Mechanical Fitter (Shutdowns)

You'll keep machines turning and parts in spec at the sugar mill in Johannesburg CBD. You don't need to be the loudest person in the room, just the one others can count on.

Home base is a sugar mill on the Johannesburg CBD side of Gauteng.

• Maintain hydraulic and pneumatic systems on production lines
• Help with electrical fault-finding on motors and sensors as a millwright
• Align shafts with a laser alignment tool after every drive change
• Inspect and adjust conveyors, chains and sprockets
• Machine shafts, bushes and keyways on a lathe and milling machine
• Replace bearings, seals and couplings on pumps, gearboxes and motors
• Respond to breakdowns and get the line running again safely

• Own basic hand tools, or willing to build up a set
• Willing to work shifts, standby and weekend shutdowns
• At least 2 years as a qualified artisan in a factory or workshop
• Basic understanding of the General Machinery Regulations

• Hydraulic and pneumatic courses
• Food safety awareness for food and drink plants
• Millwright trade test, since it covers both mechanical and electrical

• Tool allowance
• Shift and standby allowances
• Chance to study further toward a technician diploma

• Expect a practical test. Measure twice and work cleanly, because the assessor watches your habits as much as the result.
• Write your trade and trade test year first, then the machines you know, like "Filling lines, pumps, gearboxes".