Driller Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Positions, assembles and operates drilling machinery and related equipment to sink wells, extract ore, liquids and gases or for a variety of other purposes.
What does a Driller do?
A driller sets up, positions and operates drilling machinery and related equipment for purposes such as sinking wells and extracting ore, liquids or gases. Depending on the work environment, drillers may operate drill rigs, directional-drilling equipment, exploration equipment, raise-bore machinery, offshore drilling systems or other specialised plant.
Specialisations
Alternative job titles
How to become a Driller in South Africa
- Learn about the different drilling environments, such as mining, exploration, offshore operations, directional drilling and well sinking, and identify the area that interests you.
- Consider a relevant Occupational Certificate pathway: Occupational Certificate: Driller at NQF Level 2, or a specialised Driller, Directional Driller, Exploration Driller or Offshore Driller programme at NQF Level 3.
- Choose training that matches the type of drilling equipment and work you want to pursue.
- Confirm the current qualification, provider and assessment requirements with SAQA, the relevant quality council or an accredited training provider.
- Build practical familiarity with drilling machinery and related equipment under appropriate workplace supervision.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
The most suitable training depends on the drilling specialisation you want to enter. The available pathways include general drilling as well as directional, exploration and offshore drilling. Before enrolling, verify the current status, availability and delivery arrangements of the relevant Occupational Certificate. Drillers need to take equipment operation seriously, work carefully around heavy machinery and adapt their preparation to the drilling environment.
Useful school subjects
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Mechanical Technology
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Geography
Skills that may help
- Operating and monitoring drilling machinery
- Careful attention to equipment and operating conditions
- Practical mechanical awareness
- Spatial awareness when positioning and controlling drilling equipment
- Following operating procedures consistently
- Adapting to specialised drilling environments
- Working safely and reliably around heavy equipment