The Learner 18-2 UG – Rigger opportunity at South Deep Gold Mine gives eligible applicants from selected host communities a chance to pursue formal training in engineering. The learnership combines practical workplace experience with external technical training to help successful learners work towards qualifying as artisans.
Gold Fields Group Services is offering the programme at South Deep Gold Mine in Westonaria, Gauteng. Applicants must meet the educational, residential and medical requirements and submit all relevant certificates with their online applications.
The closing date is 21 September 2026. See section 8 below to apply.
Table of Contents
1. Learnership Overview
| Learnership detail | Information |
| Position | Learner 18-2 UG – Rigger |
| Programme | Engineering Learnership – Rigger/Ropesman |
| Company | Gold Fields Group Services (Pty) Ltd |
| Site | South Deep Gold Mine |
| Location | Westonaria, South Africa |
| Department | People |
| Job grading | NG |
| Minimum school qualification | Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science |
| Technical qualification | Full N2 with four required subjects |
| Medical requirement | Risk-based medical examination |
| Additional assessment | Heat Tolerance Screening |
| Advert date | 14 September 2026 |
| Closing date | 21 September 2026 |
The Learner 18-2 UG – Rigger position is an Engineering Learnership for candidates interested in becoming a Rigger or Ropesman.
The programme will be based at South Deep Gold Mine in Westonaria, which forms part of Gold Fields Group Services. The position falls under the People department and carries a job grading of NG.
South Deep is offering this opportunity to aspiring employees and prospective applicants from its recognised host communities. It is intended for people who want to establish an engineering career in the mining industry and who already have the required school and N2 qualifications.
Successful candidates will receive structured technical and practical training. The programme is designed to help learners understand the working environment, develop trade-related skills and progress towards becoming qualified artisans.
2. Purpose of the Programme
A Rigger or Ropesman performs an important function in engineering and mining environments. The work generally involves the safe lifting, moving, securing and positioning of heavy equipment and materials.
The Learner 18-2 UG – Rigger programme will provide learners with a combination of:
- Practical workplace training: Learners will gain experience in a real mining and engineering environment under appropriate supervision.
- External technical training: Candidates will attend prescribed technical training that supports the development of trade-related knowledge.
- Short courses: Learners may be required to complete additional courses identified by the mine.
- Workplace preparation: The programme will help learners adjust to the standards, responsibilities and expectations of the mining industry.
- Artisan development: The training is intended to support learners on the path towards qualifying as artisans.
This is a development opportunity, but learners will still be expected to take responsibility for their performance, behaviour and progress throughout the programme.
3. Who May Apply?
The learnership is intended for eligible applicants from South Deep Gold Mine’s recognised host communities.
Candidates must meet all the main requirements before applying. These include:
- Living in one of the listed host communities.
- Having Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science.
- Holding a complete N2 qualification with the four required trade-specific subjects.
- Being able to pass the required medical examination.
- Being able to pass Heat Tolerance Screening.
- Uploading all relevant certificates with the online application.
Meeting only one or two of these requirements may not be sufficient. Applicants should check every condition carefully before submitting an application.
Gold Fields is committed to advancing its Employment Equity strategy through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Historically disadvantaged South Africans and candidates with disabilities may apply, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
4. Host-Community Requirement
To qualify as a host-community applicant for the Learner 18-2 UG – Rigger programme, a candidate must live in one of the communities identified by South Deep Gold Mine.
The recognised host communities listed in the advert are:
- Bekkersdaal.
- Zuurberkom.
- Thusanang.
- Hillshaven.
- Westonaria.
- Poortjie.
- Simunye.
- Kalbasfontein.
- Jachtfontein.
- Westonaria Borwa.
Applicants should ensure that the residential information entered on the online form is complete and accurate. If proof of residence is requested, candidates should provide a valid document that clearly shows their name or household connection and residential address.
Candidates who are uncertain whether their address falls within one of the recognised areas may contact the Recruitment Hub for guidance before completing the application.
5. Educational Requirements
Applicants must have Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science. They must also have a complete N2 qualification containing four specific trade-related subjects.
The required N2 subjects are:
- Engineering Mathematics: This develops the mathematical knowledge needed to complete engineering calculations and solve technical problems.
- Engineering Science: This provides a foundation in scientific principles used in engineering and mechanical work.
- N2 Rigging Trade Theory: This covers the theoretical knowledge directly related to rigging work.
- Engineering Drawing: This helps learners understand and interpret technical plans, measurements and engineering diagrams.
The four N2 subjects are required by the Mining Qualifications Authority and South Deep Gold Mine.
Applicants should not submit an application using incomplete or unrelated qualifications. All relevant certificates must be uploaded during the online application process to be considered for shortlisting.
If a certificate is missing from the application, recruiters may be unable to verify that the candidate meets the minimum requirements.
6. Medical and Workplace Requirements
Mining and rigging work can involve physically demanding tasks and exposure to challenging underground conditions. For this reason, preferred candidates must be declared medically fit for the position and its working environment.
