Artisan Assistant- VKB Group x1
Job Details
Job Title: Artisan Assistant
Company: VKB Group
Division: VKB Grain
Business Unit: Engineering Services Management
Department: Engineering Services
Location: Reitz, Free State
Industry: Agriculture and Engineering
Job Function: Engineering
Employment Type: Permanent
Minimum Experience Level: Entry Level
Posted Date: 16 October 2026
Closing Date: 23 October 2026
Salary: Not specified in the advertisement
Job Description
VKB Group is seeking a dependable and motivated Artisan Assistant to join its Engineering Services team in Reitz, Free State. The successful candidate will assist qualified artisans with mechanical and electrical maintenance, repairs, installations and preventative maintenance across grain handling and silo facilities.
This role is ideal for a practical individual who enjoys working with tools, solving technical problems and developing engineering skills in an agricultural environment. The successful applicant will help maintain equipment reliability, minimise operational downtime and ensure that all maintenance activities comply with safety and quality standards.
The position also offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working alongside experienced artisans and maintenance professionals.
Key Responsibilities
The Artisan Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:
Assist artisans with preventative and corrective maintenance activities.
Support electrical maintenance tasks under appropriate supervision.
Assist with mechanical repairs, installations and equipment servicing.
Participate in inspections of silos, structures, valves, chutes and related infrastructure.
Perform cutting, grinding, fabrication and basic welding tasks where trained and authorised.
Assist with assembling, fitting and replacing mechanical components.
Support basic fault-finding and troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical equipment.
Travel to various VKB and silo sites to assist with maintenance activities and emergency repairs.
Ensure compliance with health, safety and operational procedures.
Maintain tools, equipment and work areas in a clean, organised and safe condition.
Work closely with artisans, maintenance teams and operational staff during repairs and installations.
Complete assigned tasks according to supervisor instructions and required quality standards.
Participate in technical training and development opportunities.
Contribute to equipment reliability and the smooth operation of grain handling facilities.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Qualifications
Grade 12 / NQF Level 4.
A valid trade certificate will be advantageous.
A valid driver’s licence will be advantageous.
Essential Experience and Practical Knowledge
Practical exposure to mechanical and electrical maintenance work.
Experience using hand tools and maintenance equipment, including grinders, drills and spanners.
Basic troubleshooting and fault-finding abilities in mechanical and electrical environments.
Experience working in physically demanding environments.
Ability to follow technical instructions and established safety procedures.
Exposure to maintenance, repairs, fabrication or other related technical activities will be an advantage.
Required Skills and Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate the following:
Fault-finding and troubleshooting: Ability to identify basic equipment problems and assist with repairs.
Safe tool handling: Knowledge of how to use hand tools and power tools safely.
Basic welding and fabrication: Basic cutting, welding and grinding skills.
Health and safety awareness: Understanding of workplace safety requirements and maintenance procedures.
Attention to detail: Ability to complete tasks carefully and maintain good workmanship.
Problem-solving: Ability to assist with identifying and resolving technical issues.
Teamwork: Willingness to work cooperatively with artisans and maintenance teams.
Communication: Ability to understand instructions and communicate effectively.
Accountability: Reliability, responsibility and commitment to completing assigned work.
Adaptability: Willingness to learn new skills and respond to changing operational needs.
Quality orientation: Commitment to maintaining equipment and completing work to the required standard.
Self-management: Ability to take initiative while following instructions and supervision.
Additional Physical and Working Conditions
Applicants should be able to:
Work in environments with high levels of dust.
Work at heights when required and authorised.
Ascend and descend stairs regularly.
Perform physically demanding maintenance duties.
Travel to different sites when operational requirements demand it.
Advantageous Technical Skills
The following knowledge and experience may be beneficial:
Mechanical maintenance support.
Basic electrical maintenance support.
Equipment inspection and maintenance practices.
Maintenance of engineering infrastructure.
Preventative maintenance procedures.
Fabrication and installation support.
About VKB Engineering Services
VKB Engineering Services supports the reliability and performance of the group’s grain handling and storage facilities. The team maintains and repairs mechanical and electrical infrastructure, including silo equipment, conveying systems and related installations.
Through its maintenance activities, Engineering Services helps reduce downtime, improve equipment performance and maintain safe working environments. The Artisan Assistant will contribute to these operations while developing practical technical skills within the agricultural engineering sector.