EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE (X1 POST)

The Government Printing Works (GPW) is offering a 24-month Graduate Programme internship for the 2027/2029 financial year, and this particular placement is for an Equipment Maintenance position based in Pretoria. This is an OSD-graded internship opportunity aimed at providing structured work experience and practical exposure to graduates who are ready to enter the professional environment. The role sits within the broader internship programme of the GPW, where successful candidates will be placed in a work area aligned to their field of study. As an intern in equipment maintenance, the individual will be expected to engage actively in workplace activities, contribute to projects, and participate in capacity-building initiatives under the supervision of experienced professionals. This hands-on exposure is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the operational realities of maintaining equipment within a large state-owned printing enterprise.

To be considered for this position, applicants must hold a National Diploma or Degree in Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. These qualifications are essential, as the internship is intended to complement formal engineering study with practical maintenance-related work experience. In addition to the educational requirement, applicants must be unemployed South African citizens and must not have previously participated in any internship programme. This latter condition is particularly important; failure to disclose prior participation will be treated as dishonesty and will lead to immediate termination of the internship contract, as the programme is designed to benefit first-time interns who have not yet had this form of workplace exposure. Candidates with foreign qualifications must ensure that their qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before applying, as this is the applicant’s responsibility.

The main duties of the intern will revolve around structured work exposure and training relevant to Industrial or Mechanical Engineering. This includes actively participating in daily workplace tasks, supporting engineering teams with equipment maintenance planning and execution, observing and learning maintenance procedures, and contributing to project work as assigned. The intern will also take part in capacity-building initiatives, which may include workshops, training sessions, and other developmental activities aimed at enhancing professional competencies. All work will be carried out under the guidance of experienced professionals, ensuring that the intern gains meaningful, mentored experience in the field of equipment maintenance within the public sector context.

There are several important conditions attached to this internship. Shortlisted candidates will be required to produce certified copies of their qualifications and related documents on or before the day of the interview, as communicated by Human Resources. Personnel suitability checks will be conducted as part of the selection process, and successful candidates must be available for interviews at a date and time determined by the GPW. Successful applicants will also be required to enter into an employment contract and performance agreement. The GPW reserves the right to fill or not fill the advertised post. By applying, candidates consent to the collection, processing, and storage of their personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and this information will only be used for the recruitment process. Applications must be submitted using the correct application form and must be accompanied by the relevant reference number, with only shortlisted candidates being contacted. If no response is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. This internship offers a valuable opportunity for engineering graduates to gain formal, structured workplace experience within a respected government institution.