Artisan Assistants at PPC

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• A Matric Certificate is required.
• A Boilermaker trade test certificate will be an added advantage.
• A willingness to participate in workplace training and develop practical engineering skills is expected.
• The candidate should demonstrate an understanding of basic workshop practices, maintenance activities, and safe handling of tools and equipment.

Experience

• A minimum of two years’ experience in a related engineering field is required.
• Experience in an industrial, manufacturing, mining, processing, or plant maintenance environment will be advantageous.
• Previous exposure to workshop operations, mechanical maintenance, fabrication support, installations, and general engineering activities will be beneficial.
• The candidate should have a basic understanding of workplace safety, maintenance procedures, housekeeping requirements, and operational standards.
• The ability to work under supervision and complete assigned duties according to instructions is essential.

Special Requirements and Skills

• A valid driver’s licence is required.
• Knowledge of EMS, QMS, On Key, and other relevant company systems will be beneficial.
• The candidate must be willing to learn and use applicable systems for maintenance management, reporting, quality control, and operational administration.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Strong teamwork, time management, and problem-solving abilities are essential.
• The candidate must demonstrate reliability, punctuality, accountability, and attention to detail.
• The ability to work in an industrial environment and meet the physical requirements of the position, subject to applicable occupational health and safety requirements, is necessary.
• A commitment to company policies, safety procedures, environmental responsibility, and continuous improvement is expected.

Duties and Responsibilities

Maintenance Execution and Technical Support

• Assist Boilermaker artisans and other authorised engineering personnel with planned and unplanned maintenance activities.
• Prepare tools, equipment, materials, and work areas before maintenance activities begin.
• Support mechanical maintenance, repairs, installations, and other engineering activities as assigned.
• Assist with the preparation, handling, movement, and positioning of materials and components under appropriate supervision.
• Ensure that tools, consumables, and equipment required for maintenance tasks are available and ready for use.
• Follow maintenance work orders, technical instructions, and established procedures when carrying out assigned duties.
• Report visible equipment defects, abnormal operating conditions, and potential maintenance problems to the responsible Technician, Electrician, Foreman, or Boilermaker.
• Provide feedback on completed work, outstanding tasks, material shortages, and challenges that may affect maintenance activities.
• Complete assigned tasks within the required timeframes while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Support efforts to reduce equipment downtime, prevent unnecessary damage, and improve plant reliability.
• Ensure that specialised or hazardous tasks are undertaken only when appropriately trained, authorised, and supervised.

Operational Control and Work Management

• Adhere to Operational Best Practices (OBP), departmental procedures, and established work instructions.
• Follow daily work schedules and ensure that assigned responsibilities are understood and completed effectively.
• Assist with the coordination and preparation of planned and unplanned maintenance work orders.
• Complete tangible and intangible time bookings accurately and within the required timeframes.
• Complete daily checklists for tools, equipment, and assigned areas of responsibility.
• Inspect tools and equipment for visible defects before use and report damaged, missing, or unsafe items.
• Ensure that tools and equipment are used correctly, stored safely, and maintained in suitable working condition.
• Communicate delays, operational challenges, and shortages of materials to the relevant supervisor.
• Contribute to the achievement of engineering targets by working efficiently and using company resources responsibly.
• Maintain accurate records and provide relevant information to support maintenance planning and departmental reporting.

Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Compliance

• Comply with all Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) requirements, company policies, and applicable statutory, legal, and regulatory obligations.
• Wear the prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing assigned duties.
• Follow approved safe working procedures and comply with applicable permits, risk assessments, and isolation requirements.
• Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings, risk assessments, and other workplace safety initiatives as required.
• Identify and report hazards, unsafe working conditions, near misses, incidents, and accidents promptly.
• Ensure that work is performed within the limits of the employee’s training, competence, and authorisation.
• Follow established procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of materials and waste.
• Assist in preventing environmental incidents and minimising environmental non-conformances.
• Maintain quality standards by ensuring that assigned tasks are completed carefully and according to approved instructions.
• Promote a safety-conscious working environment by demonstrating responsible behaviour and encouraging compliance with workplace procedures.

