment depends on continuous power and effective maintenance.

What does an Instrument Mechanician apprentice do?

Instrument Mechanicians work with the devices and systems used to measure and control industrial processes.

Your training can involve areas such as:

• Sensors
• Measurement systems
• Process control
• Instrument calibration
• Fault diagnosis
• Control equipment
• Automated plant systems

This trade is especially important in modern processing plants where temperature, pressure, flow and other operating conditions need to be monitored accurately.

What will Fitter apprentices learn?

Fitters focus on the mechanical side of plant equipment.

You can expect to build skills around:

• Mechanical components
• Bearings
• Pumps
• Rotating equipment
• Equipment assembly
• Maintenance
• Mechanical fault finding

Good fitting and maintenance work helps reduce breakdowns and keeps production machinery operating reliably.

What will Boilermaker apprentices train for?

Boilermakers work with fabricated metal structures and equipment.

Your practical development can include:

• Metal fabrication
• Structural components
• Cutting and forming
• Welding-related work
• Repairs
• Maintenance of industrial structures

This trade supports the physical infrastructure used across heavy industrial and processing environments.

What qualifications do you need?

You need:

• Grade 12
• Mathematics
• Physical Science
• N3
• Mathematics at N3 level
• Engineering Science
• Two relevant trade theory subjects

A valid driver’s licence is also compulsory.

The N3 requirement means applicants should already have a technical foundation before entering the workplace training phase.

Which documents must you submit?

Your application must include:

• Updated CV
• Certified South African ID
• Certified valid driver’s licence
• Certified Grade 12 certificate
• Proof of residence from the relevant Tribal Council

Certified documents must meet the stated validity requirements, including the ID copy being no older than three months.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Will applicants from local communities receive preference?

Preference will be given to qualifying applicants from communities linked to the following Tribal Councils:

• Kwa Dube
• Kwa Nzunza
• Kwa Mkhwanazi
• Ogagwini
• Somopho
• Macambini
• Madlebe

Preference may also extend to applicants from:

• uMhlathuze Municipality
• uMlalazi Municipality
• Mandeni Municipality

If you live in one of these areas, make sure your proof of residence is complete and accurate.

What skills will help you succeed?

You should demonstrate:

• Good communication
• Planning ability
• Organisation
• Initiative
• Teamwork
• Interpersonal skills
• Self-confidence
• Willingness to learn

Engineering apprenticeships require both technical learning and the ability to work safely with experienced teams.

What happens during selection?

Pre-screening assessments form part of the recruitment process.

You may also need to complete:

• Medical assessment
• Psychometric testing
• Other suitability checks

These steps help determine whether you are ready for the technical and physical demands of the programme.

How important is safety?

Safety is central to artisan work in mining and mineral processing.

You will be working around electrical systems, mechanical equipment, metal structures and industrial plant environments.

You will therefore need to learn and follow safe work procedures from the beginning of the apprenticeship.

What can these apprenticeships lead to?

The programme can build a foundation for future careers such as:

• Electrician
• Instrument Mechanician
• Fitter
• Boilermaker
• Plant Maintenance Artisan
• Industrial Technician
• Engineering Maintenance Specialist

The combination of structured training and practical experience can help you build the competence needed for long-term technical work in mining, manufacturing and other industrial sectors.

Where are the apprenticeships based?

The programme is based across Empangeni and Mtunzini in KwaZulu-Natal.

The employment arrangement is temporary for the duration of the three-year apprenticeship.

How do you apply?

Applications and supporting documents must be emailed to:

Recruitment.KZNSands@Tronox.com

Your email subject line must clearly state the trade you are applying for, such as:

• Electrician
• Instrument Mechanician
• Fitter
• Boilermaker

You may also apply through the Tronox careers platform where the apprenticeship is listed.

Programme: Engineering Apprenticeship Programme
Positions: 7
Duration: 3 years
Locations: Empangeni and Mtunzini, KwaZulu-Natal
Closing date: 30 September 2026 at 16:00