Medical fitness will be determined through a risk-based medical examination at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre.
Applicants must also pass a Heat Tolerance Screening test. Other assessments may be required to determine whether a candidate is suitable for employment in the relevant environment.
Medical fitness is an essential safety requirement rather than a guarantee of employment. Candidates should provide truthful health information during the assessment so that the occupational health team can evaluate them properly.
Applicants should not arrange independent tests unless Gold Fields instructs them to do so. The company will provide the appropriate instructions to candidates who progress through the recruitment process.
7. Duties and Responsibilities
Successful learners will be expected to participate fully in all required training and maintain consistent performance.
Their responsibilities will include:
- Completing technical training prescribed by the Mining Qualifications Authority.
- Attending short courses required by South Deep Gold Mine.
- Maintaining an acceptable and consistent level of performance.
- Starting developmental discussions when support or clarification is needed.
- Asking supervisors and trainers for constructive feedback.
- Following the company’s employment conditions, policies and code of conduct.
- Obeying all mine health and safety rules.
- Working cooperatively with colleagues and contributing to the team.
- Wearing all prescribed personal protective equipment at the mine and training centre.
- Demonstrating South Deep’s values in their daily conduct.
The mine’s stated values are safety, integrity, respect, responsibility, innovation and collaborative delivery.
Safety will be especially important throughout the Learner 18-2 UG – Rigger programme. Learners must follow instructions, wear the correct protective equipment and avoid behaviour that could place themselves or other people at risk.
8. How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online through the official Gold Fields careers platform:
Official Application Portal: Apply Here
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Applicants can follow these steps:
- Visit the official Gold Fields careers or vacancies website.
- Click on the “Apply Here” link above
- Confirm that the listed site is South Deep Gold Mine in Westonaria.
- Open the vacancy and read all the requirements carefully.
- Create an applicant profile or sign in to an existing account.
- Complete every required section of the online application form.
- Enter accurate educational and residential information.
- Upload all relevant Grade 12 and N2 certificates.
- Upload any other supporting documents requested on the application portal.
- Review the application for mistakes or missing information.
- Submit the application before 21 September 2026.
- Keep the submission confirmation or application reference for future use.
All relevant certificates must be uploaded with the online application. This is necessary for the application to be considered during shortlisting.
Candidates who need assistance or experience difficulty while applying can contact the Gold Fields Recruitment Hub on 011 411 1387.
9. Important Application Guidance
Applicants should prepare their documents before beginning the online application. Clear electronic copies will make it easier to complete the process without unnecessary delays.
Before submitting, check that:
- Your full name and contact details are correct.
- Your residential address is complete.
- Your Grade 12 certificate is attached.
- Your full N2 qualification is attached.
- All four required N2 subjects appear on your certificates.
- Uploaded documents are clear and readable.
- You have answered every compulsory question.
- You have used the official Gold Fields recruitment platform.
- You have submitted the application before the closing date.
The advert does not provide information about remuneration, allowances, transport or accommodation. Applicants should not assume that these benefits will be provided unless Gold Fields confirms them through its official recruitment process.
Gold Fields states that its code of conduct strictly prohibits the exchange of payment during recruitment. Candidates should therefore not pay anyone to submit an application, secure an interview or obtain a place in the programme.
10. Final Thoughts
The Learner 18-2 UG – Rigger opportunity provides a valuable training route for eligible host-community residents who want to pursue a career as a Rigger or Ropesman.
It combines workplace learning, external technical instruction and additional mine-related training. In return, learners will be expected to maintain consistent performance, seek feedback, work well with others and follow strict health and safety requirements.
Before applying, candidates should confirm that they live in one of the listed communities and have Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science, as well as a complete N2 qualification containing Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Science, N2 Rigging Trade Theory and Engineering Drawing.
Applications close on 21 September 2026. All relevant certificates must be included in the online application for a candidate to be considered for shortlisting.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who may apply for the Learner 18-2 UG – Rigger learnership?
Applicants must live in one of South Deep Gold Mine’s recognised host communities. These include Bekkersdaal, Zuurberkom, Thusanang, Hillshaven, Westonaria, Poortjie, Simunye, Kalbasfontein, Jachtfontein and Westonaria Borwa.
2. What qualifications are required?
Applicants need Grade 12 with Mathematics and science. They must also hold a full N2 qualification containing Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Science, N2 Rigging Trade Theory and Engineering Drawing.
3. Do I need previous working experience?
No, the advertisement does not list previous working experience as a minimum requirement. However, applicants must meet the educational, residential and medical requirements.
4. Will applicants need to complete a medical assessment?
Yes. Selected candidates must be declared medically fit following a risk-based examination at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre. They must also pass Heat Tolerance Screening and any other required suitability tests.
5. How do I apply, and when is the closing date?
Apply through the official Gold Fields careers platform by searching for Learner 18-2 UG – Rigger. Complete the online form and upload all relevant certificates. Applications close on 21 September 2026. For application assistance, contact the Recruitment Hub on 011 411 1387.
Source: Gold Fields Careers Platform
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