ARTISAN ASSISTANT (CARPENTRY)

This position is for an Artisan Assistant specialising in carpentry at Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory, a large public hospital within the Western Cape Department of Health. The successful candidate will work in the hospital’s workshop environment, providing essential support to qualified artisans and the artisan foreman. The role is central to ensuring that hospital furniture and equipment remain safe, functional and well-maintained, directly contributing to the smooth operation of patient care and administrative services. As an artisan assistant, you will be expected to assist with both routine repairs and larger carpentry projects across the hospital campus, making this a hands-on and varied role for someone with practical woodworking and joinery skills.

To be considered for this post, applicants must have at least a Grade 10 Certificate or equivalent, along with appropriate experience in carpentry. This experience should demonstrate a working knowledge of joinery and machining within the carpentry field, as well as the ability to handle power tools safely and effectively. The job also requires physical capability to lift, move and handle heavy power-tools, as these are inherent requirements of the daily work. Beyond technical skills, the ideal candidate will be proactive and able to plan ahead, working independently with minimal supervision while also functioning well as part of a team. Good verbal and written communication skills are essential, as the role involves liaising with artisans, completing paperwork and reporting on repairs. A thorough understanding of and adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 and its regulations is non-negotiable, given the workshop environment and the need to maintain a safe workplace for staff and patients alike.

The main duties of the position are varied. You will assist in ordering and controlling workshop materials and tools, ensuring that stock levels are maintained and that equipment is accounted for. You will also be responsible for completing and returning repair requisitions, keeping accurate records of all repairs, and performing the necessary administrative functions that support the workshop’s operations. A significant part of the job involves maintaining and repairing hospital furniture and equipment, which may include beds, trolleys, cupboards, chairs and other wooden fixtures. You will assist artisans and the artisan foreman in the execution of carpentry projects, repairs and maintenance work throughout the hospital, responding to requests from various departments and ensuring that work is completed to a high standard and in line with safety protocols.

This is a public service post within a well-known healthcare institution, offering a stable career path for someone with the right technical background. As with all government vacancies, no payment of any kind is required when applying for this position. If you have the required carpentry experience and a commitment to quality workmanship, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the healthcare environment at Groote Schuur Hospital.