Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship at Universal Paper and Plastics

As a Diesel Mechanic Apprentice, you will gain exposure to different mechanical systems, identify equipment faults, perform routine maintenance and develop valuable technical skills. You will also be expected to follow workplace safety procedures, maintain accurate maintenance records and contribute to the efficient operation of company vehicles and equipment.

Applicants must have an N2 qualification in a related trade theory and completed institutional workshop training. Please note that institutional workshop training is a NON-NEGOTIABLE REQUIREMENT for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Vehicle Inspection, Maintenance and Repairs

The Diesel Mechanic Apprentice will assist with inspecting vehicles and equipment to determine their mechanical condition and identify potential faults.

Duties include:

• Conducting routine vehicle and equipment inspections.
• Performing diagnostic tests to identify mechanical problems.
• Identifying worn, damaged or defective vehicle components.
• Assisting with petrol and diesel engine maintenance.
• Servicing forklifts, reach trucks, generators and tractors.
• Assisting with fleet vehicle maintenance and repairs.
• Removing, repairing, adjusting and replacing mechanical components.
• Assembling and disassembling major mechanical parts and systems.
• Ensuring that vehicles and equipment remain in good working condition.

Preventative Maintenance and Equipment Servicing

The successful candidate will assist with preventative maintenance activities to reduce unexpected equipment breakdowns and improve machinery reliability.

Responsibilities include:

• Completing scheduled vehicle and equipment maintenance.
• Inspecting mechanical components and identifying potential problems.
• Assisting with replacing worn-out parts.
• Supporting equipment upgrades and component installations.
• Following preventative maintenance schedules.
• Ensuring that servicing requirements are completed on time.
• Helping maintain the reliability and performance of industrial machinery.

Workshop Operations and Technical Support

The apprentice will assist with general workshop operations and ensure that tools, equipment and workspaces are properly maintained.

Duties include:

• Following workshop operating instructions.
• Assisting with troubleshooting equipment breakdowns.
• Maintaining workshop tools and equipment.
• Monitoring workshop supplies and spare parts.
• Checking stock levels and verifying received materials.
• Arranging outsourced repairs when necessary.
• Responding to maintenance and mechanical service calls.
• Supporting other workshop activities as assigned.

Maintenance Records and Reporting

Accurate recordkeeping is important for effective vehicle maintenance and fleet management.

Responsibilities include:

• Recording all vehicle servicing and repair activities.
• Maintaining accurate maintenance and service records.
• Tracking the time spent working on individual vehicles.
• Recording the type of repairs completed.
• Comparing actual repair times with standard estimated times.
• Reporting maintenance progress and completed work to management.
• Communicating unexpected repair requirements and delays.

Equipment Cleaning and General Maintenance

The successful candidate will also assist with maintaining the appearance and condition of company vehicles and equipment.

Duties include:

• Cleaning and washing vehicles and machinery.
• Assisting with painting and general equipment maintenance.
• Keeping the workshop clean and organised.
• Ensuring tools and equipment are stored correctly.
• Maintaining good housekeeping standards.
• Reporting damaged or defective workshop equipment.

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

Universal Paper and Plastics places importance on maintaining a safe and productive working environment. The successful candidate must follow all workplace health and safety procedures when performing mechanical maintenance and workshop duties.

Responsibilities include:

• Following all established workplace safety procedures.
• Wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ensuring that employees working in the area have received the required induction.
• Identifying and reporting unsafe working conditions.
• Reporting dangerous practices and potential workplace hazards immediately.
• Maintaining excellent housekeeping standards.
• Assisting with housekeeping improvement plans.
• Completing monthly safety documentation when required.
• Following safe equipment-handling procedures.
• Contributing towards the company’s zero-injury objective.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Candidates interested in this Diesel Mechanic Apprentice vacancy should have a strong interest in mechanical work and a willingness to develop their technical abilities.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge of vehicle mechanical systems.
• Basic understanding of diesel technology.
• Mechanical aptitude and practical skills.
• Knowledge of equipment management practices.
• Understanding of electrical and hydraulic systems.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety.
• Understanding of mechanical workshop precautions.
• Basic knowledge of engineering and design principles.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow and interpret technical instructions.
• Ability to perform manual labour and meet physical requirements.
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work flexible or irregular schedules.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Basic mathematical skills.
• Good attitude, discipline and work ethic.
• Effective time and task management skills.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and maintenance records.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good professional judgement.
• Willingness to learn and develop new technical skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for the Diesel Mechanic Apprentice position at Universal Paper and Plastics (Pty) Ltd, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• N2 qualification in a related trade theory.
• Completed institutional workshop training.
• Basic understanding of mechanical engineering.
• Interest in diesel mechanics and vehicle maintenance.
• Knowledge of workshop practices and mechanical systems.
• Ability to work in an industrial and workshop environment.
• Willingness to follow company policies and safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with other employees.

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT:

Institutional workshop training is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Applicants must have completed institutional workshop training to be considered for this opportunity.

Candidates should ensure that their N2 qualifications and workshop training are clearly indicated on their CVs.

SALARY AND EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

The successful candidate will receive a monthly salary ranging from R8,000 to R9,000.

Employment details:

• Monthly salary: R8,000 to R9,000.
• Employment type: Temporary.
• Opportunity type: Learnership.
• Work arrangement: Full-time.
• Location: Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng.
• Company: Universal Paper and Plastics (Pty) Ltd.

This opportunity provides exposure to industrial maintenance operations and practical experience in diesel mechanics, vehicle servicing and mechanical equipment repairs.

WHY APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY?

This Diesel Mechanic Apprentice opportunity is suitable for individuals who want to strengthen their mechanical knowledge and gain practical experience in an industrial working environment.

Successful applicants will gain exposure to different types of machinery, including forklifts, reach trucks, diesel generators, tractors and fleet vehicles.

The experience can help candidates develop important technical and professional skills, including:

• Diesel engine maintenance and servicing.
• Mechanical fault identification and troubleshooting.
• Preventative maintenance procedures.
• Vehicle inspection and repair techniques.
• Industrial equipment maintenance.
• Workshop safety and housekeeping.
• Technical reporting and recordkeeping.
• Teamwork and workplace communication.

For candidates who have completed N2 trade theory and institutional workshop training, this position offers an opportunity to apply their technical knowledge in a practical working environment.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online through the Indeed application platform.

Before submitting your application, make sure your CV is updated and includes the following information:

• Your full names and contact details.
• Your educational qualifications.
• Your N2 trade theory qualification.
• Details of your institutional workshop training.
• Relevant mechanical or workshop experience, if applicable.
• Any additional technical training or relevant certificates.

Applicants should ensure that their contact details are correct and that all relevant supporting documents are available if requested during the recruitment process

Apply for this vacancy