Endeline’s endearing boilermaker career

Khanye Boilermaker, Endeline Kobeli

A career that would push her out of her comfort zone is what Endeline Kobeli signed up for. “I wanted something challenging, particularly a male-dominated trade,” Endeline explains. Through hard work and determination, she landed a job as a process assistant at Khanye’s processing plant and was later appointed as a boilermaker.

Endeline’s journey began at Nkangala TVET College, where she obtained a National Vocational Certificate (NVC) in welding. She then did her apprenticeship through the Manufacturing Engineering and Related Services SETA programme. She developed a passion for boilermaking, which she describes as closely related to welding but with added fabricating elements.

I decided to venture into boiler-making because it’s more challenging. We fabricate and build structures, which I found fascinating because I also enjoy drawing,” Endeline says. Her love for drawing stems from doing engineering-related design as a subject while pursuing her NVC. Endeline is proving that gender is no barrier in the mining industry. “We are capable. Long gone are the days when boilermaking was reserved for men. Nowadays, women can do whatever men do,” she remarks. She embraces the challenging environment, which sometimes requires heavy lifting. Currently pursuing a National Diploma in Boilermaking at Oxbridge Academy, Endeline is focused on career growth and learning.