Job Summary
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Mining
- Salary: attractive remuneration
- Closing Date: 2026-10-06
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver structured training and competency programs for drillers, assistants, supervisors, and drilling crews.
- Provide practical coaching on drilling techniques, equipment operation, safe work practices, procedures, and troubleshooting.
- Assess employee competency and identify skills gaps, training needs, and development opportunities.
- Monitor drilling performance and provide coaching to improve productivity, penetration, recovery, equipment utilisation, and operational quality.
- Maintain accurate training, competency, assessment, and skills-transfer records.
- Work closely with site management and HSE teams to ensure training aligns with operational and safety requirements.
Requirements
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in drilling operations with strong practical experience as a driller or senior driller.
- Proven experience training, coaching, mentoring, and assessing drilling personnel.
- Strong knowledge of drilling equipment, drilling methods, operational procedures, and HSE requirements.
- Experience across RC, diamond, rotary, or other relevant drilling methods is an advantage.
- Relevant drilling certification or recognised trainer/assessor qualification is preferred.
- Strong communication and mentoring skills, with the ability to train diverse teams in remote environments.
Salary
attractive remuneration
How to Apply
Original Advert
Source document for this listing, published by Jobs Botswana.

Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications do I need to become a Driller Trainer in Botswana?
You typically need a Grade 12 certificate with mathematics and science, plus a valid Botswana drilling qualification or equivalent from a recognized institution. Most employers require at least 5-10 years of hands-on drilling experience and a trainer or assessor certification from BQA or a similar body. A blasting certificate and first aid training are often mandatory for mining roles.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Driller Trainer?
You will conduct practical and theoretical training sessions for drill operators, assess trainees' competencies, and maintain training records in line with BQA standards. Daily tasks include demonstrating safe drilling techniques, conducting workplace assessments, and ensuring compliance with Botswana's Mine Health and Safety Act. You may also mentor junior drillers and report training progress to site management.
How does the local work culture in Botswana's mining sector affect this role?
Botswana's mining culture emphasizes hierarchy, respect for seniority, and strong adherence to safety protocols due to the country's zero-tolerance approach to workplace accidents. Punctuality and reliability are highly valued, as remote mine sites like those in the Kalahari require disciplined schedules. Building trust with Setswana-speaking workers through patient, respectful communication often improves training outcomes.
What career progression opportunities exist for a Driller Trainer in Botswana?
Experienced trainers can advance to Training Coordinator, Safety Officer, or Drill Superintendent roles depending on additional qualifications. Pursuing a degree in mining engineering or occupational health and safety opens pathways to management positions. Some trainers transition into consulting or BQA accreditation work, supporting multiple mining operations across the region.
What benefits are typically included in a contract Driller Trainer position in Botswana?
Contract roles usually include accommodation or a housing allowance, transport to remote sites, and meals during rotations. Medical aid coverage varies by employer but is often provided, while pension contributions depend on whether the contract is through a local company or international firm. Leave entitlements typically follow Botswana's labour laws, with rotation schedules common for fly-in-fly-out arrangements.
How should I apply for Driller Trainer positions, and what do Botswana employers prioritize?
Apply directly through mining company career portals, recruitment agencies like PeoplePartners, or job boards such as BotswanaJob.com. Employers prioritize proven drilling experience, BQA-registered assessor credentials, and a clean safety record. Tailor your CV to highlight specific rigs operated, training hours delivered, and any experience with Debswana or major contractors like Thiess or Barminco.