Sandvik Mining in South Africa has donated R1 million to KwaZulu-Natal based Durnacol Skills Innovation Hub (DSIH), which focuses on training, development and skills improvement. Sandvik’s donation covers the training of five students from the surrounding communities, as well as the conversion of offices into comfortable and affordable student accommodation. DSIH operates from the site of the now closed Durnacol coal mine offering a broad spectrum of technical learnerships and apprenticeships as well as other skills sets.

“We’re delighted to be able to sponsor five learners from the theoretical phase at DSIH and we hope to increase this number in time,” Sandvik Academy’s Letitia van Rensburg says. “This is a real centre of excellence and is proving an ideal vehicle through which we can empower the communities in which we operate. We see creating opportunities for the local residents to study as an investment in the economic well being of the area.”

The Sandvik Academy is based in Jet Park, Johannesburg, and offers comprehensive practical and theoretical education in four core areas focusing on technical training, operator training, business skills training and comprehensive apprentice and learner programs for both in-house and external employees.

Accredited by the MERSETA and offering Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) program approval, the Sandvik Academy is fully resourced with ten operator trainers, seven technical trainers and two business trainers.

The Sandvik Academy runs an in-house apprenticeship program that currently has 10 learners enrolled. This program focuses on candidates with a Grade 12 certificate interested in embarking on a technical career in the mining and construction sectors.

Beyond the apprenticeship program, successful candidates have the opportunity to embark on additional training through the Sandvik Academy.