South Africans who have experience in engineering and mechanical maintenance now have an exciting opportunity to build a long-term career with PPC. The company is currently inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Handyman (Mechanical) at its Hercules operation in Pretoria, Gauteng. This is a permanent position that offers the chance to work in a modern manufacturing environment while supporting the maintenance and reliability of critical production equipment.
If you have completed Grade 12, possess a relevant NQF Level 2 Machine Handyman qualification, and enjoy working with industrial machinery, this opportunity could be the next step in your engineering career. Applications are open until 12 July 2026, so interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
About the Position
The Handyman (Mechanical) position forms part of PPC’s Engineering Department within the Inland Business Unit. The successful applicant will report directly to the Mechanical Foreman and will be responsible for assisting qualified artisans such as Fitters and Boilermakers with both planned and emergency maintenance work.
The main objective of this role is to ensure that plant machinery and equipment remain in excellent working condition. By carrying out maintenance, repairs, inspections, and support activities, the successful candidate will help maximise equipment availability while reducing unnecessary downtime that could affect production.
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy practical engineering work, solving technical problems, and contributing to the smooth operation of a manufacturing plant.
Position Details
Job Title: Handyman (Mechanical)
Job Type: Permanent
Department: Engineering
Business Unit: Inland Business Unit
Work Location: Hercules, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Reporting To: Mechanical Foreman
Application Closing Date: 15 August 2026
Purpose of the Role
The successful candidate will support qualified maintenance artisans in carrying out both scheduled maintenance and emergency repair work on mechanical equipment throughout the plant.
This includes assisting with repairs, preventative maintenance, equipment inspections, installation work, and ensuring that machinery operates efficiently. The position plays an important role in maintaining production targets by reducing equipment failures and responding quickly to maintenance requests.
Working in a manufacturing environment requires attention to detail, commitment to safety, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, applicants should meet the following educational requirements:
- Grade 12 (Matric).
- A Machine Handyman qualification obtained from an accredited training provider at NQF Level 2.
- A valid driver’s licence.
Meeting these minimum qualifications demonstrates that applicants have the foundational knowledge required to perform maintenance duties safely and effectively.
Experience Required
Candidates should have previous experience within an engineering or industrial maintenance environment.
Experience working in manufacturing plants, production facilities, cement operations, or heavy industrial environments will be advantageous.
Applicants should also possess basic computer literacy, including the ability to use engineering or maintenance systems where work orders and maintenance activities are recorded.
Experience with maintenance planning systems and electronic reporting tools will be considered an added advantage.
Knowledge and Technical Skills
The ideal candidate should have practical knowledge of various mechanical systems and industrial equipment commonly found in manufacturing plants.
Important areas of technical knowledge include:
- General industrial machinery.
- Manufacturing processes.
- Cement production environments.
- Safe operation of oxy-acetylene equipment.
- Arc welding equipment.
- Air slide maintenance and repairs.
- Conveyor belt maintenance.
- Elevator maintenance.
- Screw conveyor servicing.
- Dust collector maintenance.
- Industrial ducting and dampers.
- Vibrating screens.
- Mechanical samplers.
A good understanding of these systems enables the successful candidate to support maintenance teams efficiently while contributing to reliable plant performance.
Personal Attributes
PPC is looking for candidates who possess strong technical ability together with the right attitude and work ethic.
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong problem-solving abilities.
- The ability to identify the root cause of equipment failures.
- A proactive approach to maintenance.
- Good self-discipline.
- Excellent teamwork skills.
- A commitment to workplace safety.
- Adaptability when working in demanding industrial environments.
- Confidence when working at heights where required.
- A willingness to learn from experienced artisans.
These behavioural competencies are essential in ensuring maintenance activities are completed safely, efficiently, and according to company standards.
Main Responsibilities
The Handyman will provide valuable support to the Engineering Department through a wide variety of maintenance-related activities.
Daily responsibilities may include:
Mechanical Maintenance
The successful candidate will assist qualified artisans in carrying out planned preventative maintenance as well as responding to equipment breakdowns.
Tasks may include:
- Supporting repair work.
- Assisting with machinery installations.
- Replacing worn components.
- Conducting equipment inspections.
- Performing routine maintenance.
- Assisting with fault diagnosis.
- Helping restore equipment to normal operating condition.
Preventative maintenance plays an important role in reducing unexpected breakdowns and improving production efficiency.
Operational Support
The Handyman will also assist in maintaining operational excellence by ensuring that maintenance activities follow company procedures and engineering best practices.
Responsibilities include:
- Completing work orders accurately.
- Recording maintenance time correctly.
- Following maintenance schedules.
- Completing daily equipment inspections.
- Ensuring all tools remain in good working condition.
- Maintaining clean and organised work areas.
Good housekeeping contributes to a safer and more productive workplace.
Communication and Reporting
Good communication is essential within the Engineering Department.
The successful candidate will:
- Participate in departmental meetings.
- Share maintenance feedback.
- Report equipment defects.
- Notify supervisors about potential risks.
- Assist with continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support engineering performance objectives.
Providing accurate maintenance feedback helps improve future maintenance planning and plant reliability.
Safety and Compliance
Safety remains one of the highest priorities in an industrial manufacturing environment.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Follow all safety procedures.
- Comply with legal requirements.
- Adhere to company engineering standards.
- Observe environmental regulations.
- Report incidents immediately.
- Promote safe working practices.
- Use personal protective equipment correctly.
- Follow Quality Management System requirements.
A strong safety culture helps protect employees while maintaining operational excellence.
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Inventory and Materials
The role also involves assisting with the responsible use of maintenance materials and engineering resources.
Responsibilities include:
- Minimising unnecessary material waste.
- Using spare parts responsibly.
- Maintaining engineering tools.
- Assisting with inventory control where required.
Effective inventory management contributes to lower maintenance costs and improved operational efficiency.
Contractor Support
Occasionally, external contractors may perform specialised maintenance work within the plant.
The Handyman will interact professionally with these contractors while ensuring that work is completed according to company standards and safety requirements.
Working Environment
This position is based at PPC’s Hercules operation in Pretoria, where employees work in a busy industrial manufacturing environment.
Candidates should be comfortable working:
- Around heavy machinery.
- In dusty industrial conditions.
- At varying heights when required.
- As part of a maintenance team.
- During planned maintenance shutdowns.
- Under pressure when responding to equipment breakdowns.
The ability to adapt to changing maintenance priorities is important for success in this role.
Why Join PPC?
PPC is recognised as one of South Africa’s leading manufacturers and continues to invest in operational excellence, engineering innovation, and employee development.
Working for PPC offers employees the opportunity to:
- Build long-term career stability.
- Gain valuable engineering experience.
- Work alongside skilled maintenance professionals.
- Develop practical technical skills.
- Contribute to the reliability of large-scale manufacturing operations.
- Participate in a culture focused on safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
The company values dedicated employees who are committed to maintaining high operational standards while supporting efficient production processes.
How to Apply
Apply Online For PPC Permanent Handyman (General Worker)
Application Closing Date
Applications for the Handyman (Mechanical) position close on 12 July 2026.
Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to prepare an updated CV, ensure all qualifications and supporting documents are available, and submit their applications before the deadline.
If you have mechanical maintenance experience, enjoy solving technical problems, and want to establish a rewarding career within one of South Africa’s leading manufacturing companies, this permanent opportunity at PPC could be an excellent career move.