The skills development training centre at Cullinan

The training centre at Cullinan offers engineering, metallurgy and mining courses on a part-time and full-time basis. The full-time four-year apprenticeship programme has nine apprentices, three of whom are female, all studying to qualify as artisans.

The Engineering Development Programme involves skills training for semi-skilled mine employees. There are a total of nine trainees (one female) on this programme.

The Metallurgy Training Programme is accredited by the MQA SETA and is from level two to level four. There are 36 employees (three females) in this training category from supervisor level down to the labour level. The training contributes to the employee’s career path development and takes four to five years to complete on a part-time basis.

A total of eight employees (one female) are currently undergoing mining training at the centre. Team leaders and all underground production employees are required to undergo competency A, B or C training as per the MQA requirements.

Training takes place continuously for all employees in their specific areas of work at induction as well as through the on-going annual refresher training. Entry level risk assessment is required for all employees and contractors working on the mine for five days or more for safety purposes. Risk assessment and training is part of the induction and annual refresher training.

Selection into the apprenticeship programme is advertised internally and externally. Interviews and psychometric tests are then carried out followed by the general induction and risk training/assessment. The relevant courses are then scheduled as required. On completion, the Company usually has positions created for the apprentices.

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