ARTISAN PRODUCTION GRADE A: SECURITY FOILING AND INKJET NUMBERING

This position is for an Artisan Production Grade A within the Security Printing directorate of a government department based in Pretoria, specifically dedicated to the specialised processes of security foiling and inkjet numbering. The role is an OSD-graded artisan post, meaning it falls under the Occupation Specific Dispensation salary structure for technical trades. The core purpose of the job is to ensure that high-security printed documents, such as banknotes, certificates, or other sensitive materials, are produced with the utmost precision, integrity, and adherence to strict customer specifications and standard operating procedures. The incumbent will operate within a highly controlled environment where safeguarding security materials is paramount, and the work directly supports the department’s mandate to deliver secure, tamper-evident printed products.

To be considered for this role, applicants must hold at least a Grade 10 certificate and have completed a recognised printing apprenticeship, culminating in a trade test certificate in Mechanised Bookbinding with a specialisation in special products printing, foiling, and inkjet numbering processes. While not mandatory, a Grade 12 qualification and computer literacy will strengthen an application, as will possession of a valid driver’s licence. A critical requirement is the ability to obtain a positive security clearance, given the sensitive nature of the materials handled. The successful candidate will be expected to work with precision and reliability, often under tight deadlines, and must be comfortable with both technical machine operation and meticulous quality control.

The daily duties are hands-on and multifaceted. The artisan will set up, adjust, operate, and maintain foiling and inkjet numbering equipment according to product requirements and standard operating procedures. This includes performing job setups, routine maintenance, repairs, and tasks such as sheeting and rewinding. The role demands rigorous quality checks at every stage to ensure finished products meet established standards, with immediate corrective action taken for any non-compliance. Accurate completion of daily production timesheets and submission of production reports are essential administrative components. Beyond machine operation, the position requires a strong commitment to workplace safety and housekeeping. The artisan must clean and maintain machines on schedule, ensure the efficient continuous running of equipment, and uphold all Safety, Health, Environment, Risk, and Quality (SHERQ) management processes, including compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The role also involves contributing to the development of policies and strategies related to production processes, and safeguarding all security materials at all times.

This is a permanent government position with a structured application process. The department is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and specifically aims to promote equity in terms of race, gender, and disability through this vacancy. All shortlisted candidates will undergo a personnel suitability check, including criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification, and employment verification. By applying, candidates consent to the collection and processing of their personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act. The successful appointee will be required to sign an employment contract and a performance agreement. Note that this is not a Senior Management Service post, so the SMS pre-entry programme requirement does not apply here, but all applicants must ensure they submit a fully completed, signed new Z83 form along with a CV, combined into a single PDF attachment, and must quote the correct job title and reference number in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and if no response is received within eight weeks of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill the post.