The year 2025 marks 60 years of excellence in skills development for the Colliery Training College (CTC). Over the past six decades, CTC has undergone a powerful transformation from a coal mining training centre into a premier, accredited institution delivering cutting-edge engineering and mining training. It serves as a vital bridge connecting industry demand with skilled artisans, mining professionals, and technicians who drive safety, innovation, and growth across multiple sectors.

Our journey over the past 60 years reflects the dynamic evolution of the South African industry itself. CTC has consistently adapted its curriculum, transitioning from legacy qualifications to becoming an industry leader in occupational qualifications, skills programmes, and specialised short courses. This unwavering commitment to relevance ensures that every graduate, past and present, leaves with globally competitive skills that drive both individual career success and industry advancement.

Comprehensive and Industry-Responsive Training

CTC’s long-standing legacy is built on a curriculum that constantly adapts to meet the industry’s changing needs. We provide a comprehensive range of expert artisan training across essential mechanical and electrical trades, including: Electrician, Instrument Mechanician, Automotive Electrician, Mechanical Fitter, Fitter and Turner, Metal Machinist, Millwright, Boilermaker, Welder, Diesel Mechanic, and Earthmoving Mechanic. We also offer specialised qualifications in Underground Mining Blasting, Surface Excavation, and Mineral Processing. All programmes blend knowledge with intensive practical development in our state-of-the-art workshops and real workplace environments.

To further support industry needs, CTC offers a range of registered skills programmes and specialised, customer-aligned short courses. These include artisan aide programmes, medium voltage (switching), flameproofing maintenance, mining skills programmes, blasting assistant, and fall-of-ground competent A and B (underground coal).

We have also introduced critical safety and compliance short courses essential to modern industry:

• Working at Heights 
• Scaffold Erection, Dismantling, Inspection, and Safety
• Wireman’s Licence preparation, enabling electricians to issue Certificates of Compliance
• Automotive Air Conditioning 

These courses are designed to upskill workers in high-risk and compliance-intensive areas, ensuring CTC graduates meet the stringent safety and regulatory requirements across multiple sectors.

Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution

CTC has pioneered the Artisan 4.0 initiative, preparing students to integrate traditional artisan skills with the digital technologies essential for Industry 4.0. Graduates gain competence in mechanics and electricity, along with expertise in Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), networking, cloud computing, and data interpretation for preventive and predictive maintenance. Strategic collaborations with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and technology research organisations ensure CTC’s training remains aligned with the latest industry innovations, boosting operational efficiency and safety across multiple sectors.

Modern Facilities and Realistic Training Environments

Demonstrating its commitment to providing truly immersive practical learning, CTC launched the Khutala Underground Training Facility in 2025. This is not a simulated underground mine; it is an active, producing section of the mine that simultaneously serves as a training site. This real-world operational environment equips learners with vital safety and operational experience in an authentic setting, significantly enhancing their workplace readiness.

Accredited, Industry-Aligned Excellence

CTC’s long-standing reputation for quality is validated by comprehensive accreditation and compliance. As an accredited Skills Development Provider and Trade Test Centre, our programmes meet the rigorous standards set by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, the Mining Qualifications Authority, the Department of Higher Education and Training, and the National Artisan Moderation Body. Our quality assurance is further enhanced by our ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certifications, as well as our status as a Level 1 B-BBEE Contributor. This formal oversight, combined with close industry collaboration, guarantees that our training continually meets the latest safety regulations, technological advancements, and operational standards.

Socio-Economic Impact and Commitment to Progress

More than a training provider, CTC acts as a catalyst for socio-economic upliftment by empowering individuals and communities through employment readiness and career advancement. The institution fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence. Its comprehensive learner support includes accommodation and recreational facilities, promoting the holistic development and well-being of students.

Looking Ahead

As it celebrates its 60th anniversary, CTC embraces a refreshed identity and a bold vision to lead skills development into the future. By expanding its programmes and integrating digital training technologies, CTC aims to continue shaping a resilient, adaptive, and highly skilled workforce. CTC aims to position itself at the forefront of green energy training, equipping learners with the competencies required for emerging sectors such as renewable power generation, energy efficiency, and sustainable mining practices. This focus on sustainable skills development reflects CTC’s commitment to driving South Africa’s transition toward a low-carbon economy. Current and new industry partnerships will play a pivotal role in this evolution and will ensure access to the latest technologies, training equipment, and global best practices—bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. In parallel, the introduction of smart skills and Industry 4.0 training will prepare artisans and technicians for the rapidly advancing world of smart mining and manufacturing. These developments mark CTC’s transformation from a traditional training provider into a future-focused innovation hub that integrates technology, sustainability, and industry collaboration.