Mining careers extend far beyond the occupations most people see on the surface. Deep underground operations depend on highly specialised personnel to safely move people and materials through mine shafts, and becoming qualified for these roles requires extensive experience and structured technical training.
Gold Fields is offering experienced shaft workers at South Deep Gold Mine an opportunity to take the next step through its Learner Winding Engine Driver development programme.
Gold Fields Learner Winding Engine Driver: Quick Overview
- Company: Gold Fields
- Programme: Learner Winding Engine Driver
- Site: South Deep Gold Mine
- Department: Human Resources
- Industry: Mining
- Qualification: Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science
- Experience: Minimum 5 years’ shaft experience
- Closing date: 25 August 2026
About the Learner Winding Engine Driver Programme
South Deep Gold Mine is offering aspiring employees interested in becoming Winding Engine Drivers an opportunity to enter a formal learnership development programme.
Successful candidates will undergo structured technical development and will be required to meet prescribed training and evaluation standards throughout the programme.
This is not an entry-level mining learnership. Candidates need significant previous shaft experience as well as an Onsetter’s Certificate.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12
- Mathematics and Science
- An Onsetter’s Certificate
- At least 5 years of shaft experience
- Banksman and/or Onsetter experience
- Good written and verbal English communication skills
Candidates who don’t have the required shaft experience or Onsetter’s Certificate should carefully consider the eligibility requirements before applying.
Medical and Fitness Requirements
Applicants must be medically suitable for the position and mining environment.
Candidates will need to:
- Undergo a risk-based medical examination at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre
- Pass a Heat Tolerance Screening test
- Complete any other assessments required to determine suitability for employment
These requirements form part of determining whether candidates can safely perform the work associated with the position.
What Will Successful Learners Be Expected to Do?
Learners will be required to participate fully in the prescribed development programme and maintain the required standards throughout their training.
Key expectations include:
- Following all mine health and safety rules and regulations
- Completing technical training prescribed by the MQA/DMRE
- Maintaining consistent performance during scheduled technical evaluations
- Taking responsibility for personal career development
- Participating in developmental discussions
- Working effectively as part of a team
- Maintaining professional written and verbal communication
Candidates will also be expected to uphold South Deep Gold Mine’s values, including safety, integrity, respect, responsibility, innovation and collaborative delivery.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This programme is particularly relevant to experienced mining employees who have already worked extensively in shaft operations and now want to develop towards becoming Winding Engine Drivers.
The combination of an Onsetter’s Certificate and at least five years of shaft experience means the programme targets candidates who already understand the operational and safety demands associated with underground shaft environments.
Why This Opportunity Is Different
Although the position is described as a learner programme, it should not be confused with learnerships aimed at unemployed matriculants with no previous experience.
Gold Fields is looking for candidates with substantial practical mining experience who are ready to progress into a more specialised occupation.
That distinction is important for applicants deciding whether this particular opportunity matches their current career level.
Thabang Maimela’s Tip
Don’t let the word “Learner” make you assume this is an entry-level opportunity.
Gold Fields requires an Onsetter’s Certificate and at least five years of shaft experience, including Banksman and/or Onsetter exposure. Those requirements should be clearly visible near the top of your CV.
If you qualify, don’t simply write “5 years mining experience.” Specify your shaft experience, your responsibilities as a Banksman or Onsetter, relevant certificates and the safety procedures you’ve worked with.
Most importantly, Gold Fields specifically warns that all required documentation must be uploaded with the online application to be considered for shortlisting. Double-check your attachments before submitting.
Closing Date
Eligible candidates should submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Gold Fields online recruitment process.
Before applying, candidates should have their relevant qualifications, certificates and supporting documents ready for upload.
Make sure your application clearly demonstrates that you meet the Grade 12, Onsetter certification and minimum five-year shaft experience requirements. Apply Now
Closing Date: 25 August 2026
Disclaimer
CareersPursuit shares publicly available opportunities for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the companies or organisations mentioned unless explicitly stated otherwise. Do not send your personal information, CV, or applications directly to CareersPursuit. Always verify opportunity details through official channels before applying.
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I am Thabang Maimela, Founder and Editor of CareersPursuit and YouthSETA, two South African platforms dedicated to helping individuals access employment opportunities, skills development programmes, and career growth resources. Through CareersPursuit, I focus on jobs, internships, apprenticeships, graduate programmes, learnerships, and career advice, while YouthSETA specialises in SETA learnerships, skills programmes, youth development initiatives, and workplace readiness resources. My mission is to make reliable, up to date information more accessible, helping South Africans build skills, improve employability, and navigate their career journeys with confidence. Read more about the author on the About Us page.