Elevate your Chemical Engineering career with Impala Platinum’s P1 and P2 Work Integrated Learning programme. Apply for hands-on experience in Springs, Gauteng!
About Impala Platinum Refineries
Situated in Springs, Gauteng, Impala Platinum Refineries forms a vital part of the company’s operations, specializing in refining precious group metals extracted from mining operations.
The company is not only known for its technical excellence but also for its commitment to transformation, equality, and sustainable growth. As an equal-opportunity employer, Impala Platinum provides a platform where ambitious individuals can thrive regardless of background, as long as they bring passion, potential, and the right work ethic.
Joining this internship means you won’t just gain technical skills — you’ll become part of a legacy company that contributes significantly to South Africa’s economy and the global supply of platinum group metals.
Why Apply for This Work Integrated Learning Opportunity?
For Chemical Engineering students, finding the right P1 and P2 placement can be stressful. Many companies are reluctant to take on learners, and even fewer provide structured, meaningful exposure. That’s what makes this programme with Impala Platinum Refineries so valuable.
Here’s why it’s worth applying:
- Practical, industry-relevant training: You’ll finally bridge the gap between classroom learning and the real-world applications of chemical engineering.
- Structured mentorship: Learners are guided by experienced mentors who align tasks with university requirements, ensuring your training is both practical and academically recognized.
- Career readiness: Exposure to the mining and refining industry gives you a competitive edge for future job opportunities, whether you remain in mining or move into other sectors.
- Employment equity focus: As part of their transformation commitment, preference is given to designated groups, ensuring fair access to opportunities.
- Strong industry reputation: Having Impala Platinum Refineries on your CV immediately positions you as a candidate with valuable training from a global industry leader.
Programme Details at a Glance
- Number of Positions: 7
- Location: Springs, Gauteng
- Department: Human Resources / Training and Development
- Closing Date for Applications: 29 August 2025
Purpose of the Job
The main goal of this one-year Work Integrated Learning programme is to allow Chemical Engineering students to gain practical, workplace experience that satisfies the requirements of their National Diploma (NQF Level 6).
You will rotate through different tasks and responsibilities within the refining environment, guided by mentors who ensure that your work exposure aligns with university and diploma standards. By the end of the programme, you should not only meet academic requirements but also feel more confident and capable as an engineer-in-training.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements
- Have completed all theoretical modules required for a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering.
- Possess a sound understanding of basic chemical engineering concepts and their applications.
- Be medically fit for work in either Base Metal Refinery (BMR) or Precious Metal Refinery (PMR) environments.
- Show enthusiasm, commitment, and readiness to learn in a structured but challenging industrial environment.
What Will You Be Doing?
As a Work Integrated Learner, your exact tasks will depend on your training plan and the requirements set out by your higher education institution. However, you can expect to:
- Work under a mentor/coach: Your daily activities will be aligned with academic learning outcomes, ensuring you gain the right type of experience.
- Assist in refining processes: Exposure to chemical operations such as reaction engineering, separation processes, mass transfer, and material balance within the refinery.
- Participate in plant operations: Observe and support plant engineers in troubleshooting, process optimization, and day-to-day monitoring.
- Apply classroom knowledge practically: You’ll see how theories such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and process control are applied in real chemical engineering challenges.
- Develop professional workplace skills: From teamwork and problem-solving to safety compliance and reporting, you’ll grow holistically as a young professional.
This balance between theory and practice ensures that learners not only meet the academic requirements of P1 and P2 but also prepare for long-term career success.
Important Application Information
To apply, you must submit a complete application with the following documents:
- A comprehensive CV.
- Certified copies of your ID and Matric Certificate.
- A statement of results for your National Diploma theoretical subjects.
- A formal letter from your higher education institution confirming that all theoretical modules have been completed and that you require practical exposure.
Please note:
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete psychometric assessments as part of the recruitment process.
- If you do not hear back from the HR department within 30 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Employment Equity and Company Policies
Additionally, the company complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) 4 of 2013. By applying, you consent to your personal data being processed lawfully and responsibly for recruitment purposes.
The P1 and P2 Chemical Engineering Work Integrated Learning programme at Impala Platinum Refineries offers far more than just a chance to tick a box on your academic journey. It’s an opportunity to:
- Learn from one of South Africa’s most established mining and refining companies.
- Gain practical exposure in a world-class industrial environment.
- Build valuable professional networks.
If you are serious about completing your National Diploma and building a strong foundation for a future career in chemical engineering, then this programme is the ideal opportunity.
Apply here for Work Integrated Learning Chemical Engineering
