TRADESMAN AID BUILDING (CARPENTRY)

This position is for a Tradesman Aid in the Building discipline, specifically focused on carpentry, within the Engineering and Technical Support Services directorate of the Western Cape Government, based at Head Office in Cape Town. The role is essentially a support function within a team responsible for maintaining and repairing government buildings, with a particular emphasis on hospital facilities across the province. As a Tradesman Aid, you will work under the direction of qualified artisans and the Artisan Foreman, providing practical assistance to ensure that maintenance, repair, and installation work is completed safely, efficiently, and in line with relevant regulations. The environment is hands-on and requires a willingness to move between building workshops and travel throughout the Western Cape as operational needs dictate.

To be considered for this post, applicants must have a minimum educational qualification of Grade 10 or an equivalent qualification. In addition, appropriate experience in the building environment is required. The role demands a person who is physically fit for manual labour, willing to work overtime, and prepared to rotate between different building workshops. Essential competencies include the ability to handle tools competently, good interpersonal and communication skills, and a sound knowledge of building-related trades, particularly carpentry, plumbing, painting, and general building work. A basic understanding of Building Regulations is also necessary, as is strict adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 and its relevant regulations.

The duties are varied and practical. You will carry out minor maintenance tasks and assist with the installation of plant, equipment, and alterations. A key part of the job is ensuring that tools and materials are available when needed, and that the workshop and working areas are kept clear of obstructions and cleaned daily. You will assist artisans in executing their duties, which mainly involve carpentry, plumbing, painting, and building-related tasks. This includes maintenance and repairs through painting, glazing, skimming, installing drywalls and ceilings, and spray-painting equipment at hospital buildings. You will also help with the repair and servicing of infrastructure equipment at facilities, according to set standards and regulations. Occasionally, you will provide support across the carpentry, plumbing, painting, and building departments as required. You will take control of assigned job cards, assist the Artisan Foreman or Artisan with specific tasks, and respond to emergency breakdowns, including after-hours repairs. Additionally, you may be involved in the planning and décor of new installations and alterations.

This is a supportive but essential role within the public health infrastructure maintenance system. It offers an opportunity for someone with practical building experience to contribute to the upkeep of vital government facilities. As with all posts in this government department, no payment of any kind is required when applying for this vacancy.