Artisan Assistant at VKB Engineering Services, Reitz

Location: Reitz, Free State, South Africa

Job Type: Permanent

Experience Level: Entry Level

Industry: Agriculture

Functional Area: Engineering

Closing Date: 23 October 2026

Introduction

The VKB Group is inviting suitably qualified and motivated candidates to apply for the position of Artisan Assistant within VKB Engineering Services in Reitz, Free State. This permanent employment opportunity is ideal for individuals who are interested in engineering, mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance, and technical support within the agricultural sector.

The successful candidate will assist experienced artisans and maintenance teams with a range of engineering activities aimed at ensuring that equipment, machinery, and grain handling facilities remain safe, reliable, and operational.

This entry-level position offers an opportunity for a hands-on individual to contribute to essential maintenance activities while gaining practical exposure to mechanical and electrical engineering environments. Applicants should have a strong willingness to learn, a responsible attitude towards workplace safety, and the ability to work effectively with other team members.

If you enjoy working with tools, assisting with repairs, identifying equipment faults, and performing practical technical tasks, this opportunity could be suitable for you.

About VKB Engineering Services

VKB Engineering Services provides essential technical and maintenance support to the group’s grain handling and storage facilities. The department is responsible for helping maintain, repair, inspect, and improve the mechanical and electrical systems used throughout its operations.

Grain handling facilities depend on various types of equipment and infrastructure to move, process, and store agricultural products efficiently. These may include conveyor systems, silo equipment, mechanical components, electrical installations, valves, chutes, and other operational structures.

When equipment requires maintenance or repairs, Engineering Services plays an important role in ensuring that problems are addressed promptly and that operational interruptions are minimised.

The department also supports preventative maintenance activities intended to identify potential equipment problems before they develop into more serious faults.

Working within this environment requires employees to understand the importance of safety, proper equipment handling, following instructions, and maintaining high standards of workmanship.

As an Artisan Assistant, you will support qualified artisans and other technical personnel in carrying out assigned maintenance tasks. You may be exposed to different mechanical and electrical activities, allowing you to develop a broader understanding of industrial maintenance practices.

The position also requires a willingness to work at different sites when necessary, as engineering support may be required across various VKB facilities.

Purpose of the Artisan Assistant Position

The primary purpose of the Artisan Assistant position is to provide practical assistance to artisans responsible for maintaining and repairing equipment and infrastructure at VKB’s grain handling and storage facilities.

The successful candidate will assist with preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, equipment inspections, mechanical repairs, electrical maintenance support, and other technical activities assigned by supervisors.

You will work under the guidance of experienced personnel and must follow the relevant safety procedures, work instructions, and operational standards.

This role is particularly suited to individuals who are comfortable performing physical tasks and who want to develop their technical abilities in a professional engineering environment.

Attention to detail is essential because maintenance activities must be completed correctly to protect employees, equipment, and the surrounding working environment.

The successful applicant will also be expected to maintain tools and equipment properly, keep work areas clean, and cooperate with colleagues to ensure that maintenance activities are completed efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

The Artisan Assistant will be responsible for supporting engineering and maintenance activities across VKB’s facilities.

Duties may include the following:

Mechanical Maintenance Support

• Assist qualified artisans with mechanical maintenance, repairs, and servicing activities.

• Help assemble, fit, remove, and replace mechanical components under appropriate supervision.

• Assist with the inspection of machinery, equipment, structures, and related infrastructure.

• Support the maintenance of grain handling equipment and other mechanical systems.

• Help identify visible signs of wear, damage, leaks, or equipment deterioration.

• Assist with the preparation of tools, materials, and equipment required for maintenance work.

• Support preventative maintenance activities to improve equipment reliability.

• Help ensure that mechanical components are installed and maintained according to work instructions.

Electrical Maintenance Support

• Assist with electrical maintenance activities under the supervision of qualified and authorised personnel.

• Help prepare tools, equipment, and materials required for electrical maintenance tasks.

• Support inspections of electrical installations and associated equipment where authorised.

• Assist with identifying and reporting visible electrical defects or equipment abnormalities.

• Follow all applicable electrical safety procedures and instructions.

• Ensure that electrical maintenance work is only performed within the limits of your training, authorisation, and supervision.

Fault-Finding and Troubleshooting

• Assist artisans with identifying mechanical and electrical equipment faults.

• Observe equipment performance and report unusual noises, vibrations, overheating, or other abnormalities.

• Help investigate the possible causes of equipment breakdowns under supervision.

• Provide practical assistance during corrective maintenance activities.

• Follow instructions when carrying out troubleshooting procedures.

• Report identified problems to the responsible artisan or supervisor.

• Help ensure that faults are addressed safely and that equipment is returned to service only when authorised.

Cutting, Grinding, Fabrication, and Welding

• Assist with basic fabrication and metalwork activities where trained and authorised.

