The successful candidate will be expected to support artisans across various functional areas while ensuring that all work is carried out safely, efficiently, and according to workplace procedures.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
As an Artisan Assistant III, your responsibilities will include assisting qualified artisans with a variety of workshop and equipment-related activities.
Key duties will include:
- Assisting with the assembly and disassembly of machines and components.
- Supporting artisans during maintenance, repair, and servicing activities.
- Cleaning machines, components, tools, and equipment as required.
- Performing basic maintenance-related duties under the direction of qualified personnel.
- Maintaining good housekeeping standards within the workshop and working areas.
- Preparing tools, equipment, and components required for maintenance and repair activities.
- Assisting artisans in all relevant functional areas as instructed.
- Using basic workshop hand tools correctly and safely.
- Developing an understanding of the correct application and use of workshop tools.
- Assisting with the movement and handling of machine components while following appropriate safety procedures.
- Operating Komatsu machines where the employee has received the necessary training and authorisation.
- Driving Komatsu service vehicles where required and where legally authorised to do so.
- Following all company health, safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
- Maintaining a clean, safe, and organised working environment.
- Reporting equipment problems, unsafe conditions, damaged tools, or other concerns to the relevant supervisor or artisan.
- Working overtime or standby when operational requirements make this necessary.
- Travelling as required in accordance with business and operational needs.
The successful candidate must be flexible and willing to assist wherever required. This may include performing general workshop duties and supporting artisans with tasks that contribute to the safe and efficient completion of maintenance and repair work.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 12 with technical subjects or NQF Level 4.
- At least 6 months of general workshop or technical environment experience.
- Experience working with or around earthmoving machinery will be advantageous.
- Basic knowledge of workshop tools and their correct application.
- Basic understanding of machine maintenance and repairs.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- A valid Code 08 driver’s licence will be an advantage.
- Basic knowledge and understanding of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) requirements.
- Basic understanding of the applicable Health and Safety Act and workplace safety principles.
- Ability to work safely around heavy machinery, moving components, tools, and equipment.
- A genuine interest and passion for heavy earthmoving machinery.
Candidates should also be physically and mentally prepared for a practical workshop environment where attention to detail, safety awareness, and adherence to instructions are important.
Skills and Competencies
Komatsu South Africa is looking for an individual who demonstrates a strong willingness to learn and develop within the heavy equipment industry.
The following skills and competencies will be important:
Attention to Detail
The ability to pay attention to detail is essential when working with machines and mechanical components. Small errors can affect machine performance and workplace safety, so the successful candidate must be careful and thorough when carrying out assigned duties.
Good Communication Skills
The candidate must be able to communicate effectively with artisans, supervisors, colleagues, operators, and other employees. Good communication is particularly important when receiving instructions and working around heavy machinery.
Teamwork
The successful candidate must be a team player who can work effectively with qualified artisans and other members of the workshop team. The ability to cooperate with colleagues and contribute positively to the working environment is essential.
Basic Hand Tools Experience
Applicants should have a basic understanding of workshop hand tools and their applications. Candidates should also demonstrate a willingness to develop their practical tool-handling skills.
Willingness to Learn
This position provides an opportunity to develop practical knowledge and experience in the heavy earthmoving equipment environment. Candidates must be willing to learn from experienced artisans and supervisors and continuously improve their technical abilities.
Ability to Work Under Pressure
The successful candidate must be able to remain focused and productive when working under pressure. Equipment maintenance and repair activities may sometimes require urgent attention, and employees must be able to perform their duties responsibly while maintaining safety standards.
Team Player
The successful candidate should work well within a team environment and be willing to assist colleagues when required. A positive attitude, reliability, respect, and cooperation are important qualities for this position.
Safety and Compliance
Safety is a critical part of working at Komatsu South Africa. Because the role involves heavy earthmoving equipment, machinery, components, tools, and potentially moving equipment, the successful candidate must maintain a strong safety-oriented mindset.
Employees are expected to follow all applicable company safety procedures, use tools and equipment correctly, comply with workplace instructions, and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
The candidate must also understand that certain machines and equipment may only be operated once the required training and authorisation have been obtained.
Good housekeeping is also an important part of the role. Work areas, tools, machines, and components should be kept clean and organised to help maintain a safe and productive workshop environment.
Working Requirements
The successful candidate must be willing to work according to the operational requirements of the Namakwa Sands Branch.
This may include:
- Working overtime when required.
- Participating in standby arrangements.
- Travelling when operationally required.
- Assisting artisans across different functional areas.
- Working in a workshop and heavy equipment environment.
- Operating equipment only when appropriately trained and authorised.
- Following instructions from qualified artisans and supervisors.
Package and Remuneration
Employment Type: Permanent
Work Schedule: Full Time
Package & Remuneration: Waged
Why Join Komatsu South Africa?
This opportunity is ideal for someone who wants to establish or further develop a career in the heavy earthmoving equipment industry. Working alongside qualified artisans provides valuable exposure to machine maintenance, component handling, workshop practices, tools, safety procedures, and technical operations.
The Artisan Assistant III role offers an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while contributing to the maintenance and support of Komatsu equipment.
If you are technically minded, passionate about heavy earthmoving machinery, safety-conscious, willing to learn, and able to work effectively within a team, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your career with Komatsu South Africa.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements and are passionate about working with heavy earthmoving equipment are encouraged to apply for the Artisan Assistant III position at the Komatsu South Africa Namakwa Sands Branch in Vredendal.
Applicants should ensure that their qualifications, technical experience, workshop exposure, communication skills, safety awareness, and willingness to work in a demanding equipment environment are clearly reflected in their application.
Position: Artisan Assistant III
Company: Komatsu South Africa
Location: Vredendal, Western Cape
Branch: Namakwa Sands
Employment: Permanent, Full Time
Employment Equity: EE/AA
Remuneration: Waged



