General Technical Assistant at SA Metal Group

Key duties and responsibilities

The General Technical Assistant will assist the electrical department with the maintenance, repair, installation, and upgrading of existing electrical control systems and electrical distribution infrastructure. The main responsibilities include:

• Assisting qualified artisans with the maintenance and upgrading of existing electrical control and distribution systems.
• Ensuring that electrical equipment has been properly isolated by a qualified artisan before any maintenance work begins.
• Supporting the inspection, servicing, repair, and general maintenance of electrical equipment.
• Preparing work areas and collecting the necessary tools, materials, and equipment for maintenance activities.
• Assisting with the installation of electrical conduits, cable racking, cable supports, and electrical cables according to approved specifications and standard work requirements.
• Identifying and selecting appropriate hand tools for different technical tasks.
• Using basic power tools safely and correctly in accordance with workplace procedures.
• Maintaining good housekeeping standards by keeping work areas clean, organised, and free from unnecessary hazards.
• Reporting damaged tools, faulty equipment, and unsafe working conditions to the appropriate supervisor.
• Following technical instructions and established maintenance procedures carefully.
• Providing general technical assistance to the department manager and qualified artisans.
• Carrying out additional duties related to departmental operations as reasonably required.

The successful candidate must understand that electrical work should only be undertaken within their level of competence and authorisation. Compliance with safety procedures and instructions from qualified personnel is essential at all times.

Minimum qualifications and experience

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Grade 12 certificate, matric qualification, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• At least three years of relevant working experience.
• Relevant experience in electrical maintenance, technical assistance, industrial maintenance, manufacturing, or a similar technical environment.
• Basic knowledge of tools, equipment, and maintenance practices.
• Understanding of occupational health and safety requirements.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English effectively.
• Willingness to work overtime when required by operational demands.
• Ability to follow instructions and work according to established company procedures.

Candidates must understand the importance of complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable workplace safety regulations. They should be able to recognise potential hazards, follow safety instructions, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate supervisor.

Good English communication skills are necessary for understanding technical instructions, communicating with colleagues, following safety procedures, and reporting workplace concerns.

Required skills and personal attributes

The ideal candidate must be able to work with minimal supervision while recognising when assistance or guidance from a qualified artisan or supervisor is necessary. The company is looking for an individual who is reliable, organised, and committed to completing assigned tasks accurately and efficiently.

The following skills and attributes are important for this position:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong practical and manual working abilities.
• Knowledge of common hand tools and basic power tools.
• Attention to detail when handling equipment and completing technical tasks.
• Good hand-eye coordination and logical thinking.
• Effective time management and the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy industrial environment.
• Self-motivation and a results-oriented approach.
• Willingness to learn and develop technical skills.
• Professional conduct and a strong work ethic.
• Reliability, punctuality, and accountability.
• Responsible personal conduct and sober habits.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of workmanship and workplace safety.

The successful applicant must be able to manage daily responsibilities effectively, cooperate with colleagues, and maintain productivity while following the instructions of supervisors and qualified artisans.

Health and safety requirements

Health and safety are essential aspects of the General Technical Assistant position. The successful candidate must comply with company safety policies, departmental procedures, and applicable occupational health and safety requirements.

Important safety responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that electrical equipment has been properly isolated by a qualified artisan before assisting with maintenance work.
• Following workplace safety instructions and approved procedures.
• Using hand tools and power tools responsibly and correctly.
• Identifying and reporting potential hazards and unsafe conditions.
• Maintaining clean and organised work areas.
• Handling materials and equipment carefully.
• Avoiding tasks that exceed their training, competence, or authorisation.
• Cooperating with colleagues and supervisors to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Maintaining awareness of electrical hazards and other risks in the working environment.

The successful candidate must contribute to maintaining a safe working environment by following instructions, using equipment responsibly, and reporting damaged tools or equipment promptly.

Employment conditions and benefits

This is a permanent, full-time position within the company’s electrical department. The successful candidate will work according to the company’s standard working hours and may be required to work overtime when operational requirements make it necessary.

The advertised employment benefits include:

• Provident fund.
• Life cover equal to four times the employee’s annual salary.
• Funeral cover.
• Fifteen days of paid leave per annum.
• Long-service leave after five years of employment, subject to applicable company conditions.

Standard working hours

• Monday to Thursday: 07:30 to 17:00.
• Friday: 07:30 to 16:00.
• Overtime may be required according to operational needs.

Applicants should be prepared to work additional hours when necessary and demonstrate flexibility in supporting departmental activities.

How to apply

Interested and suitably qualified candidates can apply for the General Technical Assistant position through the employer’s official online application portal.

Follow these steps when preparing and submitting your application:

• Visit the official vacancy page: Apply for the General Technical Assistant position.
• Read the job advertisement carefully to confirm the responsibilities, qualifications, experience requirements, and employment conditions.
• Prepare an updated curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting your relevant technical experience, electrical maintenance knowledge, practical skills, and previous employment.
• Ensure that your CV clearly reflects your Grade 12 qualification or equivalent and your relevant working experience.
• Include accurate contact details and information about your qualifications, previous duties, technical competencies, and workplace safety knowledge.
• Highlight experience with electrical equipment, tools, maintenance activities, cable installation, or other relevant technical duties where applicable.
• Follow the instructions provided on the official application page and complete all required application fields.
• Submit your application with the requested information before the applicable closing date.
• Keep a copy of your application details for future reference.
• Monitor your email and telephone for possible communication from the employer.

Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete. Relevant experience in electrical maintenance, industrial environments, equipment servicing, technical assistance, and compliance with workplace safety requirements should be clearly highlighted.

Important application information

The company has indicated that it may not be possible to contact every unsuccessful applicant. Candidates who have not received communication within fourteen days of submitting their applications should consider their applications unsuccessful.

The preferred candidate will receive a formal written offer of employment after all applicable pre-employment checks have been completed. The offer will only be valid when signed by an authorised company representative. Any other representations made on behalf of the company will not constitute a valid offer of employment.

Relevant skills and industry

The relevant skills and areas of experience associated with this position include:

• Electrical maintenance and technical assistance.
• Equipment servicing and general repairs.
• Electrical installation support.
• Cable installation, conduit installation, and cable racking.
• Hand tool and basic power tool operation.
• Occupational health and safety compliance.
• Workplace housekeeping and hazard awareness.
• Teamwork and communication.
• Time management and task prioritisation.
• Attention to detail and practical problem-solving.
• Technical support and quality workmanship.
• Compliance with workplace rules and regulations.
• Independent working and professional conduct.

The position falls within the electrical and manufacturing industries and offers an opportunity for an experienced technical assistant to contribute to the maintenance and operation of electrical systems while supporting qualified artisans and departmental management.