• Perform cutting, grinding, and basic welding tasks within the limits of your competence.

• Prepare materials and components for repairs or installation work.

• Use hand tools and power tools safely and correctly.

• Follow applicable procedures for hot work and other activities that may present additional risks.

• Keep tools and equipment in good working condition.

• Ensure that the required safety precautions are in place before starting assigned tasks.

Silo and Infrastructure Inspections

• Assist with the inspection and maintenance of silos and associated structures.

• Support maintenance activities involving valves, chutes, conveyors, and other grain handling infrastructure.

• Report damaged components, unsafe conditions, and maintenance requirements to the relevant supervisor.

• Assist with the preparation of work areas before inspections and repairs.

• Follow site-specific safety procedures when working around machinery and industrial structures.

• Help maintain the reliability and availability of equipment used in grain storage and handling operations.

Workplace Safety and Housekeeping

• Comply with all applicable occupational health and safety requirements.

• Follow instructions provided by supervisors and qualified artisans.

• Wear the required personal protective equipment when performing assigned tasks.

• Keep work areas clean, organised, and free from unnecessary hazards.

• Use hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment responsibly.

• Report unsafe working conditions, incidents, and equipment defects.

• Follow established procedures when working in dusty environments or at heights.

• Observe safety precautions when using stairs, accessing elevated work areas, or moving around industrial facilities.

• Help protect colleagues, equipment, and infrastructure by maintaining a strong safety culture.

General Maintenance and Team Support

• Travel to various VKB and silo sites when required to assist with maintenance work.

• Provide support during equipment breakdowns and urgent maintenance activities.

• Work closely with artisans, supervisors, operators, and other maintenance personnel.

• Ensure that assigned duties are completed within the required timeframes.

• Follow instructions and communicate progress or challenges to supervisors.

• Maintain tools, equipment, and materials in a clean and orderly condition.

• Participate in technical training and workplace development opportunities.

• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a willingness to learn.

• Carry out additional reasonable duties related to the position as assigned by management.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates interested in applying for the Artisan Assistant position should meet the minimum educational and practical requirements outlined below.

Educational Qualifications

• Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4.

• A valid trade certificate will be an advantage.

• A valid driver’s licence will be an advantage.

Applicants should ensure that their qualifications and supporting documents accurately reflect their educational background and any relevant technical training they have completed.

Practical Experience

The position requires practical exposure to mechanical and electrical maintenance activities.

Candidates should ideally have experience or exposure to the following:

• Mechanical and electrical maintenance support.

• The use of hand tools and power tools.

• Maintenance equipment such as grinders, drills, and spanners.

• Basic fault-finding and troubleshooting in mechanical or electrical environments.

• Equipment servicing, repairs, and installation activities.

• Fabrication, cutting, grinding, or basic welding.

• Working in physically demanding industrial or maintenance environments.

• Following technical instructions and established safety procedures.

Exposure to agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, grain handling facilities, or related maintenance environments may be beneficial.

Important: Candidates should pay particular attention to the stated non-negotiable skills, especially fault-finding, safe tool usage, basic welding, cutting and grinding, and an understanding of health and safety requirements.

Essential Skills and Competencies

VKB is looking for a candidate who can contribute positively to the maintenance team and demonstrate a responsible approach to technical work.

The following competencies are important for this position:

Safety Awareness: Understanding the importance of workplace safety and following established procedures when performing maintenance tasks.

Accountability and Responsibility: Taking ownership of assigned duties and ensuring that work is completed according to instructions.

Attention to Detail: Observing equipment conditions carefully and identifying defects or irregularities that may require attention.

Problem-Solving Ability: Assisting with practical maintenance challenges and supporting artisans during fault-finding activities.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues, supervisors, artisans, and operational personnel.

Communication Skills: Communicating clearly, reporting problems, and asking for guidance when necessary.

Adaptability: Adjusting to changing maintenance requirements, different work environments, and operational priorities.

Willingness to Learn: Demonstrating an interest in developing technical knowledge and improving practical skills.

Quality Orientation: Taking pride in workmanship and ensuring that assigned duties meet the required standards.

Initiative and Self-Management: Completing tasks responsibly while understanding when guidance or supervision is needed.

Working Under Pressure: Remaining focused and following instructions when dealing with breakdowns or urgent maintenance requirements.

Physical Capability: Being able to perform the physical duties associated with maintenance work, subject to applicable workplace safety requirements.

Working at Heights: Being prepared to work at heights when required and appropriately trained, equipped, and authorised.

Working in Dusty Environments: Being able to work in high-dust environments while following the relevant protective measures.

Mobility Around Facilities: Being able to regularly ascend and descend stairs as required by the working environment.

Technical Skills Required

Candidates should understand the importance of practical maintenance skills and safe working methods.

