Arcelormittal

About ArcelorMittal South Africa

ArcelorMittal South Africa is the largest steel producer on the African continent. Its roots go back to Iscor, the state steel company founded in 1928. Today it is part of the global ArcelorMittal group, one of the biggest steel and mining businesses in the world. Its head office and main steelworks are in Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng, and it also has operations in Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal.

The company makes both flat and long steel products. Builders, carmakers, mines and manufacturers use these in roads, buildings, vehicles and machinery. Because a steelworks runs around the clock, it needs a steady supply of trained engineers and operators.

This matters beyond one employer. Steel is a key input for infrastructure and manufacturing, so trained metallurgists and engineers help the wider economy. Students who qualify in these fields can also find work in mining, power generation and heavy manufacturing.

How ArcelorMittal supports students

ArcelorMittal South Africa has offered engineering bursaries for full-time degree study at recognised South African universities. Published calls have covered chemical, electrical, industrial, mechanical and metallurgical engineering. The bursary has covered registration and tuition fees, books, accommodation and food allowances, and a once-off laptop allowance. Applicants have been asked to send a CV and their latest academic record.

The company also runs a Production Learnership. This is a 36-month programme at Vanderbijlpark for young people with Grade 12. It trains learners as process operators in steel making. The programme mixes classroom learning with practical work on site. The learnership allowance has covered institutional training costs, protective equipment, personal insurance and a monthly allowance.

Together, these routes suit different learners. A strong maths and science student can aim for the engineering bursary. In contrast, a school leaver who wants hands-on work can look at the learnership.

What to know before applying

Bursary applicants must be South African citizens. School leavers should have taken English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and current students must have passed all courses for the periods already completed. Strong results matter, because places are limited.

Calls for applications usually open in the second half of the year. For example, one recent engineering call closed at the end of October. However, dates and fields change, and the steel industry has faced tough trading conditions in recent years. As a result, the number of awards can vary. Whether a work-back period applies is not clear in public sources, so read the contract before you accept an award.

Always check the official ArcelorMittal South Africa website, or the current adverts, for the latest closing dates, requirements and contact details.