SA’s Mining Sector Is Crying Out for Youth – Who’s Answering the Call?

South Africa’s youth unemployment rate is a ticking time bomb. As of the second quarter of 2024, a staggering 8.4 million people are officially out of work. Even more sobering? The majority of them are young. While government press releases promise plans and interventions, one sector is already flashing its headlights, calling on the youth to step up: mining. Long perceived as old-school, the mining industry is evolving—and it’s desperate for fresh talent to fill critical skills gaps. So where are all the young people? And what’s being done to close this chasm between youth potential and industry demand?

Ask any recent graduate or job seeker what the hardest part of landing a job is, and the answer is almost always the same: experience. South Africa’s job market has become a Catch-22—young people need experience to get hired, but they need a job to gain experience. This is where apprenticeships and internships enter the picture—not as a nice-to-have, but as a game-changing necessity.

A number of initiatives, both public and private, are stepping up to help the youth get a foot in the door—particularly in industries like mining, engineering, and infrastructure:

MISA Apprenticeship Programme

The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent offers a three-year programme focused on training artisans in trades like electrical work, plumbing, and bricklaying. It’s not glamorous, but it’s guaranteed hands-on experience in real work environments.

Youth Employment Service (YES)

A powerhouse private sector initiative that’s already created over 185,000 youth jobs—without a cent of government funding. YES connects young people to 12-month work placements designed to build confidence, capability, and connections.

The benefits of participating in an apprenticeship or internship go well beyond ticking a box on a CV:

• Hands-on Learning: You’re not fetching coffee—you’re learning practical, job-ready skills.
• Professional Networks: Who you know often matters just as much as what you know.
• Job Readiness: Employers value experience, even if it’s unpaid or short-term.
• Path to Permanent Roles: Many interns and apprentices transition straight into full-time positions.

In short? These programmes aren’t Plan B—they might just be your best shot.

If you’re ready to take your shot, here are some key platforms offering real opportunities:

• SAYouth.mobi
• YES (Youth Employment Service)
• NYDA (National Youth Development Agency)
• MISA Apprenticeships
• Careers Portal
• Indeed SA
• Glassdoor SA
• Shoprite Youth Programmes
• ArcelorMittal SA
• merSETA
• City of Tshwane Programmes
• ALPLA Apprenticeships
• Tilting Futures
• GVI Conservation Internships
• Ekapa Youth Development

While youth unemployment dominates headlines, the mining industry is quietly sounding the alarm about a lack of skilled workers. As older artisans retire and technology reshapes operations, there’s a growing need for trained, motivated young people to fill those gaps—particularly in roles related to mechanics, engineering, safety, and sustainable practices.

If you’ve written off mining as outdated or irrelevant, think again. This sector is modernising, digitising, and diversifying—and it needs you more than ever.

This isn’t about handing out opportunities. It’s about creating a pipeline of talent to fuel one of South Africa’s most essential industries. Apprenticeships and internships are the bridge. The youth are the future. Now, it’s time to walk the talk.

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