Non-Negotiable Skills

The following skills are specifically identified as non-negotiable for this position:

• Fault-finding and troubleshooting.

• Safe use of hand tools and power tools.

• Basic welding, cutting, and grinding skills.

• Understanding of health and safety requirements.

• Ability to read and follow work instructions.

Applicants should ensure that they can demonstrate their relevant knowledge and practical exposure in their CV and during the recruitment process.

Advantageous Skills

The following skills will be beneficial:

• Mechanical maintenance support.

• Basic electrical maintenance support.

• Equipment inspection and maintenance practices.

• Maintenance of industrial equipment and infrastructure.

• Preventative maintenance support.

• Basic fabrication and component assembly.

• Familiarity with tools and equipment used in mechanical workshops.

• Understanding of maintenance procedures and workplace safety practices.

These skills can help candidates perform their duties more effectively and contribute to the overall performance of the engineering team.

What Does Success Look Like in This Role?

A successful Artisan Assistant will contribute to the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of VKB’s grain handling facilities.

Success in this position involves:

• Supporting safe and efficient maintenance activities across silo facilities.

• Delivering quality workmanship while following established procedures.

• Assisting artisans with preventative maintenance, repairs, and installations.

• Helping improve the reliability and availability of engineering equipment.

• Maintaining a clean, organised, and safe working environment.

• Using tools and equipment correctly and responsibly.

• Reporting faults and unsafe conditions promptly.

• Demonstrating accountability, teamwork, and attention to detail.

• Developing practical technical knowledge through ongoing learning.

• Following health and safety requirements consistently.

• Contributing positively to the performance of the broader maintenance team.

The ideal candidate will understand that even routine maintenance activities play an important role in preventing breakdowns, protecting employees, and supporting uninterrupted agricultural operations.

Why Consider a Career with VKB Group?

Joining the VKB Group provides an opportunity to work within an organisation that plays an important role in South Africa’s agricultural value chain.

Agriculture depends on reliable infrastructure, effective equipment maintenance, and the coordinated efforts of employees across different operational departments.

As an Artisan Assistant, you will contribute to the maintenance activities that help grain handling and storage facilities operate effectively.

The role also offers exposure to practical engineering work and the opportunity to learn from experienced artisans and maintenance professionals.

For individuals who are interested in developing their technical capabilities, this experience may help build a foundation for future opportunities in mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance support, industrial engineering services, and related technical fields.

Candidates who demonstrate commitment, discipline, safety awareness, and a willingness to learn can use the practical experience gained in this environment to strengthen their professional development.

However, applicants should note that this is an Artisan Assistant position and does not automatically guarantee further training, promotion, or qualification as an artisan.

Working Environment

The Artisan Assistant will work in an operational agricultural engineering environment where maintenance activities are essential to the performance of grain storage and handling facilities.

The position may involve:

• Working around mechanical equipment and industrial machinery.

• Performing practical maintenance tasks in workshops and operational facilities.

• Working in dusty environments associated with grain handling.

• Using hand tools and power tools for authorised maintenance activities.

• Assisting with inspections, repairs, and equipment installations.

• Working at heights when required and when appropriate safety arrangements are in place.

• Ascending and descending stairs regularly.

• Travelling to different VKB facilities and silo sites when necessary.

• Supporting maintenance teams during planned work and equipment breakdowns.

Candidates should be comfortable with practical, hands-on work and understand the importance of following instructions and safety procedures in an industrial environment.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity may be suitable for individuals who have completed Grade 12 and have a genuine interest in mechanical or electrical maintenance.

Candidates with practical workshop experience, exposure to engineering tools, basic fabrication skills, or experience assisting artisans may find the position particularly relevant.

VKB is looking for someone who is dependable, safety-conscious, willing to work as part of a team, and prepared to learn from experienced technical personnel.

Before applying, candidates should review the requirements carefully and ensure that their CV highlights their relevant qualifications, technical exposure, practical skills, and ability to work in a demanding maintenance environment.

Job Summary

The Artisan Assistant position at VKB Engineering Services in Reitz is a permanent employment opportunity within the agricultural engineering sector.

The successful candidate will assist artisans with mechanical and electrical maintenance support, equipment inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, fabrication activities, and general maintenance duties.

Applicants must have Grade 12 or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification. Practical exposure to mechanical and electrical maintenance is important, while a valid trade certificate and driver’s licence will be advantageous.

Candidates should also possess the stated non-negotiable technical skills, including fault-finding, safe tool usage, basic welding, cutting and grinding, and an understanding of health and safety requirements.

Position: Artisan Assistant

Company: VKB Group

Division: VKB Grain

Department: Engineering Services Management

Location: Reitz, Free State

Employment Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 23 October 2026

How to Apply

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official VKB Group recruitment platform.

Applicants should ensure that their CV is up to date and clearly outlines their educational qualifications, relevant technical experience

Apply for artisan assistant vkb