A new partnership between NWU Enterprises (Pty) Ltd and PRISMA Training Solutions, is set to reshape mining education in South Africa. This collaboration connects practical vocational training with academic progression to address critical skills needs in the country’s mining sector.
In signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the institutions have committed to a coordinated approach that bridges the gap between entry-level mining training and higher education, enabling learners to progress seamlessly through all stages of their career development.
A cohesive pathway for mining careers
The partnership delivers a structured learning pathway that spans foundational training through to advanced academic qualifications, responding to the mining sector’s need for competent, work-ready talent across all levels.
PRISMA will provide training at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels 1 to 4, focusing on operational and safety-critical skills. NWU Enterprises (Pty) Ltd, in collaborations with North West University will quality assure the content of the relevant courses. This allows learners to gain practical experience early, while keeping open a clear route to supervisory and management roles through academic advancement.
“Not every school-leaver is ready for university,” says Jacques Farmer, Managing Director of PRISMA. “We give learners a practical entry point into the sector. They can build skills with us while gaining experience, then continue their development through NWU’s academic programmes. It’s a lifelong learning journey.”
NWU Enterprises (Pty) Ltd helps ensure the two learning streams align effectively. This integrated approach addresses a long-standing challenge in South African mining education, where vocational training has often lacked formal links to higher education.
“We’ve always designed our training to reflect real career progression,” adds Farmer. “Now that journey doesn’t have to end with us – it can continue through university and into senior leadership.”
National reach and global standing
While the initiative began in the North West Province, its ambitions are national and international. PRISMA’s established presence across South Africa and into Africa provides NWU Enterprises (Pty) Ltd and NWU with new reach and visibility in mining education markets.
“We believe this model can benefit learners far beyond the province,” says Farmer. “And with North-West University ranked among the top 4% of universities globally, the credibility this collaboration via NWU Enterprises brings is significant for learners and employers alike.”
“By linking PRISMA’s industry-aligned training with our academic pathways, we’re creating a scalable model that supports long-term workforce development and career mobility,” says, Sadha Govender, GM: Projects at NWU Enterprises. “Ultimately, we’re opening doors for learners who may never have considered university as part of their journey—until now.”
Empowering learners, supporting employers
For mining employers, the collaboration creates a flexible and reliable training pipeline. Workers trained by PRISMA gain practical, job-ready skills, while access to NWU’s academic programmes offers opportunities for continued professional development in fields such as mining engineering, metallurgy, and environmental management.
The model supports workplace skills plans, tax incentives, and bursary alignment, giving employers a strategic tool to grow internal talent.
“This is about giving young people a chance,” says Farmer. “Whether they start as a machine operator or a shift supervisor, we want them to see a future in mining. There are more than 120 occupations in the sector. Our job is to open those doors.”
Rolling out the vision
With the MOU signed, NWU Enterprises (Pty) Ltd and PRISMA will begin rolling out joint initiatives across South Africa. Early priorities include engaging with schools to promote mining career pathways, introducing the integrated model to current industry partners, and exploring flexible learning options for working professionals.
“As NWU’s commercial arm, we are committed to facilitating collaborations that create accessible and responsive education,” says Duncan Raftesath, Chief Executive Officer of NWU Enterprises. “Together, we are opening pathways that support learners at all levels, whether starting underground or in the lecture halls.”
