Listing Reference: arcmt_000846
Application Closing Date: 31 January 2026
Location: Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
Industry: Manufacturing (Steel Production)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Learner’s Agreement (36 Months)
Remuneration: Market Related (Bursary Allowance Included)
Employment Equity: Non-EE Position
Overview of the Opportunity
ArcelorMittal South Africa invites motivated, safety-conscious, and technically curious individuals to apply for the Production Learnership 2026 at its Vanderbijlpark operations. This learnership is designed for young South Africans who have completed Grade 12 and are eager to develop a solid foundation in industrial steel manufacturing while gaining practical workplace exposure.
The programme offers a rare opportunity to be trained within one of Africa’s most advanced steel-making environments. Over a structured 36-month period, learners will be immersed in both theoretical instruction and hands-on, on-the-job training that mirrors real-world production conditions. The objective is to equip learners with industry-relevant competencies aligned to process operations in a large-scale manufacturing setting.
While permanent employment is not guaranteed upon completion, the learnership provides substantial skills development, recognised workplace experience, and exposure to a globally respected industrial brand—assets that significantly enhance employability in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
About ArcelorMittal South Africa
ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited is the largest steel producer on the African continent, with an annual production capacity of approximately 5 million tonnes of liquid steel. The company forms part of the global ArcelorMittal Group, the world’s leading steel and mining company, with operations in more than 20 countries and a commercial footprint spanning over 60 countries.
Steel produced by ArcelorMittal South Africa serves as a critical input for a wide range of downstream industries, including construction, automotive manufacturing, mining, energy, infrastructure development, and engineering services. The company produces both flat and long steel products in hundreds of grades and specifications to meet diverse industrial and commercial needs.
Steel remains central to global development and sustainability. As one of the few materials that is 100% reusable and recyclable, steel plays a vital role in enabling the circular economy. ArcelorMittal continues to invest in innovation, digitalisation, and low-carbon technologies to produce smarter, stronger, and more sustainable steels for the future.
At the heart of ArcelorMittal South Africa’s operations is the company value of “We Care”—a principle that drives an uncompromising commitment to safety, employee wellbeing, environmental responsibility, and zero harm. Every learner entering the organisation is expected to embrace this culture and actively contribute to maintaining a safe and responsible workplace.
Purpose of the Production Learnership
The Production Learnership is structured to develop process operators capable of supporting and sustaining safe, efficient steel manufacturing operations. The programme is aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and industrial practice by exposing learners to:
- Core steel-making processes
- Plant operations and production flow
- Equipment handling and monitoring
- Safety, health, environment, and quality (SHEQ) standards
- Team-based industrial work environments
Learners will be trained to understand how raw materials are transformed into finished steel products through a series of controlled, safety-critical processes. Emphasis is placed on discipline, precision, continuous improvement, and adherence to operational standards.
Structure and Duration of the Programme
The learnership runs for 36 months under a formal Learner’s Agreement. Training follows an outcome-based education model, ensuring that learners are assessed against clearly defined competencies throughout the programme.
Training Components Include:
- Institutional Training
Learners will attend accredited theoretical training sessions covering:- Fundamentals of steel production
- Basic engineering concepts
- Manufacturing mathematics and measurements
- Industrial safety and risk management
- Quality assurance principles
- On-the-Job Training
Practical training takes place within operational areas at the Vanderbijlpark plant. Learners will:- Observe and assist qualified operators
- Participate in controlled production activities
- Learn standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Develop an understanding of plant equipment and process flow
- Continuous Assessment and Monitoring
Learner progress is monitored through:- Regular practical evaluations
- Theoretical assessments
- Workplace logbooks
- Performance reviews and feedback sessions
Successful completion requires consistent attendance, demonstrated competence, and adherence to company policies and safety standards.
What the Bursary Covers
Participants in the Production Learnership will receive structured support throughout the training period. The bursary package typically includes:
- Payment of approved institutional training costs
- Provision of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Personal insurance cover during the learnership
- A monthly bursary allowance (market related)
This support is intended to enable learners to focus fully on their development and training without undue financial pressure.
Key Responsibilities and Learning Outcomes
While this is a training role rather than a permanent position, learners are expected to conduct themselves as responsible employees and active participants in the production environment.
Learners Will Be Expected To:
- Comply with all safety, health, and environmental regulations
- Attend all training sessions and workplace rotations
- Follow instructions from supervisors, mentors, and trainers
- Demonstrate willingness to learn and adapt
- Work effectively as part of a production team
- Maintain accurate training records and logbooks
- Uphold ArcelorMittal’s values and code of conduct
Learning Outcomes Include:
- Understanding steel manufacturing processes from raw material handling to final product
- Developing basic operational and technical skills
- Applying safety principles in high-risk industrial environments
- Building workplace discipline, communication, and teamwork skills
- Gaining exposure to quality control and continuous improvement systems
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:
- A completed Grade 12 (Matric) qualification
- Minimum subject results as follows:
- English: 45% or higher
- Mathematics: 40% or higher
OR - Mathematics Literacy: 50% or higher
Candidates must be able to provide certified copies of their academic results during the recruitment process.
Eligibility and Important Notices
- Preference will be given to applicants classified as South African youth (under the age of 35)
- Successful candidates will be required to undergo a medical examination to determine fitness for work in an industrial environment
- By applying, candidates consent to the use of their personal information for recruitment, selection, and reporting purposes
- ArcelorMittal South Africa does not charge any fees for apprenticeships or learnerships. Any request for payment in exchange for placement should be regarded as fraudulent
- Applicants who do not receive feedback by the end of February 2026 should consider their application unsuccessful
Recruitment and Selection Process
ArcelorMittal South Africa utilises modern, efficient recruitment tools to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
The Process May Include:
- Application Screening – Verification of minimum requirements
- Online Assessments – Where applicable
- Recorded Interview (Wamly Platform)
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete a one-way recorded interview using the Wamly platform. It is essential that this interview is completed by the stated deadline, as late submissions cannot be considered. - Medical and Background Checks – For successful candidates
Applicants are strongly advised to monitor their email accounts regularly, including spam or junk folders, to ensure they do not miss important communication.
Why Choose a Learnership at ArcelorMittal?
Participating in the Production Learnership at ArcelorMittal South Africa offers more than technical training. Learners gain insight into:
- Operations within a world-class industrial organisation
- International manufacturing standards and practices
- Career pathways within engineering, production, and technical fields
- The discipline and responsibility required in heavy industry
Even where permanent employment is not secured, the experience gained provides a strong platform for future opportunities across manufacturing, engineering support services, and related sectors.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted on or before 31 January 2026. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Candidates who meet the requirements and are committed to learning, safety, and personal development are encouraged to apply and take the first step toward a career in industrial manufacturing.
ArcelorMittal South Africa is committed to developing future skills and supporting the growth of South Africa’s manufacturing sector through structured training and responsible industrial leadership.
