Apprentice Diesel Mechanic - Hands-On Training & Mentorship

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Provident Fund

Medical Aid

Guaranteed 13th cheque

Shift allowances

Overtime

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a qualified Diesel Mechanic in Mpumalanga to maintain and repair diesel engines, transmissions, and related systems for our fleet. The role requires strong troubleshooting skills and adherence to safety standards.

The successful candidate will perform preventative maintenance, diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues, and respond to on-road breakdowns with on-site solutions. Experience with heavy earthmoving equipment is a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years experience as a diesel mechanic.
• Strong mechanical knowledge of diesel engines and transmissions.
• Proficiency with diagnostic tools and repair equipment.
• Ability to read technical manuals, schematics, and diagrams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular inspections and preventative maintenance on diesel engines, transmissions, and related components.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues in diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.
• Perform repairs on engines, fuel systems, brakes, steering, and other critical systems to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Respond to vehicle breakdowns on the road, providing on-site diagnostics and repairs as needed.
• Coordinate with the Senior Mechanic and other team members to arrange for towing or additional support if a vehicle cannot be repaired on-site.
• Carry out complete engine overhauls, including disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling diesel engines.
• Test and adjust engine performance to ensure compliance with manufacturer specifications.
• Utilise diagnostic tools and software to identify and resolve electrical and electronic issues within the fleet.
• Repair and replace faulty wiring, sensors, and electronic control units (ECUs) as required.
• Ensure that all tools and diagnostic equipment are properly maintained, calibrated, and stored.
• Keep an inventory of spare parts and materials, ordering replacements as needed.
• Work closely with the Senior Mechanic to prioritise and manage repair tasks.
• Supervise and guide the Assistant Mechanics, ensuring they are effectively supporting the maintenance and repair processes.
• Collaborate with the Fabricator/Welder to address any fabrication or welding needs related to diesel equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of all maintenance, repairs, and services performed on the fleet.
• Complete job cards, service sheets, and other documentation as required.
• Report any safety concerns, recurring issues, or vehicle malfunctions to the Senior Mechanic.
• Adhere to all workshop safety protocols, including the use of PPE and safe working practices.
• Ensure the workshop area is clean, organised, and free of hazards.
• Participate in regular safety meetings and training sessions to stay informed of best practices and regulations.

Skills

Diesel mechanic

Mechanical knowledge

Diagnostics tools

Technical manuals

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Trade qualification (Red Seal)

Tools

CAT ADTs

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance and Repairs:

• Conduct regular inspections and preventative maintenance on diesel engines, transmissions, and related components.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues in diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.
• Perform repairs on engines, fuel systems, brakes, steering, and other critical systems to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Breakdown Response:

• Respond to vehicle breakdowns on the road, providing on-site diagnostics and repairs as needed.
• Ensure that all necessary tools and spare parts are available for on-road repairs.
• Coordinate with the Senior Mechanic and other team members to arrange for towing or additional support if a vehicle cannot be repaired on-site.

Engine Overhauls:

• Carry out complete engine overhauls, including disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling diesel engines.
• Test and adjust engine performance to ensure compliance with manufacturer specifications.

Electrical and Diagnostic Work:

• Utilise diagnostic tools and software to identify and resolve electrical and electronic issues within the fleet.
• Repair and replace faulty wiring, sensors, and electronic control units (ECUs) as required.

Tool and Equipment Management:

• Ensure that all tools and diagnostic equipment are properly maintained, calibrated, and stored.
• Keep an inventory of spare parts and materials, ordering replacements as needed.

Collaboration and Supervision:

• Work closely with the Senior Mechanic to prioritise and manage repair tasks.
• Supervise and guide the Assistant Mechanics, ensuring they are effectively supporting the maintenance and repair processes.
• Collaborate with the Fabricator/Welder to address any fabrication or welding needs related to diesel equipment.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of all maintenance, repairs, and services performed on the fleet.
• Complete job cards, service sheets, and other documentation as required.
• Report any safety concerns, recurring issues, or vehicle malfunctions to the Senior Mechanic.

Health and Safety:

• Adhere to all workshop safety protocols, including the use of PPE and safe working practices.
• Ensure the workshop area is clean, organised, and free of hazards.
• Participate in regular safety meetings and training sessions to stay informed of best practices and regulations.

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications:

• Must be qualified with a minimum of 3-5 years experience.
• Strong mechanical knowledge of diesel engines, transmissions, and related systems.
• Proficiency with diagnostic tools and repair equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and diagrams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.

Experience:

• Extensive experience as a diesel mechanic in a workshop or similar environment.
• Formal training or certification in diesel mechanics is preferred.

Working Conditions:

• The role involves working in a workshop environment with exposure to noise, fumes, and heavy machinery.
• The Diesel Mechanic may be required to work overtime or on weekends, depending on operational needs.
• The Diesel Mechanic must be prepared to attend to breakdowns on the road, which may involve working in varying weather conditions and locations.

Benefits

• Provident Fund
• Medical Aid
• Guaranteed 13th cheque
• Shift allowances
• Overtime

Additional Qualifications

• Recognised Diesel Mechanic / Earthmoving Mechanic trade qualification (Red Seal).
• Minimum 35 years experience as a Diesel Mechanic in a mining or heavy earthmoving environment.
• CAT Articulated Dump Trucks (ADTs).
• Strong knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, transmissions, drivetrains and electrical systems.
• Experience with fault-finding, diagnostics, repairs and preventative maintenance on heavy earthmoving equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, hydraulic schematics and electrical diagrams.