South Deep Gold Mine is inviting applications from aspiring employees and prospective applicants from its host communities who are interested in pursuing a career in the mining industry. The Gold Fields Mining Learnerships 2026 provide an opportunity to enter into a formal Learner Miner Learnership Programme that combines practical work-based training with technical development.
The programme is designed to help learners adapt to the workplace, develop mining-related skills and improve their employability after completing the programme.
If you are looking for mining learnerships in South Africa, here is everything you need to know about the Gold Fields South Deep Learner Miner Learnership, including the eligibility requirements, duties, skills, host communities and closing date.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
| Programme | Learner Miner Learnership Programme |
| Company | Gold Fields – South Deep Gold Mine |
| Opportunity Type | Mining Learnership |
| Industry | Mining |
| Location | South Deep Gold Mine / Host Communities |
| Target Applicants | Applicants from qualifying South Deep host communities |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 (NQF 4) or equivalent N3 |
| Mining Experience | Minimum 2 years’ experience in a mining operation |
| Stipend | Not specified in the provided advertisement |
| Qualification | Technical training as prescribed by MQA/DMRE |
| Closing Date | 26 August 2026 |
| Application Method | Online application |
About the Gold Fields Mining Learnerships 2026
The South Deep Gold Mine Learner Miner Learnership Programme provides aspiring mining employees with the opportunity to receive formal training while gaining practical workplace exposure.
The programme combines workplace learning and technical training to help learners develop the knowledge, practical skills and workplace behaviours required for a career in mining.
Learners will be expected to participate in technical training prescribed by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), while maintaining consistent performance during scheduled technical evaluations.
The programme also places strong emphasis on workplace safety, personal accountability, teamwork and adherence to South Deep Gold Mine’s values.
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Who Qualifies as a Host Community Applicant?
The opportunity is specifically aimed at applicants from the South Deep Gold Mine’s host communities.
To qualify as an applicant from a host community, you must either:
- Be a resident of one of the listed host communities; or
- Have successfully completed Grade 12 or matric at a school located within one of the listed host communities.
The host communities listed in the advertisement are:
- Bekkersdaal
- Zuurberkom
- Thusanang
- Hillshaven
- Westonaria
- Poortjie
- Simunye
- Kalbasfontein
- Jachtfontein
Applicants should ensure that they meet the host-community eligibility requirements before applying.
Gold Fields Learnership Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 12 (NQF 4) or an equivalent N3 qualification with two languages passed.
- At least 2 years’ experience in a mining operation.
- Be declared medically fit for the position and working environment.
- Pass the required risk-based medical examination at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre.
- Pass the required Heat Tolerance Screening test.
- Successfully complete any other assessments or tests that may be required to determine suitability for employment.
The requirement for previous mining experience is particularly important. Applicants should not assume that a Grade 12 certificate alone is sufficient for this particular learnership.
Key Competencies
Successful applicants will be expected to demonstrate or develop competencies relevant to working safely and effectively in a mining environment.
These include:
- Following all applicable mine health and safety rules and regulations.
- Completing technical training prescribed by MQA and DMRE.
- Maintaining consistent performance during scheduled technical evaluation cycles.
- Taking personal responsibility for career development.
- Initiating developmental discussions when appropriate.
- Engaging with the Human Resources Development (HRD) and technical oversight teams to receive feedback.
- Following the company’s employment conditions, policies and code of conduct.
- Promoting teamwork and contributing effectively as a team member.
- Upholding the South Deep Gold Mine values of Safety, Respect, Collaboration and Responsibility.
- Demonstrating proficiency in spoken and written English communication.
Duties and Responsibilities
Learners will participate in practical workplace activities and will be expected to follow prescribed safety and operational procedures.
Duties and responsibilities may include:
- Applying safe work practices in accordance with prescribed standards, procedures and site requirements.
- Identifying, reporting and escalating safety, health, environmental and risk conditions.
- Reporting incidents and accidents to the relevant supervisor for corrective action.
- Participating in risk assessments with an artisan before work is carried out.
- Assisting artisans with daily maintenance activities.
- Handling, cleaning and storing tools safely.
- Maintaining good housekeeping in workshops and maintenance areas.
- Keeping general areas around the plant clean and orderly.
- Reporting hazards or risks that could affect the health and safety of other employees.
- Performing standby duties when required.
Stipend / Salary
The stipend or salary amount is not specified in the information provided for the Gold Fields Mining Learnerships 2026.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on unofficial websites or social media posts that claim a specific monthly amount unless the figure can be confirmed through the official Gold Fields vacancy information.
