Trainee Machine Operator – Entry Level

West Coast Personnel; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 68,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

West Coast Personnel is seeking a technically inclined individual for a development role in a manufacturing environment in Cape Town. You will assist with machine setup, load/unload parts, and prepare tooling for production, while learning to operate machinery safely and accurately.

Responsibilities broaden as you gain skills, including reading job cards, using precision measuring tools, and supporting maintenance and production flow.

Qualifications

• Previous exposure to a manufacturing, engineering or industrial production environment.
• Genuine interest in machinery, machining and manufacturing.
• Good practical and mechanical aptitude.
• Basic numeracy and the ability to work accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
• Reliable and responsible approach to work.
• Ability to follow instructions, work safely and take responsibility for your own work.
• Hands-on exposure to machinery, machining processes or engineering tools.
• Familiarity with precision measuring equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with machine setup and the loading and unloading of workpieces.
• Prepare tooling, materials and components for production.
• Learn to operate manufacturing machinery safely and correctly.
• Read and follow job cards, drawings and production instructions.
• Learn to use precision measuring equipment and work to specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Check your own work and report defects or quality concerns.
• Assist with basic machine inspections, cleaning and preventative maintenance.
• Support material preparation, stock handling, packing and production flow.
• Assist across production departments as your skills develop.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Numeracy

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Tools

Precision measuring tools

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with machine setup and the loading and unloading of workpieces.
• Prepare tooling, materials and components for production.
• Learn to operate manufacturing machinery safely and correctly.
• Read and follow job cards, drawings and production instructions.
• Learn to use precision measuring equipment and work to specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Check your own work and report defects or quality concerns.
• Assist with basic machine inspections, cleaning and preventative maintenance.
• Support material preparation, stock handling, packing and production flow.
• Assist across production departments as your skills develop.

Essential Requirements

• Previous exposure to a manufacturing, engineering or industrial production environment.
• A genuine interest in machinery, machining and manufacturing.
• Good practical and mechanical aptitude.
• Basic numeracy and the ability to work accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
• A reliable and responsible approach to work.
• Ability to follow instructions, work safely and take responsibility for your own work.
• Hands‑on exposure to machinery, machining processes or engineering tools.
• Familiarity with precision measuring equipment.

This is a technical development role with progression into an Assistant Machine Operator position based on demonstrated skills, reliability and competency.

Starting Rate: R59.93 per hour.