This position involves performing preventative maintenance, repairing equipment breakdowns, monitoring plant utilities, supervising contractors, maintaining spare parts inventory, and supporting engineering projects.

The Maintenance Technician will also work closely with production teams to improve equipment reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure that all operations comply with company standards and legal regulations.

Because this opportunity forms part of the YES Programme, it offers young professionals an excellent platform to gain practical workplace experience while contributing to a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

The successful applicant will perform a wide range of engineering and maintenance duties, including:

Electrical and Mechanical Maintenance

You will be responsible for carrying out electrical and mechanical maintenance on production equipment and machinery to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. This includes identifying faults, repairing breakdowns, replacing damaged components, and restoring equipment to full working condition.

Preventative maintenance schedules must be followed to minimize downtime and maximize equipment performance.

Equipment Repairs

The Maintenance Technician will respond quickly to machine breakdowns to reduce production interruptions. This includes troubleshooting electrical systems, diagnosing mechanical failures, repairing equipment, and testing machinery before returning it to production.

Preventative Maintenance

A key responsibility of this role is planning and completing routine preventative maintenance on machinery and facility equipment. Preventative maintenance helps improve equipment lifespan, reduce unexpected failures, and increase overall production efficiency.

Facility and Utilities Maintenance

You will participate in maintaining facility infrastructure and utilities such as:

• Air compressors
• Cooling systems
• Chillers
• Water treatment systems
• Electrical distribution systems
• Backup generators
• Utility services

Daily inspections will be conducted to identify faults before they become major issues.

Spare Parts Management

The successful candidate will manage spare parts inventory by ensuring that critical replacement components are always available when required. Proper inventory management helps reduce maintenance delays and improves operational efficiency.

Contractor Supervision

External contractors performing repairs, installations, or maintenance work must be supervised to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and according to company standards.

Infrastructure Projects

The Maintenance Technician will support facility improvement projects by assisting with:

• Equipment installation
• Plant layout planning
• Infrastructure upgrades
• Engineering modifications
• Small and medium-sized maintenance projects

Project activities must be completed on schedule and within budget.

Cost Analysis

Part of the role includes monitoring maintenance expenses, utility consumption, energy usage, and infrastructure costs. Cost analysis helps identify opportunities for improving efficiency while reducing operational expenses.

Team Leadership

Candidates with supervisory experience will help coordinate maintenance teams by:

• Delegating daily tasks
• Providing technical guidance
• Conducting performance evaluations
• Identifying training needs
• Managing staff schedules
• Supporting team development

Strong leadership skills are essential for maintaining productivity and workplace safety.

Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Compliance

The Maintenance Technician is expected to maintain a safe working environment by following company health and safety procedures at all times.

Responsibilities include:

• Reporting unsafe working conditions
• Following hygiene requirements
• Supporting quality assurance activities
• Reporting equipment risks
• Maintaining clean work areas
• Complying with environmental policies
• Supporting Food Safety Management Systems

Safety remains one of the most important responsibilities within this position.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants interested in this opportunity must meet the following requirements:

• Must be between 18 and 34 years old
• Must currently be unemployed
• Must not have previously participated in the YES Programme

Meeting these minimum requirements is essential before applying.

Qualifications

Suitable candidates should possess:

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• Electrical Engineering qualification or
• Mechanical Engineering qualification

Relevant technical qualifications will provide the knowledge required to perform maintenance activities safely and effectively.

Experience Required

Applicants should have:

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of industrial machinery
• Experience maintaining production equipment
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience
• Experience leading technical teams
• Strong troubleshooting abilities
• Good planning and organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills

Previous experience within manufacturing or industrial engineering environments will be highly advantageous.

Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate the following technical and professional skills:

• Electrical maintenance
• Mechanical maintenance
• Preventative maintenance
• Equipment troubleshooting
• Fault diagnosis
• Machine repairs
• Leadership
• Team management
• Project coordination
• Inventory management
• Preventative maintenance planning
• Engineering problem-solving
• Technical reporting
• Health and Safety compliance
• Time management
• Communication skills
• Decision-making
• Continuous improvement

Why Apply for This Maintenance Technician Job?

This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain valuable engineering experience within a modern manufacturing environment.

Benefits include:

• Industry experience through the YES Programme
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing equipment
• Practical mechanical and electrical maintenance experience
• Leadership development opportunities
• Infrastructure project involvement
• Professional workplace experience
• Career growth within manufacturing and engineering industries
• Opportunity to improve technical and supervisory skills

Candidates looking to build long-term careers in engineering, maintenance, or manufacturing will benefit greatly from this opportunity.

Career Opportunities After Completing the YES Programme

Experience gained in this Maintenance Technician position can help prepare candidates for future roles such as:

• Maintenance Technician
• Mechanical Technician
• Electrical Technician
• Maintenance Supervisor
• Engineering Technician
• Plant Maintenance Engineer
• Facilities Technician
• Utilities Technician
• Production Maintenance Coordinator
• Engineering Supervisor

Many employers value practical manufacturing experience, making this role an excellent addition to your CV.

How to Apply

If you meet the eligibility requirements and have the required qualifications and experience, consider applying for this Maintenance Technician Mechanical/Electrical (YES Programme) opportunity in Durban North.

Before submitting your application, ensure your CV is updated with:

• Educational qualifications
• Engineering certifications
• Manufacturing experience
• Maintenance skills
• Supervisory experience
• Contact details
• References (if available)

Providing a well-prepared application can improve your chances of being shortlisted.

If you have the required engineering qualifications, manufacturing experience, and passion for technical problem-solving, this could be your chance to gain meaningful workplace experience while contributing to the efficient operation of a modern production facility.