News

News

Feb 2, 2012

GSSA Applied Basic Geological Skills Workshop

The DPP Applied Basic Geological Skills Workshop is aimed at entrant geologists to industry. In
the past, vocational training was administered by large mining houses with specific training
programmes that imparted basic work-related skills to new recruits. This ensured a basic onthe-
job competency and gave junior geologists a solid starting point from which to tackle their
new duties and roles. In the present environment many of these programmes have been
excised and there is a growing “skills rift” between those entering industry from that which is
required. Very often there are too few senior personnel to effectively impart skills and mentor
entrant geologists.
This DPP Workshop has been designed to bridge this “skills rift” and impart some basic
practical skills. The workshop will practically demonstrate how to correctly collect and treat
samples, how to approach basic mapping, drill rig management, core handling, core marking
and logging, database management and technical reporting. Whilst other courses may exist
that provide a more in-depth treatment of subjects, it is the intention of this workshop to
provide a ‘kick-start’ to career development training. The programme will give new recruits
improved confidence and understanding in tackling their new roles by providing guidelines and
procedures towards successfully completing tasks. Additionally, it will be a networking
opportunity for geologists embarking on their careers.
The workshop will be held at The Rosebank Hotel over one and a half days with the first day
comprising lectures on a variety of topics. The second “half-day” will be held at the National
Core Library in Pretoria will focus on implementation of skills with practical instruction in core
logging, a geologist’s most fundamental skill.

 

The DPP Applied Basic Geological Skills Workshop is aimed at entrant geologists to industry. In the past, vocational training was administered by large mining houses with specific training programmes that imparted basic work-related skills to new recruits. This ensured a basic onthe-job competency and gave junior geologists a solid starting point from which to tackle their new duties and roles. In the present environment many of these programmes have been excised and there is a growing “skills rift” between those entering industry from that which is required. Very often there are too few senior personnel to effectively impart skills and mentor entrant geologists.

This DPP Workshop has been designed to bridge this “skills rift” and impart some basic practical skills. The workshop will practically demonstrate how to correctly collect and treat samples, how to approach basic mapping, drill rig management, core handling, core marking and logging, database management and technical reporting. Whilst other courses may exist that provide a more in-depth treatment of subjects, it is the intention of this workshop to provide a ‘kick-start’ to career development training. The programme will give new recruits improved confidence and understanding in tackling their new roles by providing guidelines and procedures towards successfully completing tasks. Additionally, it will be a networking opportunity for geologists embarking on their careers.

The workshop will be held at The Rosebank Hotel over one and a half days with the first day comprising lectures on a variety of topics. The second “half-day” will be held at the National Core Library in Pretoria will focus on implementation of skills with practical instruction in core logging, a geologist’s most fundamental skill.

Visit http://www.gssa.org.za/ for more details.