The Colliery Training College (CTC) – an important centre for artisan and mining skills training in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga – has been part of the coal mining industry since 1964. Prominent mining companies such as Anglo American Thermal Coal, Exxaro, Glencore, Izimbiwa Coal, Kangra Coal and South32 own and control the college. These companies do allow the college to offer its services to other employers from any sector in any industry.

With regard to the college’s shareholders, they do not require dividends from the business, instead they allow all profits to be reinvested in the training facilities.

Currently, on average, the college enrols about 700 students a day in the engineering workshops, 70 in mining training and 45 in mineral beneficiation training.

Research and development is undertaken continuously to ensure only applicable and up-to-date training material and training aids are used. These are in accordance with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) prescriptions. Existing programmes are also tailored to meet individual customer requirements. CTC is also a QCTO and the National Artisan Moderation Body accredited trade test centre and complies with the ISO 9001 quality management standard.
In reply to the exacting safety requirements of clients and to ensure only the best safety outcomes for its learners, CTC was recently assessed and found to conform to the OHSAS 18001 standard. Before any task is attempted during training, learners are taught to do a proper risk assessment as if they were attempting a real-life task.

At a recent event hosted by the Department of Higher Education and Training, CTC was recognised by the National Skills Authority as the best provider of artisan training in the country.

CTC offers housing in two student dormitories, one on-site and another about 3 km from site. A bus service transports students for free from this dormitory.

The college also has a commitment towards community development projects. Through its sport and recreation club activities, CTC generates funds for the Highveld Children’s Home and an old age home in Witbank.