As such, the majority operate in the technical domains such as engineering, metallurgy, environment and geology due to the requirements of the mining industry and the core function of a mine. The programme also ensures a consistent flow of suitable young specialists into the company. The three-year programme combines academic theory with practical experience in the work environment. Each PIT has a mentor who supervises his or her exposure to various industry commodities, leadership and management training. Mentors also help PITs to fulfil registration requirements for relevant governing bodies and professional associations.

Madele joined Exxaro in January 2012. After 10 months of exposure to a variety of human capital areas she was transferred to Exxaro’s Leeuwpan mine at Delmas as an HR business partner. There she conducted a project which was selected by Exxaro as one of the top-10 projects in the PIT group.

Madele was placed second, and was the first Human Resource PIT to receive a Top 3 placing at the PIT Symposium.

Her project focused on the development of managers to be able to lead the development of lower level employees and the process around developing front line employees. She was also invited to present at the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy’s youth conference.

Madele says she is honoured to be able to work for a dynamic and empowering organisation like Exxaro. “The PIT programme gave me the wings to be able to fly and make a difference in a big organisation like Exxaro”, she says.

For more information about the project, click here.