Artisan Aide – Exxaro Matla Coal (Kriel) – Apply Now
Exxaro Resources, one of South Africa’s most respected mining and energy companies, is inviting dedicated and safety-driven applicants to apply for the Artisan Aide position at Matla Coal in Kriel. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about engineering support, industrial maintenance, and hands-on operational excellence within a world-class mining environment.
As part of Exxaro’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and continuous development, the Artisan Aide plays a critical role in supporting artisans, ensuring equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and maintaining safe production operations. The position provides exposure to heavy industrial machinery, diverse technical tasks, and structured growth pathways within the mining sector.
Why This Role Matters at Exxaro
In highly demanding mining environments, uninterrupted equipment performance is essential for productivity and safety. The Artisan Aide contributes directly to:
Preventing costly breakdowns
Improving machinery reliability
Enhancing workplace safety
Supporting engineering teams with first-line inspections, maintenance, and repairs
Ensuring compliance with legal and organisational standards
This position is ideal for individuals seeking a technical career in mining, with future potential to grow into skilled artisan roles in fitting, diesel mechanics, welding, or electrical fields.
Minimum Requirements (Essential & Verified by Exxaro)
To qualify, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
Educational Requirements
Grade 10 / Standard 8 or Technical Qualification (Essential)
AET Level 4 (Essential)
Technical Skills Program (Any of the following):
Skills Programme: AA Fitting including Machinery
Skills Programme: AA Diesel Mechanic
Skills Programme: AA Plater/Welder
Skills Programme: AA Electrical
Experience
At least 1 year of technical support experience in a heavy industry environment (Essential)
Assessments & Certifications
Psychometric Assessment – conducted by Exxaro
Certificate of Fitness – conducted by Exxaro
Technical Abilities
Basic fault-finding and analytical skills
Ability to perform first-level inspections on mechanical & electrical equipment
Knowledge of welding, cutting, and refractory installation
Strong understanding of Health, Safety & Environmental standards
Key Duties & Responsibilities
The Artisan Aide will perform a variety of essential engineering support tasks, including but not limited to:
- Equipment Servicing & Maintenance
Assist qualified artisans with repairing, servicing, and maintaining critical plant machinery.
Support routine maintenance to ensure all equipment remains functional, safe, and efficient.
- First-Level Inspections & Fault Finding
Conduct basic diagnostics on mechanical and electrical components.
Identify early signs of breakdowns and report abnormalities immediately.
- Support for Production Continuity
Help restore machinery after breakdowns to minimise production downtime.
Prepare, recondition, and test components and spares before installation.
- Safety & Compliance
Uphold strict adherence to Safety, Health, Environment, and Community (SHEC) policies.
Wear appropriate PPE at all times.
Address or report unsafe conditions and maintain a clean, compliant work environment.
- Welding, Cutting & Basic Fabrication
Assist with welding, cutting, and refractory work under supervision.
Follow engineering drawings and instructions accurately.
- Teamwork, Ethics & Communication
Collaborate with artisans, supervisors, and co-workers from diverse cultural and technical backgrounds.
Promote ethical behaviour, teamwork, and constructive communication.
- Adaptability & Continuous Learning
Demonstrate agility in responding to urgent operational needs.
Embrace training opportunities and contribute innovative ideas to improve engineering processes.
Why Work at Exxaro?
Exxaro Resources is known for:
Market-leading safety culture
Career development pathways
Diverse and inclusive teams
Opportunities for artisan training and advancement
A strong focus on innovation and environmental stewardship
The company offers a dynamic work environment where employees are encouraged to grow, learn, and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable mining.
Who Should Apply?
This role is perfect for individuals who:
Enjoy hands-on technical work
Thrive in high-energy, high-responsibility industrial environments
Want to build a long-term engineering career in mining
Are passionate about safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement
Hold at least one AA Skills Programme qualification
Conclusion
The Artisan Aide position at Exxaro Matla Coal is more than an entry-level technical role—it is a gateway to a sustainable and high-growth engineering career in one of Africa’s leading mining companies. With the right combination of technical skill, discipline, and commitment, successful candidates will gain exposure to advanced mining systems, structured training programs, and opportunities for long-term career advancement.
This is an excellent role for job seekers who want to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s mining sector while developing valuable mechanical, electrical, and industrial maintenance skills.