North-West University (NWU) is inviting applications for the permanent position of Artisan Assistant: Mechanical at its Mahikeng Campus. This opportunity is ideal for individuals with maintenance experience who are looking to build a long-term career in facilities management, engineering support, mechanical maintenance, and technical operations within a higher education environment.
The successful candidate will join the Facilities Division within the Engineering Compliance Department and provide essential support to qualified artisans in maintaining university infrastructure, equipment, and facilities. This role offers practical exposure to maintenance operations, asset management, safety compliance, and technical support services.
Position Overview
- Position: Artisan Assistant: Mechanical
- Position Number: M000140
- Institution: North-West University
- Campus: Mahikeng Campus
- Department: Engineering Compliance
- Division: Facilities
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Peromnes Grade: P13
- Location: Mahikeng
- Closing Date: 05 June 2026
This position provides an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking stable employment within the facilities maintenance and engineering support sector.
Purpose of the Position
The primary purpose of this role is to support qualified artisans, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, millwrights, and other technical personnel, in carrying out maintenance, repairs, inspections, and installations across university facilities.
The Artisan Assistant will contribute to the efficient operation of campus infrastructure by assisting with preventative maintenance, responding to breakdowns, supporting asset management processes, and ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
Maintenance Support
The successful candidate will assist artisans with daily maintenance activities and infrastructure repairs.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with predictive and preventative maintenance tasks
- Supporting repair and replacement of damaged components
- Responding to maintenance breakdowns
- Assisting with troubleshooting activities
- Maintaining tools and equipment in good condition
- Completing maintenance logs and job cards
- Attending assigned maintenance requests through the Integrated Work Management System (IWMS)
The role requires a proactive approach to ensuring facilities remain functional, safe, and operational.
Technical Assistance
The Artisan Assistant will provide practical support during maintenance and repair work.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with inspections and servicing of machinery and equipment
- Supporting the stripping, assembly, and repair of infrastructure components
- Using hand tools and power tools safely and effectively
- Participating in routine inspections and maintenance schedules
- Maintaining workshop cleanliness and safety standards
- Supporting technical work assigned through job cards
This role offers valuable exposure to electrical, mechanical, and building maintenance environments.
Safety and Housekeeping
Maintaining a safe working environment is a key responsibility of the position.
Duties include:
- Complying with Occupational Health and Safety regulations
- Following SHEQ policies and procedures
- Assisting with hazard identification and risk mitigation
- Supporting lock-out and tag-out procedures
- Participating in incident investigations when required
- Following emergency response procedures
- Maintaining clean and organized work areas
Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
Asset Management
The position also involves assisting with the management and protection of university assets.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting daily inspections of tools and equipment
- Reporting faults, defects, and safety concerns
- Managing consumables and maintenance materials
- Ensuring proper storage of equipment and tools
- Assisting with inventory management processes
- Participating in asset verification during audits
- Supporting equipment longevity through proper usage practices
Attention to detail and accountability are important aspects of this responsibility.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 12 qualification (NQF Level 4)
- Minimum of two years’ experience in maintenance-related work
- Experience conducting inspections and maintenance activities
- Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety standards
- Exposure to maintenance support within technical environments
Candidates with experience in facilities management, building maintenance, mechanical support, electrical maintenance, or plumbing support may have an advantage.
Technical Knowledge and Skills
The ideal candidate should possess knowledge and experience in the following areas:
- Basic maintenance processes
- Building maintenance systems
- Mechanical maintenance support
- Plumbing and electrical infrastructure support
- Safe handling of hand tools and power tools
- SHEQ and safety compliance requirements
- ISO standards and maintenance procedures
- Electronic maintenance systems and job cards
- Fault reporting and maintenance documentation
- Computer literacy and maintenance software systems
The ability to work effectively with maintenance technologies and electronic systems is essential.
Behavioural Competencies
North-West University is seeking candidates who demonstrate the following qualities:
Accountability
Taking ownership of assigned tasks and responsibilities while maintaining high standards of performance.
Teamwork
Working effectively with artisans, supervisors, and technical teams to achieve maintenance objectives.
Communication Skills
Providing clear and accurate information when reporting faults, completing job cards, and coordinating maintenance activities.
Safety Awareness
Demonstrating consistent adherence to safety regulations, procedures, and operational standards.
Time Management
Working according to structured schedules and completing tasks within required deadlines.
Problem-Solving
Assisting with identifying and resolving maintenance issues efficiently and effectively.
Adaptability
Being willing to learn new systems, processes, and maintenance technologies.
Why You Should Apply
This permanent position offers an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in facilities management and technical maintenance careers.
Benefits of this opportunity include:
- Permanent employment within a respected institution
- Career development opportunities
- Exposure to diverse maintenance environments
- Practical experience supporting qualified artisans
- Technical skills development
- Stable working environment
- Opportunity to contribute to campus infrastructure operations
The position is suitable for candidates who enjoy hands-on technical work and want to expand their maintenance expertise.
Career Growth Opportunities
Experience gained in this role can support future career progression into positions such as:
- Artisan Assistant Supervisor
- Mechanical Maintenance Technician
- Facilities Maintenance Officer
- Building Maintenance Technician
- Engineering Support Technician
- Mechanical Artisan
- Facilities Coordinator
- Technical Operations Officer
- Maintenance Planner
- Infrastructure Maintenance Specialist
The facilities management and maintenance sector continues to provide strong career opportunities across educational institutions, government departments, and private industry.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications online through the official North-West University vacancies portal.
Important application guidelines:
- Applications must be submitted online only
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Applications submitted through alternative platforms may be disqualified
- Ensure all supporting documents are uploaded correctly
- Verify that all information provided is accurate and current
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date to avoid missing this opportunity.
Important Dates
- Closing Date: 05 June 2026
- Employment Type: Permanent Appointment
- Planned Commencement Date: As soon as possible
