Bridget Mahlwele

A highly versatile, award-winning Mechanical Engineering professional offering a dual-career profile as a Section 26D Red Seal Earthmoving Equipment Specialist and an Award-Winning TVET Engineering Lecturer. Combines a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering with over a decade of heavy industry experience across premier OEM remanufacturing centres and heavy open-cast mining operations (Grootegeluk Coal Mine). Proven expertise in high-pressure field service operations, advanced hydraulic and drivetrain diagnostics, and full-scope engine rebuilds.

Recognized as an elite educator with a 2 years and 9 months tenure at Nkangala TVET College lecturing NCV Automotive Repair and Maintenance, consistently winning the "Best Lecturer of the Year" award annually. A dedicated champion of corporate values holding recognized awards for Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence. Fully equipped for immediate deployment into heavy mining field services, OEM technical support, or elite vocational training roles.

OEM Senior Technical Artisan / Field Service Specialist (Mining Division) - Barloworld Equipment - Grootegeluk Coal Mine, Lephalale

(2024-09 - 2025-08)

• Field Breakdown Response: Executed rapid-response field troubleshooting, diagnostics, and emergency repairs on heavy mining fleets (CAT D10T Dozers, 789D/793F Mining Trucks, and 992/994 Loaders) in a high-pressure, 24/7 open-cast mining environment.
• Advanced Systems Diagnostics: Utilized CAT Electronic Technician (ET) software and hydraulic flow meters to isolate complex electrical, powertrain, and electronic control module (ECM) faults under field conditions.
• Component Removals & Installation: Led pit-side heavy component change-outs (engines, final drives, cylinders, and transmissions) using mobile cranes and specialized rigging equipment.
• Mine Safety Compliance: Championed strict adherence to the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA). Conducted daily pre-task risk assessments (HIRA) and maintained a 100% incident-free safety record.
• Apprentice Mentorship: Actively mentored junior field apprentices, assessing their technical development in heavy earthmoving mechanics.

PL1 Lecturer: NCV Automotive and Repair (Levels 2 – 4) - Nkangala TVET College - Middelburg Campus

(2021-03 - 2023-12)

• Curriculum Facilitation: Led the comprehensive instructional delivery of National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Automotive maintenance and Repair modules from Level 2 through to Level 4 exit outcomes.
• Workshop & Safety Management: Managed the campus-simulated workshop environment; implemented industrial tool-control systems, maintained calibration standards, and enforced strict workshop health and safety protocols.
• Assessment Auditing: Prepared, reviewed, and administered student continuous assessments (ICASS) and integrated summative assessments (ISAT). Compiled and certified Portfolios of Evidence (POE) for DHET and SETA moderation.
• Workplace Monitoring: Maintained industry relationships by conducting site visits to external engineering and automotive firms hosting college learners, monitoring practical workplace hours.

OEM Component Rebuild Technician (Earthmoving Workshop Specialist) - Barloworld Equipment (BRC) - Boksburg Remanufacturing Centre, Gauteng

(2011-01 - 2019-11)

• Precision Remanufacturing: Executed full industrial teardowns, precise inspections, salvage/re-usability evaluations, and blueprint-accurate rebuilds of high-value CAT mining components (including C-series engines, torque converters, planetary transmissions, and high-pressure hydraulic pumps).
• Testing & Calibration: Operated specialized workshop tooling systems, calibrated hydraulic testing benches, and engineered dyno-testing routines to ensure OEM performance metrics were met.
• Contamination Control: Adhered strictly to Caterpillar five-star contamination control standards, preventing system failures and securing extended operating lifespans for rebuilt components.
• Technical Coaching: Facilitated internal peer training and onboarding for incoming waves of apprentices, orienting them on complex mechanical schematics, specialized precision tools, and salvage reuse guidelines.

National Diploma - Mechanical Engineering (N3 – N6) - Ekurhuleni west college (2019)