Communication, Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Provide clear and accurate feedback to the Technician, Electrician, Foreman, Boilermaker, or other responsible personnel regarding completed work and outstanding maintenance requirements.
• Report equipment defects, operational challenges, material shortages, and potential risks that may affect production or maintenance performance.
• Participate meaningfully in departmental INVOCOMs and contribute relevant information during interdepartmental INVOCOMs when required.
• Share relevant observations that may help improve workplace safety, maintenance planning, and operational efficiency.
• Support the achievement of engineering Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by completing assigned duties effectively and maintaining accurate records.
• Communicate professionally with colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and other departments.
• Accept feedback positively and apply instructions to improve work performance.
• Identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary delays, minimise wastage, and improve maintenance practices.
• Maintain a professional attitude and contribute to a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Governance and Risk Management

• Comply with company rules, disciplinary procedures, operational policies, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Follow established procedures and obtain the necessary authorisation before performing assigned activities.
• Report potential operational risks, equipment failures, safety concerns, and deviations from approved procedures to the relevant supervisor.
• Assist in maintaining accurate documentation and records in accordance with departmental requirements.
• Demonstrate accountability, honesty, professionalism, and responsible decision-making when carrying out assigned duties.
• Protect company property and use tools, equipment, materials, and other resources responsibly.
• Support a workplace culture that promotes compliance, transparency, and effective risk management.
• Ensure that work activities do not unnecessarily expose employees, equipment, or the environment to avoidable risks.

Inventory and Materials Management

• Assist with the responsible management and use of maintenance materials, tools, consumables, and engineering resources.
• Ensure that materials are handled carefully, stored appropriately, and used efficiently.
• Report damaged, missing, or insufficient materials to the relevant supervisor or authorised personnel.
• Assist in ensuring that materials required for scheduled maintenance activities are available when needed.
• Return unused materials and tools to the appropriate storage areas in accordance with established procedures.
• Minimise material wastage and prevent unnecessary damage to company property.
• Maintain good housekeeping in storage areas and workshops to support efficient material handling.
• Support cost-effective maintenance activities through responsible use of resources and compliance with inventory procedures.

Contractor Management and Teamwork

• Interact professionally with external service providers and contractors when required.
• Follow site access procedures, safety requirements, and company rules when working alongside contractors.
• Communicate respectfully and cooperate with contractors and other personnel to support the completion of maintenance activities.
• Work effectively with Boilermakers, Technicians, Electricians, Foremen, and other members of the Engineering Department.
• Assist team members with assigned duties when required and when appropriately instructed.
• Maintain positive working relationships through respectful communication, cooperation, and professional conduct.
• Follow instructions from authorised personnel and escalate concerns through the correct reporting channels.
• Contribute to a productive working environment that supports teamwork, safety, and operational excellence.

Housekeeping and Workplace Organisation

• Maintain good housekeeping standards in workshops, maintenance areas, and other assigned workspaces.
• Keep work areas clean, organised, and free from unnecessary obstructions that could create safety hazards.
• Return tools and equipment to their designated storage areas after use.
• Ensure that materials and consumables are stored safely and in accordance with company procedures.
• Dispose of waste materials according to applicable site and environmental requirements.
• Report spills, damaged walkways, defective equipment, and other unsafe conditions promptly.
• Ensure that maintenance areas are left in a safe and orderly condition after work has been completed.
• Support workplace inspections and housekeeping initiatives as required.
• Promote a clean and organised working environment to improve safety, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Closing Statement

This permanent Artisan Assistant B1 position offers an opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced candidate to contribute to the Engineering Department at the Dwaalboom site in Limpopo.

The successful candidate will play an important supporting role in maintenance execution, plant reliability, workplace safety, environmental compliance, and the effective management of engineering resources.

Candidates who meet the minimum requirements and demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, technical development, accountability, and operational excellence are encouraged to apply before the closing date.

Closing Date: 2 November 2026

Reference Number: PPC261013-2

Position: Artisan Assistant B1

Location: Dwaalboom, Limpopo, South Africa

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