Colliery Training College
Underground Mining Skills Programme
What is a Skills Programme?
A skills programme is a short, occupationally directed learning initiative aimed at improving employability. It combines theoretical training with practical work experience, is aligned to unit standards on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). These programmes are tailored to industry needs, vary in duration, and help address critical skills gaps while promoting specific competencies and a culture of accountability.
Competent Person A – Underground Coal: Skills Programme Overview
This skills programme is a mandatory legal requirement for individuals responsible for inspecting and declaring the safety of a workplace for themselves and their crew within an underground coal mining environment. It is designed to ensure that participants acquire the necessary competencies to perform these inspections in compliance with mining legislation and operational safety standards.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must meet the following minimum criteria to qualify for enrolment:
- Proficiency in reading and writing in English.
- A minimum of 10 days of underground mining experience.
- Possession of underground Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Required Documentation:
The following documents must be submitted prior to enrolment:
Completed CTC Training Application Form.
Completed CTC Personal Information Document.
Certified copy of South African ID, not older than three months from the date of certification.
Confirmation Letter of Employment.
Underground PPE:
- Gumboots
- Overalls
- Underground belt
- Gloves
- Masks
- Safety goggles
- Ear plugs
- Underground hard hat
Training Approach and Duration:
- Candidates will be required to attend a 5-day training programme at CTC, hosted by Seriti Khutala Mine.
- Upon successful completion of both the theoretical and practical assessments, learners will be registered with the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) to enable formal certification.
Competent Person B (Underground Coal) – Skills Programme
This programme is a statutory requirement for individuals who install, maintain, or remove support elements within an underground coal mining environment. It ensures compliance with legal standards and promotes safety in ground control operations.
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must meet the following minimum criteria to qualify for enrolment:
- Proficiency in reading and writing in English.
- A minimum of 10 days of underground mining experience.
- Possession of underground Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Required Documentation:
The following documents must be submitted prior to enrolment:
- Completed CTC Training Application Form.
- Completed CTC Personal Information Document.
- Certified copy of South African ID, not older than three months from the date of certification.
- Confirmation Letter of Employment
Underground PPE includes
- Gumboots
- Overalls
- Underground belt
- Gloves
- Masks
- Safety goggles
- Ear plugs
- Underground hard hat
Training Approach and Duration:
- Candidates will be required to attend a 5-day training programme at CTC, hosted by Seriti Khutala Mine.
- Upon successful completion of both the theoretical and practical assessments, learners will be registered with the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) to enable formal certification.
Blasting Assistant (Underground Coal) – Skills Programme
This skills programme is a statutory requirement for individuals involved in the handling, use, or assistance in carrying out explosives-related activities within underground coal mining operations. It ensures candidates are equipped with the necessary competencies to assist in conducting blasting duties safely, responsibly, and in alignment with legal and operational standards
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must meet the following minimum criteria to qualify for enrolment:
- Proficiency in reading and writing in English.
- A minimum of 10 days of underground mining experience.
- Possession of underground Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Required Documentation:
The following documents must be submitted prior to enrolment:
- Completed CTC Training Application Form.
- Completed CTC Personal Information Document.
- Certified copy of South African ID, not older than three months from the date of certification.
- Confirmation Letter of Employment
Underground PPE includes
- Gumboots
- Overalls
- Underground belt
- Gloves
- Masks
- Safety goggles
- Ear plugs
- Underground hard hat
Training Approach and Duration:
- Candidates will be required to attend a 5-day training programme at CTC, hosted by Seriti Khutala Mine.
- Upon successful completion of both the theoretical and practical assessments, learners will be registered with the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) to enable formal certification
Safety, Health and Environment Representative – Skills Programme
This skills programme is a statutory requirement for employees elected to serve as Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Representatives within coal mining operations. It equips candidates with the necessary competencies to ensure workplace compliance with safety regulations, while actively promoting health and environmental standards in alignment with legal and operational frameworks.
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must meet the following minimum criteria to qualify for enrolment:
- Proficiency in reading and writing in English.
- A minimum of 10 days of underground mining experience.
- Possession of underground Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Required Documentation:
The following documents must be submitted prior to enrolment:
- Completed CTC Training Application Form.
- Completed CTC Personal Information Document.
- Certified copy of South African ID, not older than three months from the date of certification.
- Confirmation Letter of Employment
Training Approach and Duration:
- Candidates will be required to attend a 5-day training programme at CTC, hosted by Seriti Khutala Mine.
- Upon successful completion of both the theoretical and practical assessments, learners will be registered with the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) to enable formal certification
Flameproof Course for Miners (Underground Coal) – Skills Programme
This skills programme is a regulatory requirement for production supervisors operating within underground coal mining environments where flameproof equipment is utilised. It provides the necessary competencies to ensure safe handling, maintenance, and operational oversight of flameproof apparatus, in accordance with relevant legislative and safety standards.
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must meet the following minimum criteria to qualify for enrolment:
- Proficiency in reading and writing in English.
- A minimum of 10 days of underground mining experience.
- Possession of underground Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Required Documentation:
The following documents must be submitted prior to enrolment:
- Completed CTC Training Application Form.
- Completed CTC Personal Information Document.
- Certified copy of South African ID, not older than three months from the date of certification.
- Confirmation Letter of Employment
Training Approach and Duration:
- Candidates will be required to attend a 5-day training programme at CTC, hosted by Seriti Khutala Mine.
- Upon successful completion of both the theoretical and practical assessments, learners will be registered with the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) to enable formal certification
Gases and Gas Testing (Underground Coal) – Skills Programme
This skills programme is a statutory requirement for individuals working in underground coal mining operations where the presence or potential release of flammable and/or noxious gases exists. The programme equips candidates with critical competencies to detect, assess, and respond to gas-related hazards, ensuring compliance with mine health and safety regulations under applicable legislative frameworks and industry standards.
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must meet the following minimum criteria to qualify for enrolment:
- Proficiency in reading and writing in English.
- A minimum of 10 days of underground mining experience.
- Possession of underground Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Required Documentation:
The following documents must be submitted prior to enrolment:
- Completed CTC Training Application Form.
- Completed CTC Personal Information Document.
- Certified copy of South African ID, not older than three months from the date of certification.
- Confirmation Letter of Employment
Underground PPE includes
- Gumboots
- Overalls
- Underground belt
- Gloves
- Masks
- Safety goggles
- Ear plugs
- Underground hard hat
Training Approach and Duration:
- Candidates will be required to attend a 10-day training programme at CTC, hosted by Seriti Khutala Mine.
- Upon successful completion of both the theoretical and practical assessments, learners will be registered with the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) to enable formal certification

