Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) has facilitated the training of 80 military veterans in boiler making, fitting & turning, and CNC machining, bringing the number of military veterans trained by the company since 2018 to nearly 1 000.
The three-month skills programmes, provided through an accredited service provider, prioritised entry-level technical competencies aligned with accredited unit standards for each occupational pathway, RDM said.
The programmes incorporated practical, hands-on training aligned to the relevant unit standards and successfully introduced military veterans to scarce and critical technical skills. The 80 military veterans are now trained for placement into entry-level roles, with structured progression pathways into Intermediate and Advanced skills programmes and workplace-based learning for those still within the employable age group.
For veterans who are no longer within the formal employable age bracket, the programme deliberately prepares them for self-employment and enterprise development, equipping them with practical technical skills, business readiness, and mentorship to establish sustainable small enterprises.
The training was delivered against accredited unit standards aligned to the relevant Quality Council and Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) requirements.
The programme focused on critical skills in RDM operations, such as Boilermaker training, which covered basic fabrication, welding (arc and MIG), interpretation of basic technical drawings, use of hand and power tools, and occupational health and safety.
Fitter & Turner training covered fundamental fitting principles, measurement and marking-off, basic machining, introductory lathe and milling operations, and mechanical assembly.
CNC Machinist training introduced learners to basic CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining principles, machine operation fundamentals, interpretation of simple CNC programmes, tooling basics, and quality and safety compliance.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning training covered refrigeration fundamentals, basic electrical components, installation principles, entry-level fault finding, and safety and environmental compliance.
The training programme is offered annually and to date, nearly 1 000 military veterans have been trained. RDM has been running the initiative since 2018 in cooperation with the Department of military Veterans.
The training programme is extended to the children of military veterans, promoting intergenerational upliftment and breaking cycles of long-term unemployment and dependency, RDM said.
“By equipping dependents with accredited technical skills and workplace exposure, the intervention creates sustainable pathways into employment within RDM’s operations and the broader industry, while strengthening household income stability and social mobility within veteran families.”
Many graduates have since launched businesses and some have registered cooperatives. Last year 210 military veterans graduated from RDM’s skills development programme, giving them fresh starts through skills training in basic electrical work, welding, poultry farming, painting, bricklaying, and plumbing, amongst others. RDM has also helped veterans get their driver’s licenses, and provided integrated business skills.
Various social upliftment projects have been initiated by RDM over the years, such as the Bundles of Joy childcare centre that opened in September 2020 across from RDM’s headquarters in Somerset West.
During an oversight visit by the Department of Defence late last year, RDM’s Chief Financial Officer, Ingrid Stoltz, highlighted the company’s R85 million investment in skills development and bursaries, alongside its commitment to supporting military veterans. RDM’s bursary programme recently welcomed 19 young engineers who joined its Engineering Graduate Programme. The company offers post-graduate bursaries to students in financial need as part of its project to expand, build and develop a pipeline of future young munition professionals.
In addition to skills development investments, Rheinmetall Denel Munition is investing R1 billion annually in upgrading and expanding operations at its four manufacturing sites in Somerset West, Wellington, Boksburg, and Boskop (this figure excludes plant maintenance).
RDM is doubling its existing capacity, primarily for the production of 155 mm artillery rounds, due to massive global demand – in July 2025, RDM announced the largest order in its history when Sweden ordered R7.3 billion worth of 155 mm artillery rounds for delivery between 2025 and 2027.
