Hitlerjugend: An In-Depth History: HJ-Bergdienst
by Arvo L. Vercamer

Both during the years of peace and during the years of war, the Bergdienst branch of the HJ prepared its members to be Germany's future miners, possibly even in mining related leadership positions. A five-year course, including a one-year tour of duty with the Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD), was prepared. This course contained three subsections. As the HJ candidate completed all of the required mining related examinations and studies, a special HJ Bergdienst rank was bestowed upon the individual:
Knappe (a miner)
Hauer (a hewer)
Steiger (a foreman or mine supervisor)