Aspiring artisans from selected South Deep host communities can apply for the Gold Fields Rigger / Ropesman Engineering Learnership at South Deep Gold Mine in Westonaria.
If selected, you will enter a formal engineering learnership that combines practical work-based training with external technical training. The aim is to help you build the competence needed to qualify as an artisan in rigging and ropes work.
Applications close on 21 September 2026.
What will you train for?
You will train toward becoming a Rigger / Ropesman.
Rigging work is centred on the safe lifting, moving and positioning of heavy equipment and materials.
In a mining environment, that can mean working around hoisting systems, lifting equipment, ropes, slings and other components used to move machinery and loads safely underground and on surface.
The learnership will give you practical exposure to this work while you complete the technical training required by the programme.
What will you do during the learnership?
You will complete technical training prescribed by the Mining Qualifications Authority and any additional short courses required by South Deep.
You will also be expected to:
- Maintain consistent performance
- Take part in development discussions
- Ask for feedback
- Follow company policies and the code of conduct
- Work effectively as part of a team
- Follow mine health and safety rules
- Wear the required PPE
- Meet the standards expected during both workplace and training-centre activities
The programme is designed to prepare you for real artisan work rather than classroom learning alone.
Who can apply?
The opportunity is open to aspiring employees and prospective applicants from South Deep host communities.
You need to live in one of the following areas:
- Bekkersdaal
- Zuurberkom
- Thusanang
- Hillshaven
- Westonaria
- Poortjie
- Simunye
- Kalbasfontein
- Jachtfontein
- Westonaria Borwa
The community requirement is important, so you should make sure your residential information is current and clear when applying.
What qualifications do you need?
You need:
- Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science
- A full N2 qualification with four trade-specific subjects
The required N2 subjects are:
- Engineering Mathematics
- Engineering Science
- N2 Rigging Trade Theory
- Engineering Drawing
You must upload all relevant certificates with your online application.
Why is the N2 trade theory important?
The N2 subjects provide the technical foundation for the rigging trade.
Engineering Mathematics and Engineering Science support the calculations and principles behind lifting work, while Rigging Trade Theory introduces the technical knowledge specific to the occupation.
Engineering Drawing helps you understand technical layouts and the way equipment or components fit together.
These subjects give you the theory you will need before applying it in a mine environment.
Will you need to pass a medical assessment?
You must be declared medically fit for the position and mining environment.
This will be determined through a risk-based medical examination at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre.
You must also pass a Heat Tolerance Screening test and any other assessments needed to confirm that you can safely perform the work.
Underground mining can be physically demanding, so medical fitness forms an important part of the selection process.
How important is safety in the programme?
Safety will be central to the learnership.
You will need to follow all mine health and safety rules, wear prescribed PPE and work according to the procedures used at South Deep.
Rigging work involves heavy equipment and suspended loads, so mistakes can have serious consequences.
You will therefore need to develop safe working habits from the beginning of the programme.
What personal qualities will help you succeed?
You will need to be disciplined, willing to learn and comfortable working in a team.
Gold Fields also expects learners to take responsibility for their own development.
That includes asking for feedback, participating in development discussions and maintaining consistent performance during the programme.
What can this learnership lead to?
The programme is designed to help learners work toward qualification as artisans.
For a successful learner, this can support future work in areas such as:
- Rigging
- Ropes work
- Underground mining
- Heavy lifting operations
- Engineering maintenance
- Mining services
- Plant and equipment support
The combination of technical training and practical mine experience can provide a strong foundation for a long-term engineering trade career.
How do you apply?
Applications must be submitted through the Gold Fields careers portal.
Apply for the Gold Fields Rigger / Ropesman Learnership
Position: Learner 18-2 UG – Rigger
Site: South Deep Gold Mine
Location: Westonaria, Gauteng
Closing date: 21 September 2026
Make sure all relevant certificates are uploaded with your application, because incomplete supporting documents can prevent you from being shortlisted.
