Premier, a leading industrial employer in South Africa, is offering an exciting opportunity for young, motivated individuals to join as Artisan Assistants at their Aeroton operations in Gauteng for 2026. This position is ideal for candidates looking to gain hands-on experience in engineering, plant maintenance, and industrial operations, while building a foundation for a long-term technical career.
About the Role
The Artisan Assistant position provides practical support to skilled artisans and technicians, helping with the maintenance, repair, and operation of plant equipment. It is an entry-level position designed to expose candidates to industrial engineering processes, mechanical systems, and electrical maintenance tasks. Candidates will gain experience working alongside seasoned professionals, observing and learning the application of technical skills in real-world industrial settings.
Responsibilities in this role include assisting with equipment servicing, routine inspections, repairs, installations, and general workshop tasks. Additionally, Artisan Assistants may support project preparation, operational checks, and safety compliance activities under the supervision of qualified artisans and engineers. This structured exposure allows the candidate to build practical skills essential for progressing to a fully qualified artisan or technical specialist role in the future.
Fields Offered
The Premier Artisan Assistant role spans multiple technical and engineering disciplines, providing a broad foundation for career growth. The key fields offered include:
- Mechanical Engineering Assistance: Support in maintaining pumps, motors, conveyor systems, and general machinery.
- Electrical Engineering Assistance: Helping electricians with wiring, motor control, maintenance of electrical panels, and troubleshooting minor faults.
- Plant and Equipment Maintenance: General assistance in servicing and monitoring industrial equipment, including preventive maintenance tasks.
- Industrial Support Functions: Participation in safety checks, operational monitoring, and assisting with industrial projects.
This multi-disciplinary exposure ensures that candidates gain valuable knowledge of both mechanical and electrical systems, making them versatile and well-prepared for future engineering or artisan career paths.
Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications and requirements to be considered for the Artisan Assistant role at Premier in Aeroton:
- Educational Requirement: N2 or N3 in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent technical Matric certificate. Candidates with NCV Level 4 in technical subjects may also be eligible.
- Skills Required: Strong technical aptitude, problem-solving ability, and basic understanding of engineering principles.
- Work Eligibility: South African citizen with a valid identification document.
- Personal Attributes: Willingness to learn, ability to work in a team, commitment to safety procedures, and attention to detail.
This position is suitable for individuals seeking to gain practical workplace experience in an industrial setting and is considered an entry point to become a fully qualified artisan or technician.
Benefits of the Role
Joining Premier as an Artisan Assistant provides several benefits, including:
- Practical Experience: Hands-on learning alongside experienced artisans and engineers.
- Career Progression: Exposure to multiple technical fields enables growth into skilled artisan or technical positions.
- Industrial Knowledge: Understanding of plant operations, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols.
- Professional Development: Mentorship and guidance from senior technical staff.
The role also helps candidates meet the requirements for future trade testing or technical certifications, providing a stepping stone into more advanced engineering careers.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is not always listed publicly, as positions are often advertised on a rolling basis. However, many openings appear in early January 2026, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly once a vacancy is listed. Early application increases the likelihood of being shortlisted for interviews and assessment tests.
How to Apply
To apply for the Premier Artisan Assistant position, candidates should prepare the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant technical subjects and any practical experience.
- Certified copies of qualifications such as N2/N3 certificates or NCV Level 4 technical certificates.
- South African Identification Document.
- Cover Letter expressing interest in the Artisan Assistant programme and motivation for joining Premier.
Applications are typically submitted through the company’s careers portal or recruitment email, depending on the posting.
Conclusion
The Premier Artisan Assistant – Aeroton (Gauteng) 2026 programme is an excellent entry-level opportunity for aspiring engineers and technical professionals. It provides hands-on industrial experience, exposure to multiple engineering disciplines, and mentorship from experienced artisans. Candidates with N2/N3 qualifications in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering have the chance to develop essential skills, gain practical knowledge, and lay the foundation for a successful technical career.
Interested candidates should act quickly and monitor early 2026 job listings to secure a place in this competitive programme. This role represents a significant stepping stone for anyone aiming to progress in the industrial engineering and artisan sectors.
Email: recruitment@premierfmcg.com
Email: aeroton@premierfmcg.com