The application deadline was 26 August 2026.
South Deep Gold Mine has two fresh formal learnership opportunities for applicants who want to develop specialist mining skills in Westonaria. The first programme prepares selected candidates for a career as a Winding Engine Driver, while the second is a Learner Miner programme aimed at employees or prospective applicants from defined host communities. These are practical mining-development opportunities rather than general graduate internships. Both require applicants to meet strict entry standards, complete technical training and remain medically fit for the mine environment. The programmes also place strong emphasis on safety, consistent performance, teamwork and personal responsibility for development. Candidates should read the requirements for each position separately because the Winding Engine Driver route needs an Onsetter’s certificate and substantial shaft experience, while the Learner Miner route has different education, experience and host-community conditions. Applying to the role that genuinely matches your background will give your application a much stronger basis.
Available Learnerships
Learner Winding Engine Driver
- Location: South Deep Gold Mine, Westonaria
- Department: Human Resources
- Closing date: 25 August 2026
Applicants need Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science, an Onsetter’s certificate and at least five years of shaft experience with Banksman and/or Onsetter exposure. The successful learner must be medically fit for the position and environment and pass the required Heat Tolerance Screening and other suitability assessments.
The development programme includes technical training prescribed by the relevant mining authorities and ongoing technical evaluation. Learners are expected to follow all applicable health and safety rules, maintain consistent performance, participate actively in their own development and work effectively as part of the South Deep team.
Learner Miner 18-2
- Location: South Deep Gold Mine, Westonaria
- Department: Human Resource Development
- Closing date: 26 August 2026
The Learner Miner opportunity is open to employees and prospective applicants from Gold Fields host communities. To qualify through the host-community route, an applicant needs to be a resident of one of the listed communities or have completed Grade 12 at a school situated in one of those communities. The communities named in the advert include Bekkersdaal, Zuurberkom, Thusanang, Hillshaven, Westonaria, Poortjie, Simunye, Kalbasfontein and Jachtfontein.
Minimum education is Grade 12 at NQF Level 4 or an equivalent N3 with two languages passed. Applicants also need at least two years of experience in a mining operation and must meet the mine’s medical fitness and Heat Tolerance Screening requirements.
What Learners Are Expected to Do
Both programmes require learners to work safely and complete the prescribed technical training. The Learner Miner role also includes practical duties such as participating in risk assessments with artisans, helping with daily maintenance work, handling and storing tools safely, maintaining good housekeeping and reporting hazards or unsafe conditions. Standby duties may also be required.
Communication in English, teamwork and adherence to company values are important across the programmes. Applicants should upload every document requested by the recruitment system because the adverts state that required documents must be included for shortlisting.
