The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) has set a target to review and develop a total of 50 learning programmes in the 2018/19 financial year to remain at the cutting edge of new technology and skills development in the mining and mineral sector, in line with 2017/18 Sector Skills Plan (SSP).

The programmes which will be reviewed in accordance with the mining qualifications framework include the onsetter, winding engine driver, occupational health and safety practitioner, engineering and mine manager and mining and machine operator.

“Learning programmes are developed as per the needs informed by the SSP and the MQA and the mining sector does not recognise training providers offering training that is not accredited by the MQA. The sector only recognises certificates that are issued by the MQA for skills programmes and qualifications,” says MQA acting CEO Tebogo Mmotla.

The MQA SSP, which has been developed in accordance with the Department of Higher Education and Training’s national skills development strategy, outlines the relevant training interventions needed to address the skill gaps in the mining and minerals sectors.

He says the MQA, as a sector education and training authority, has a legal mandate to conduct research that informs skills sets and to certify the training interventions which are required in the mining and minerals sectors.

“We also fund the development of required learning programmes and implement them to ensure quality learning delivery through the accreditation of training providers and monitor and evaluate the implementation of the learning programmes.”

He further says the MQA as a training provider, has an accreditation policy with clear criteria, which are applied consistently across the sector, accrediting training providers that focus on training for mining and minerals sector-related careers.

“Constituent providers apply to the MQA for accreditation, and the latter evaluates applications against the set criteria. The applicants who meet the requirements are awarded accreditation by the quality assurance committee which is a statutory committee of the MQA board,” Mmotla explains.

He indicates that the challenges MQA has encountered as a quality assurance and accreditation body include dealing with unscrupulous training providers or nonaccredited training providers that issue fraudulent certificates in the sector.

“Another challenge we face, is ensuring that there are enough opportunities for work integrated learning, as most of the MQA learning interventions require the workplace training component as part of the learning interventions.” 

Mmotla points out that the recent economic slowdown, particularly in the mining and minerals sector, also had a negative impact on the training and development of new learners, owing to insufficient capital.

Partnership

Mmotla highlights that the MQA and National Skills Fund entered into a partnership in 2015 to train 500 unemployed youth in artisanal trades in the impoverished Namakwa and Matzikama municipalities in the Northern Cape.

The learners were trained in programmes, such as electrical construction; boiler making; diesel mechanic; electrical and fitting and turning.

Zinc, copper and lead silver miner Black Mountain Mining is among mines who responded to the call to host learners on the job for experiential learning in the Northern Cape, with a total of 47 learners that are currently placed at the mine.” 

Other mines that accommodated some of the learners included diamond mining company Kimberley Ekapa mine, which is a joint venture between diamond miner Petra and Ekapa Mining, manganese mining company Kgalagadi Manganese and diamond miner Alexkor Mines.

Mmotla says the MQA continues to encourage mining companies to work in partnership with the training providers and public institutions such as the Centres of Specialisation in the technical, vocational education and training colleges to share skills and best industry practice.