Location
The learnership is associated with South Deep Gold Mine and is targeted at applicants from the mine’s specified host communities.
Eligible host communities include Bekkersdaal, Zuurberkom, Thusanang, Hillshaven, Westonaria, Poortjie, Simunye, Kalbasfontein and Jachtfontein.
Applicants should carefully check the official vacancy information for the specific workplace and training arrangements.
How to Apply for the Gold Fields Mining Learnerships 2026
Applicants should submit their applications through the official Gold Fields online application platform.
To apply:
- Visit the official Gold Fields careers/application platform.
- Locate the South Deep Learner Miner Learnership Programme vacancy.
- Read the complete vacancy information carefully.
- Confirm that you meet the host-community and minimum qualification requirements.
- Prepare your CV and required supporting documents.
- Upload all required documentation to your online application.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Important Application Requirement
Gold Fields specifically states that all required documentation must be uploaded to the online application for the applicant to be considered for shortlisting.
Applicants should therefore check that their documents are complete and properly uploaded before submitting their application.
Documents You May Need
Applicants should prepare the documents requested in the official online application. These may include:
- Updated CV
- Grade 12 / matric certificate
- N3 certificate, where applicable
- Proof of relevant mining experience
- Identity document
- Other supporting documents specifically requested by Gold Fields
Only upload documents that are requested or required by the official application process.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Gold Fields Mining Learnerships 2026 is:
26 August 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Important Information for Applicants
This opportunity has specific eligibility requirements, particularly regarding host-community status and previous mining experience.
Applicants should carefully confirm that they qualify before submitting an application. Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee selection, as applicants may still be subject to shortlisting, assessments, medical examinations and other suitability checks.
Applicants should also be cautious of recruitment scams. Do not pay anyone to apply for a Gold Fields learnership or to secure a position. Use the official Gold Fields application platform and verify recruitment information through Gold Fields’ official channels.
Why Consider a Gold Fields Mining Learnership?
The South Deep Learner Miner Learnership can provide eligible applicants with an opportunity to develop practical skills and gain structured exposure to a professional mining environment.
The programme may be particularly valuable for applicants who already have mining experience and want to develop their technical capabilities through formal training.
Learners will also be exposed to important workplace principles, including occupational health and safety, teamwork, accountability, maintenance activities and compliance with mining standards.
However, completing a learnership does not automatically guarantee permanent employmentunless Gold Fields explicitly confirms such an outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gold Fields Mining Learnership 2026 open for applications?
Yes. The South Deep Gold Mine Learner Miner Learnership Programme has a stated closing date of 26 August 2026.
Who can apply for the Gold Fields Mining Learnership?
The opportunity is aimed at applicants from the specified South Deep Gold Mine host communities who meet the minimum requirements. Applicants must either reside in one of the listed communities or have successfully completed Grade 12/matric at a school situated within one of those communities.
What qualifications are required?
Applicants need Grade 12 (NQF 4) or an equivalent N3 qualification with two languages passed.
Is mining experience required?
Yes. The advertised minimum requirement is at least two years’ experience in a mining operation.
Is a medical examination required?
Yes. Applicants must be declared medically fit for the position and environment through a risk-based medical examination at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre. They must also pass the required Heat Tolerance Screening test and any other assessments that may be required.
How much is the learnership stipend?
The stipend amount is not specified in the information provided.
Where is the Gold Fields Learnership located?
The programme is associated with South Deep Gold Mine and is targeted at qualifying applicants from the listed host communities.
When is the closing date?
The closing date is 26 August 2026.
How do I apply?
Applications should be submitted through the official Gold Fields online application platform. Applicants must upload all required documentation with their online application to be considered for shortlisting.
Final Thoughts
The Gold Fields Mining Learnerships 2026 offer eligible applicants from the South Deep Gold Mine host communities an opportunity to pursue formal mining-related training while gaining practical workplace exposure.
However, applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility criteria. In particular, the programme requires Grade 12 or an equivalent N3 qualification, a minimum of two years’ mining experience, host-community eligibility and successful completion of the required medical and suitability assessments.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your documents carefully and submit your application before the 26 August 2026 closing date.
Always verify the latest vacancy information and application instructions through the official Gold Fields recruitment platform before submitting personal information.
Simphiwe Dube is the Founder and Managing Editor of sa-learnership.co.za, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships and skills development programmes.
He specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable and up-to-date guidance.
Simphiwe is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so that South African students, graduates and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence.