Beyond the books: Real world engineering in the mining industry
Theme: Preparing the Graduate for the VUCA World.
In today’s VUCA world, characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, success for graduates requires more than technical expertise. Drawing from over 16 years of leadership and engineering experience in Botswana’s mining industry, Gilbert “TJOPS” Bachopi will share practical insights on bridging the gap between academia and industry. The talk will explore what employers expect from young engineers, how to cultivate adaptability, resilience, and leadership, and why continuous learning is essential. Through real-life examples and lessons from his own career journey, Mr. Bachopi will equip students with strategies to thrive in dynamic environments, navigate career transitions, and lead with confidence in the face of change.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
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- Palapye, Unknown
- Botswana
- Building: BIUST Auditorium
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- Co-sponsored by Morupule Coal Mine
Speakers
Mr Bachopi of Morupule Coal Mine
Beyond the books : Preparing the Graduate for the VUCA World
Biography:
Mr Gilbert Bachopi Bio
Gilbert “TJOPS” Bachopi is a seasoned engineering professional with over 16 years of experience in the mining industry, specialising in engineering, reliability, maintenance, and project management. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) with Honours from the University of Newcastle, Australia (2008), and a Master in Business Leadership with a major in Corporate Strategy from the University of South Africa (2018). He is also a certified Six Sigma Green Belt practitioner.
A beneficiary of the Debswana sponsorship programme, Bachopi began his career at Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) in 2008, completing the Graduate Training Programme (formerly Engineer in Training) before becoming Maintenance Engineer. He went on to serve as Maintenance Manager at Tati Nickel Mining Company (TNMC), later joining Jwaneng Mine as Maintenance Engineer and then Project Manager in the Project Management Office. He currently serves as Division Engineer at Morupule Coal Mine (MCM).
Bachopi is a registered Professional Engineer with the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) and a member in good standing of the Botswana Institute of Engineers (BIE). He has served on the BIE Council, chairing the Practice and Ethics Committee, and has also been part of the Council for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Botswana.
