Artisan Assistant - VKB Engineering Services, Douglas

VKB Agriculture; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company in South Africa is seeking reliable and hardworking Artisan Assistants to support maintenance activities across various sites. The role involves hands-on work, requiring candidates to follow safety instructions and work in demanding environments. Successful applicants will need strong mechanical skills, a Grade 12 qualification, and a willingness to learn. Frequent travel between sites is expected, and those with a valid driver's licence and trade certificate will be at an advantage.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical and electrical experience required.
• Ability to troubleshoot effectively.
• Physically fit, comfortable with heights and confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Assist Fitter in performing maintenance and repair work.
• Support with basic electrical duties under supervision.
• Help with inspections of equipment and conduct preventative maintenance.

Skills

Independent

Team player

Ability to perform well under high pressure

Practical, hands-on ability

Good communication skills

Attention to detail

Basic mechanical knowledge

Education

Grade 12/NQF4

Valid driver's licence

Valid trade certificate

Tools

Basic hand tools (grinders, drills, spanners)

Electrical hand equipment

Job description

VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd is a dynamic agricultural company located in the Northeast Free State with interests in Limpopo. This organisation strives towards healthy and modern business practices and offers employees the opportunity to utilise and develop their knowledge and skills in a competitive work environment. We provide a professional, corporate environment in the countryside.

Job Description

We are looking for 2x reliable and hardworking Artisan Assistants to support our Fitter in performing maintenance, inspections, and repair work across all GWK Silo Facilities. This role is hands‑on and requires someone who is eager to learn, able to follow instructions, and comfortable working in physically demanding environments. Frequent travel between silo sites is required.

Requirements

• Grade 12/NQF4
• Strong mechanical and electrical experience in both fields
• Troubleshooting skills
• Ability to use basic hand tools (grinders, drills, spanners, etc.)
• Physically fit and comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces
• Ability to follow safety instructions and work safely at all times
• Willingness to learn new skills (fitting, welding, cutting, fabrication)
• Valid driver’s licence (advantage)
• Willingness to travel frequently between sites
• Valid trade certificate advantageous
• Applicable knowledge and skill will serve as an advantage

Skills Required

• Independent
• Team player
• Ability to perform well under high pressure environment
• Practical, hands‑on ability and willingness to learn
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Strong sense of responsibility and attention to detail
• Basic knowledge of electrical and mechanical work and other maintenance work

Duties

• Perform basic electrical duties under supervision, including use of electrical hand equipment (grinder, drill, test meters) and basic welding experience. Assist in boiler making activities such as cutting, grinding, and basic welding where trained.
• Assist in the fabrication, fitting, and assembly of mechanical parts and components.
• Support artisans during mechanical builds, repairs, or custom installations.
• Assist the Fitter with preventative maintenance on silos and related infrastructure.
• Help with inspections of equipment, structures, chutes, valves, and mechanical components.
• Support with basic repair tasks under supervision.
• Clean cables and electrical equipment during daily maintenance.
• Constantly comply with health and safety standards in execution of worksheets and maintenance.
• Offer a high quality of work in a neat manner.
• Work closely with the maintenance team and site personnel during repairs and installations.
• Travel with the Fitter to various GWK silo sites for routine work and emergency support.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Willing to undergo training towards qualification.

Equal Opportunity

VKB Group is an equal opportunity employer. VKB Group’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to VKB Group’s Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. VKB Group actively supports the recruitment of people with disabilities.

VKB Group and/or its subsidiary companies will use any personal data collected through the job opportunities section of this website for recruitment purposes only and, should your application be successful, for purposes connected with your employment.