Artisan Assistants at Valterra Platinum Mine

The company’s independence provides an opportunity to deepen its commitment to employees, communities, stakeholders, and the environment. Its purpose is to Unearth Value to Better Our World while maintaining its ambition to become the world’s foremost producer of platinum group metals.

Safety, teamwork, integrity, continuous improvement, and sustainability remain central to the way the company operates. Valterra Platinum aims to create a workplace where employees can develop their skills, contribute meaningfully, and help achieve operational and business objectives.

If you are motivated, safety-conscious, willing to learn, and eager to build a career in the engineering field, this opportunity could be an excellent step towards your professional development.

JOB PURPOSE

The Engineering Assistant Level 1 provides basic engineering and technical support to artisans, engineering foremen, and other maintenance personnel within the Mogalakwena North Concentrator.

The successful candidate will assist with routine, repetitive, and relatively low-complexity engineering activities under the guidance and supervision of qualified artisans and designated supervisors. The position plays an important role in ensuring that tools, equipment, materials, and spare parts are available when required, enabling maintenance activities to be completed safely, efficiently, and according to the required standards.

The Engineering Assistant will also contribute to maintaining a clean and organised working environment, supporting equipment inspections, assisting with the movement of materials, and ensuring that established safety procedures and work instructions are followed at all times.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong willingness to learn, good communication skills, reliability, discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of an engineering team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1. Housekeeping and Workplace Organisation

• Maintain good housekeeping practices in workshops, engineering work areas, storage facilities, and designated maintenance locations.
• Ensure that tools, equipment, materials, and spare parts are stored correctly after use.
• Keep walkways, access routes, workstations, and emergency exits clear of unnecessary obstructions.
• Assist with cleaning work areas and removing waste materials in accordance with site procedures.
• Ensure that the workplace remains neat, orderly, and safe throughout the working shift.
• Identify and report housekeeping problems that could create hazards or affect operational efficiency.

2. Tools, Equipment, and Machinery Control

• Assist artisans with the preparation, collection, distribution, and return of engineering tools and equipment.
• Ensure that the correct tools and equipment are available before maintenance activities begin.
• Handle engineering tools, workshop machinery, and equipment carefully and responsibly.
• Assist with checking tools and equipment for visible damage, defects, or missing components.
• Report damaged, defective, or unsafe tools and equipment to the responsible artisan or supervisor.
• Help maintain accurate control of tools, equipment, materials, and workshop resources.
• Ensure that tools and equipment are used only for their intended purposes and in accordance with instructions.
• Assist in keeping tool storage areas organised to minimise losses, delays, and unnecessary replacement costs.

3. Material Handling and Logistics Support

• Assist with loading, unloading, transporting, and dispatching engineering materials, equipment, and spare parts to designated work sites.
• Help ensure that the correct materials and components are delivered to the appropriate maintenance teams.
• Support the collection and preparation of materials required for planned maintenance and repair activities.
• Handle materials carefully to prevent damage, loss, or unnecessary wastage.
• Assist with organising and storing engineering materials in designated areas.
• Check materials against instructions or requests and report shortages, discrepancies, or incorrect items.
• Ensure that materials are handled and transported in accordance with site safety procedures.
• Inform the responsible artisan when required materials or spare parts are unavailable.

4. Assistance to Artisans and Engineering Personnel

• Provide practical assistance to qualified artisans, engineering foremen, and other authorised maintenance personnel.
• Assist with routine engineering tasks within the limits of the position and the employee’s training and competence.
• Prepare work areas, tools, equipment, and materials before maintenance work begins.
• Accompany artisans during equipment inspections and assist with authorised activities as instructed.
• Support artisans during equipment maintenance, repair, installation, and general servicing activities.
• Help maintain the availability of equipment by supporting routine maintenance activities under supervision.
• Follow instructions carefully and request clarification whenever a task or procedure is not fully understood.
• Report unexpected problems, equipment abnormalities, or work-related challenges to the responsible artisan or supervisor.
• Work cooperatively with other team members to ensure that maintenance activities are completed efficiently and correctly.

5. Following Work Instructions and Quality Standards

• Follow approved work instructions, maintenance procedures, and instructions provided by authorised supervisors and artisans.
• Ensure that the purpose, sequence, and expected outcome of assigned tasks are understood before starting work.
• Complete assigned duties accurately and within the expected timeframes.
• Maintain the required standard of workmanship when carrying out basic support activities.
• Avoid shortcuts that could compromise safety, quality, or equipment reliability.
• Assist in preventing damage to equipment and materials through careful handling and responsible work practices.
• Report incomplete work, defects, unusual conditions, and quality concerns to the appropriate person.
• Cooperate with team members to ensure that all tasks meet the required operational and engineering standards.

6. Safety, Health, and Environmental Responsibilities

• Comply with all mine safety rules, occupational health requirements, environmental standards, and site-specific procedures.
• Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and other safety-related activities as required.
• Wear the prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE) for the assigned task and working environment.
• Remain alert to hazards associated with engineering workshops, concentrator operations, open-pit mining environments, moving machinery, dust, and material handling.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, unsafe work practices, incidents, near misses, and potential hazards to the responsible artisan or safety representative.
• Remind team members to follow approved procedures and maintain awareness of workplace safety.
• Never operate machinery, use specialised equipment, or perform technical tasks without the necessary authorisation, training, and supervision.
• Follow applicable isolation, lockout, and other safety procedures as instructed by authorised personnel.
• Assist in maintaining a safe working environment for colleagues, contractors, and other site personnel.
• Contribute to a workplace culture that prioritises the prevention of injuries, incidents, and damage to equipment.

