Assistant Tufting Mechanician

**Purpose**:
To assist the Tufting Mechanician with mechanical maintenance support such as adjusting primary backing changes, single looper needle and knife line changes. Assist the Tufting Maintenance team with preventative maintenance to reduce downtime and improve on quality operations.

This role reports into the Tufting Technical Manager.

**Responsibilities**:

- Carry out basic maintenance on all machinery:

- Lubrication of machinery to stop machine contamination
- Changing of Oil Filters to ensure machines is clean
- Levelling of gauge parts to ensure the parts in the machine work as a unit in each level
- Operate machine settings such as adjustments on bedplates, pressure foots, yarn guides, stitch rates and pile heights
- Carry out product changeovers on machines according to the ISO Safety standards
- Assist with machine installations in the Tufting department
- Performs fault finding on machines according to the ISO safety standards
- Able to utilize machine control settings using Windows or Dos systems to set machines as these systems control the machine parts and attachments
- Responsible for Housekeeping in the Tufting workshop /department
- Operate and servicing of knife grinder to ensure they are readily available when required for Tufting machines to assist with breakdowns
- Follow procedure for poly changes on machines according to the ISO work instructions
- Responsible for adjusting the width on machinery as per the product specifications

**Competencies**:

- **Valuing Differences** - Working effectively with individuals of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, motivations, or backgrounds; seeks out and uses unique abilities, insights, and ideas from diverse individuals.
- **Work standards** - Setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed.
- **Earning Trust** - Gaining others’ confidence by acting with integrity and following through on commitments while disclosing own positions; treating others and their ideas with respect and supporting them in the face of challenges_._
- **Initiating Action**:

- Taking prompt action to accomplish work goals; taking action to achieve results beyond what is required; being proactive.
- **Customer Orientation**:

- Placing a high priority on the internal or external customer’s perspective when making decisions and acting; implementing service practices that meet the customers’ and own organization’s needs.
- **Quality Orientation**:

- Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how detailed; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.
- **Safety Focus**:

- Identifying and improving conditions that affect own and others’ safety, upholding safety standards_._
- **Planning and Organising**:

- Establishing an action plan for self and others to complete work efficiently and on time by setting priorities, establishing timelines, and leveraging resources_._
- **Continuous Learning**:

- **Influencing** - Using effective involvement and persuasion strategies to gain acceptance of ideas and commitment to actions that support specific work outcomes.
- **Technology Savvy**:

- Leveraging one’s practical knowledge and understanding of recent technology tools, solutions, and trends to improve work results, solve work problems, and take advantage of new business opportunities.

**Key relationships**:

- Mechanical Workshop
- Electrical Workshop
- Production Line Managers
- Production Operators and Supervisors

**Requirements**:

- At least 2 years production experience (preferably in the Tufting department)
- CTFL Learnership or Carpet Technology Learnership is essential
- Willing to study towards a 3-year Tufting Mechanician Apprenticeship
- Ability to work on heights
- Ability to work in confined spaces due to operational requirements
- Ability to work in standing position for extended hours
- Must be comfortable working on elevated surfaces
- Must be flexible to working extended hours

**Qualifications**:

- Matric with Math/MLit
- CTFL or Carpet Technology Learnership is essential

**Belgotex is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to Employment Equity,**

**Transformation, Diversity & Inclusion