Artisan Assistant - VKB Milling, Lydenburg

Introduction to the VKB Group

The VKB Group is a leading agricultural enterprise, deeply rooted in the rural heartland of South Africa. Guided by more than a century of trust and innovation, VKB provides essential support and services to farmers while delivering high-quality, farm-produced food products to consumers.

Our operations span the entire agricultural value chain — from input supply and primary production to processing, logistics, and market access. Through our regional brands VKB, GWK, and NTK, we continue to grow a resilient and future-focused agri-business that contributes to food security, economic development, and community empowerment.

Built on the trust of our farmer-shareholders and the dedication of our people, VKB remains committed to sustainable progress and the development of South Africa’s agricultural sector.

More about VKB Milling

VKB Milling (Pty) Ltd is one of four subsidiaries of VKB Agri Processors (Pty) Ltd, the agri-processing division of the VKB Group.

VKB Milling operates white maize mills in Mokopane (Limpopo) and Mashishing (Mpumalanga), a wheat mill in Frankfort (Free State), as well as a maize mill in Christiana and a wheat mill in Modderrivier (Northern Cape).

About the role

The Artisan Assistant provides support to the maintenance team in ensuring the efficient operation, maintenance, and reliability of plant equipment. The role involves assisting with preventative maintenance, breakdown repairs, shutdown activities, inspections, housekeeping, and asset care while maintaining adherence to Food Safety, SHEQ, and company compliance requirements.

The successful candidate will work closely with artisans and maintenance personnel to support safe and effective plant operations.

Requirements* Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 with Mathematics and Science

• 3-5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within the food manufacturing industry
• Semi-qualified Millwright qualification advantageous
• Valid driver's licence
• Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Outlook and Excel)
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Support

• Support fault finding, inspections, breakdown repairs, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Assist artisans with machine component repairs and general plant maintenance tasks.
• Assist with the installation, maintenance, repair, testing, and commissioning of mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment.

Maintenance Administration

• Capture, update, and close job cards on the On-Key system.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and report breakdowns, follow-up work, and downtime.

Equipment reliability and Production Support

• Conduct routine equipment and line inspections and report defects.
• Assist in reducing downtime and improving equipment availability.
• Support production readiness by ensuring equipment is operational before start-up.

Shutdowns, Housekeeping and Asset Care

• Assist with planned shutdown maintenance and deep-cleaning activities.
• Maintain housekeeping standards and ensure proper care of tools, spares, and equipment.

Food Safety, SHEQ and Compliance

• Comply with Food Safety, Quality, SHEQ, and company requirements.
• Complete required documentation, attend training, and follow all safety procedures.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Good fault-finding skills and technical aptitude
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure
• Team player with good interpersonal skills
• Basic computer literacy
• Good coordination and organisational skills
• Self-motivated, reliable, and trustworthy
• Resilient, adaptable, and safety conscious
• Commitment to quality and continuous improvement

Other Information

• The company can expire jobs at any time at their own discretion.
• 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.
• 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.
• Things to take note of when applying through our Career Portal.
• Use Google Chrome when accessing the portal
• Clear copy of your CV in either PDF or Word
• The CV should not have handwriting on the document
• NB! Only Submit your CV on the Upload CV section of the application form and not a PDF that includes other documents such as ID, Driver’s License and other documents. The application form will make provision for the candidate to upload supporting documents.
• When uploading profile picture, make sure the minimum size uploaded is 300 x 300px