7. Communication and Teamwork

• Maintain effective two-way communication with artisans, engineering foremen, supervisors, and fellow team members.
• Communicate task progress, material shortages, equipment problems, and unexpected difficulties promptly.
• Listen carefully to instructions and confirm understanding before carrying out unfamiliar duties.
• Share relevant information with the appropriate team members to support effective coordination of work.
• Demonstrate respect, professionalism, accountability, and a willingness to cooperate with others.
• Support teamwork by assisting colleagues when required and working towards shared maintenance objectives.
• Report issues that could delay work or affect safety, quality, and operational performance.

8. Equipment Availability and Operational Support

• Assist operational employees and engineering personnel with basic equipment support activities within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Help ensure that tools, materials, and spare parts are available for scheduled maintenance work.
• Support routine inspections and maintenance activities under the direction of qualified artisans.
• Report visible equipment damage, leaks, unusual noises, or other abnormalities observed during assigned duties.
• Assist with preparing equipment and work areas for maintenance interventions.
• Contribute to reducing avoidable delays by ensuring that assigned preparation and support tasks are completed on time.
• Help prevent unnecessary material consumption and promote the responsible use of company resources.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet the following minimum educational requirements:

• Grade 12 (Matric) with Mathematics and Physical Science; or
• N3 Electrical qualification.

Applicants should ensure that their qualifications are clearly indicated in their application and that all relevant supporting documents are attached.

Important: Applications submitted without the required qualification-related attachments will not be considered.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

Experience

• Previous exposure to an engineering, electrical, mechanical, mining, or industrial maintenance environment will be advantageous.
• Electrical maintenance experience will be an added advantage.
• Experience assisting artisans, handling engineering tools, organising materials, or performing workshop support duties may be beneficial.
• Applicants with practical exposure to maintenance activities should be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic workplace safety and the importance of following instructions.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Basic understanding of engineering tools, equipment, and workshop practices.
• Awareness of general maintenance principles and the importance of equipment reliability.
• Ability to identify obvious defects or unsafe conditions and report them appropriately.
• Understanding of housekeeping, material handling, and safe working practices.
• Willingness to learn new technical skills and develop practical engineering knowledge.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.

Personal Attributes

• Strong commitment to workplace safety and compliance with site rules.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work effectively with artisans, supervisors, and other employees.
• Reliable, punctual, disciplined, and willing to accept responsibility.
• Positive attitude towards learning, coaching, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work under supervision and respond appropriately to instructions.
• Good teamwork, problem-solving, and time-management abilities.
• Ability to remain alert and focused when performing routine and repetitive tasks.
• Willingness to work in a demanding mining and concentrator environment.

Additional Advantages

• A valid South African driver’s licence will be advantageous.
• Previous electrical experience will be advantageous.

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must be prepared to meet the following operational and employment conditions:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Have no criminal record, subject to the employer’s applicable verification requirements.
• Successfully complete the relevant psychometric assessment.
• Be willing to work according to the operational schedule of the assigned area.
• Be available to work shifts, overtime, and standby when required.
• Be prepared to work on surface and in open-pit mining areas where dusty conditions may occur.
• Be physically and operationally prepared to work in an industrial environment, subject to applicable occupational health and safety requirements.
• Comply with all company policies, site procedures, and reasonable instructions issued by authorised personnel.

WHAT VALTERRA PLATINUM OFFERS

At Valterra Platinum, employees have the opportunity to contribute to a high-performance organisation focused on operational excellence, safety, sustainability, and long-term value creation.

The company offers:

• Meaningful work: An opportunity to contribute to important engineering and maintenance activities within a major platinum group metals operation.
• Learning and development: Exposure to an engineering environment where employees can build practical knowledge and strengthen their workplace capabilities.
• Career development: Opportunities to develop relevant skills and pursue future growth in line with business requirements, performance, and available opportunities.
• Reward and recognition: Market-aligned rewards and recognition within a performance-driven working environment.
• Teamwork and collaboration: The opportunity to work alongside experienced artisans, engineering personnel, and operational teams.
• Safety-focused operations: A strong commitment to safe working practices and the protection of employees, contractors, and the environment.
• Inclusion and diversity: A workplace culture that respects individual differences and encourages employees to contribute their ideas, skills, and abilities.

INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

Valterra Platinum is an equal opportunities employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. The company values the contributions of every employee and strives to provide equal opportunities for individuals to develop their skills, fulfil their potential, and contribute to organisational success.

The company promotes a respectful working environment in which employees are treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone is encouraged to participate meaningfully in the workplace.

Valterra Platinum has zero tolerance for dignity harms, including gender-based violence, bullying, harassment, and victimisation. The company recognises that employee safety extends beyond physical protection and includes the prevention of harmful conduct and the promotion of dignity, respect, and professional behaviour.

All employees share a responsibility to uphold these standards during working hours and outside the workplace where applicable. Valterra Platinum remains committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment in which colleagues can work without fear of harassment, intimidation, or abuse.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official online application form provided in the Valterra Platinum job advertisement.

Applicants should carefully review the minimum requirements before applying and ensure that all required information and supporting documentation are included.

Before submitting your application, confirm that:

• Your Grade 12 certificate showing Mathematics and Physical Science, or your N3 Electrical qualification, is attached.
• Your personal and educational information is accurate and complete.
• Any relevant experience and additional qualifications are correctly recorded.
• Your contact details are up to date.
• Your application is submitted through the official online recruitment process.

Incomplete applications or applications without the required qualification-related attachments will not be considered.

Closing Date: 13 October 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.

Location: Mogalakwena North Concentrator, Mokopane, Limpopo, South Africa.

Take the opportunity to join Valterra Platinum and contribute to a safety-focused engineering team while developing practical skills in the platinum mining and processing industry.

Apply for engineering assistants post