Gold Fields – Rigger / Ropesman Engineering Learnership Programme 2026

Through the Engineering Learnership Programme, successful learners will receive structured workplace training combined with external technical training. The programme is designed to prepare learners for the world of work and provide them with the knowledge and practical competencies required to pursue a career as a qualified artisan.

POSITION

Engineering Learnerships – Rigger / Ropesman

Job Grading: NG
Department: People
Site: South Deep Gold Mine
Programme: Engineering Learnership
Trade: Rigger / Ropesman

ABOUT THE LEARNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The South Deep Gold Mine is offering aspiring employees and prospective applicants from its Host Communities an opportunity to enter into a formal Engineering Learnership Programme.

The learnership is aimed at individuals who have an interest in engineering, mining, mechanical work, rigging, lifting operations, and artisan development.

A Rigger / Ropesman plays an important role in a mining environment. The trade involves working with lifting equipment, ropes, chains, slings, mechanical equipment, and other specialised tools used to move and position heavy equipment and materials safely.

Because rigging activities can involve significant risks, learners will be expected to develop a strong understanding of occupational health and safety requirements. Successful candidates must be prepared to learn, follow instructions carefully, work as part of a team, and maintain high standards of safety and discipline throughout their training.

The programme combines practical workplace exposure with formal technical training. Learners will therefore have an opportunity to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to the Rigger / Ropesman trade.

HOST COMMUNITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants applying as candidates from a Host Community must be residents of one of the recognised South Deep Host Communities.

The applicable Host Communities include:

• Bekkersdaal
• Zuurberkom
• Thusanang
• Hillshaven
• Westonaria
• Poortjie
• Simunye
• Kalbasfontein
• Jachtfontein
• Westonaria Borwa

Applicants must be able to provide the required documentation confirming their qualifications and, where applicable, their residency in one of the recognised Host Communities.

Candidates are encouraged to ensure that all information provided during the application process is accurate, complete, and supported by the relevant documentation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for the Engineering Learnership:

Grade 12:
Applicants must have successfully completed Grade 12, including Mathematics and Physical Science.

Full N2 Qualification:
Applicants must be in possession of a full N2 qualification consisting of the four trade-specific subjects required by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) and South Deep Gold Mine.

The required N2 subjects for the Rigger / Ropesman trade include:

• Engineering Mathematics
• Engineering Science
• N2 Rigging Trade Theory
• Engineering Drawing

Candidates should ensure that their N2 qualifications are complete and that the relevant certificates are available for submission.

Medical Fitness:
Successful applicants must be declared medically fit for the position and the mining environment. Medical fitness will be determined through a risk-based medical examination conducted at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre.

Applicants must also pass the required Heat Tolerance Screening test, as well as any additional assessments or tests that may be required to determine their suitability for the position and the working environment.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not automatically guarantee selection. Candidates may be required to successfully complete the applicable recruitment, assessment, medical, and selection processes.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

All relevant certificates must be uploaded to the online application.

Applicants should carefully check their application before submitting it and ensure that all required qualifications and supporting documentation are attached.

Incomplete applications or applications without the required certificates may not be considered for shortlisting.

Candidates should also ensure that uploaded documents are clear, legible, valid, and contain accurate information.

LEARNERSHIP TRAINING

The Engineering Learnership Programme provides a combination of workplace-based practical training and external technical training.

During the programme, learners will be expected to participate actively in technical training prescribed by the MQA and South Deep Gold Mine.

Learners may also be required to complete additional short courses and training programmes identified as necessary by the mine.

The purpose of the training is to help learners develop the technical competence, practical experience, workplace behaviour, safety awareness, and discipline required in a mining engineering environment.

Learners will be expected to demonstrate commitment to their development and make consistent progress throughout the programme.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Successful learners will be expected to perform duties and meet responsibilities associated with the Engineering Learnership Programme.

These include:

• Undergoing technical training as prescribed by the MQA and completing short courses required by South Deep Gold Mine.
• Participating actively in practical workplace training and technical development activities.
• Maintaining consistent performance throughout the learnership.
• Applying theoretical knowledge in practical workplace situations.
• Developing an understanding of rigging and ropesman-related activities under appropriate supervision.
• Following instructions from supervisors, trainers, mentors, and other authorised personnel.
• Participating in developmental discussions and taking responsibility for personal improvement.
• Seeking feedback and using constructive feedback to improve performance.
• Demonstrating a positive attitude towards learning and skills development.
• Adhering to the company’s conditions of employment, policies, procedures, and Code of Conduct.
• Complying with all applicable mine health and safety rules and regulations.
• Wearing all prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while working at the mine, training centre, or any other designated work area.
• Maintaining good housekeeping and workplace discipline.
• Promoting teamwork and contributing positively as an effective team member.
• Demonstrating professionalism, punctuality, reliability, and respect towards colleagues and supervisors.
• Participating in all required assessments, training sessions, practical activities, and workplace development programmes.
• Reporting unsafe conditions, incidents, hazards, or concerns through the appropriate channels.
• Working responsibly and maintaining awareness of the potential risks associated with mining and engineering activities.

SOUTH DEEP VALUES

Successful learners will be expected to understand and demonstrate the values of South Deep Gold Mine throughout their learnership.

These values include:

Safety – Putting safety first and taking responsibility for creating a safe working environment.

Integrity – Acting honestly, ethically, and responsibly in all workplace activities.

Respect – Treating colleagues, supervisors, communities, and other stakeholders with dignity and respect.

Responsibility – Taking ownership of assigned duties, personal development, performance, and workplace conduct.

Innovation – Being open to learning, improvement, new ideas, and better ways of performing work safely and effectively.

Collaborative Delivery – Working together with colleagues and other teams to achieve shared objectives and contribute to the success of the organisation.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

This opportunity is suitable for motivated individuals who have completed the required academic and technical qualifications and are interested in developing a long-term career in the engineering and mining sector.

Applicants should be committed to learning, willing to work in a demanding mining environment, able to follow strict safety procedures, and prepared to participate fully in both theoretical and practical training.

The learnership can provide valuable exposure to a professional mining environment and help successful candidates build the foundation required for future artisan development.

CLOSING DATE

Applications close on 21 September 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date and ensure that all required information and certificates have been included.

Late applications may not be considered.

IMPORTANT RECRUITMENT NOTICE

Please note that the Gold Fields Code of Conduct strictly prohibits the exchange of any payment as part of its recruitment process.

Applicants should not pay anyone who claims that payment is required to secure this learnership, an interview, shortlisting, employment, or any other recruitment-related opportunity.

Candidates should use the official recruitment process and provide accurate information throughout their application.

APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

Should you require assistance or experience any challenges while applying for the position, you may contact the Recruitment Hub on 011 411 1387.

Applicants are encouraged to make sure that their applications are complete and that all relevant qualifications and certificates have been uploaded before submission.

This Engineering Learnership opportunity provides suitably qualified candidates with the chance to gain practical experience, technical training, workplace exposure, and valuable skills while developing towards a career as a Rigger / Ropesman in the mining industry.

Interested and qualifying candidates should ensure that they meet the stated requirements and submit their applications before the closing date of 21 September 2026.