GIBB has set high targets for employing women in the business.
real-world Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers. This year, GIBB doubled the number of external bursaries on offer from four to eight. Not only do the bursary recipients receive funding for tuition, but also - where necessary - for accommodation, transport and food – typically amounting to between R120,000 and R140,000 per candidate. Additionally, they gain experiential learning at GIBB by taking part in compulsory vacation work. The time they spend at GIBB helps them gain an understanding of the culture and ways of working, as well as being exposed to clients. “We establish relationships with our bursary recipients by immersing them in the business, specifically within the teams they will eventually be appointed to. Once they complete their studies, they have a good understanding of our culture, what is expected of them and how the teams operate. This facilitates an easier transition when they become employees.” GIBB will advertise for the next round of bursary recipients in October this year. “We also intend to engage with tertiary institutions to gain insight into the exceptional talent out there. By January 2026, we hope to conclude agreements with our new tranche of bursary recipients to ensure they are prepared for the commencement of studies in February.” One of this year’s recipients, Taahir Adams, who is in his final year of civil engineering studies at the University of Cape Town, says it is reassuring to know that GIBB is investing in his future. “I’m excited about taking the next step, gaining hands-on experience and eventually becoming a professional engineer who can contribute to real-world projects that improve people’s lives.” Professional registration is a key requirement in the engineering industry. GIBB encourages its bursary recipients to become professionally registered on completing their studies and have introduced a candidate programme to assist them in doing so, yet another way it is committed to nurturing the industry’s future talent. Adams says bursary programmes are more than a financial boost; they give students like him the chance to succeed when they may not have had the resources to do so otherwise. “Beyond the financial support, they open doors to mentorship,
This year, GIBB achieved 25% female candidates for both employee and external bursaries.
The bursary programmes open doors to mentorship, work experience and being part of a professional network.
work experience and being part of a professional network. It’s a step towards building a stronger, more inclusive industry, and I’m grateful to be part of that,” he concludes. n
NOVEMBER2025 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za MODERN MINING 23
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