Furnace Operator

Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Furnace Operator
Company
Weir Minerals
Location
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Job type
Full-time
Posted
14 days ago
Via
via LinkedIn
Apply on
Job description
Apprentice: Furnace OperatorLocation: Port ElizabethWork Arrangement: OnsiteWhat We Do At WeirWe are a global leader in mining technology for a sustainable future. We help our customers extract the resources the world needs more efficiently and more sustainably. Our planet’s future depends on the transition to renewable energy, and that transition can only happen with the metals and minerals our customers deliver. So, we work side by side with mines across the globe to move less rock, use less energy, use water wisely, and create less waste. Together, we drive the shift to smart, efficient, and more sustainable mining.Make your impactYou’ll play a key role in solving real-world challenges. You’ll apply your skills to deliver results that matter whether that’s through engineering, planning or customer support. You’ll work with purpose, learn every day and help shape a more sustainable future.What You’ll DoInspections and Maintenance: Conduct necessary pre-use inspections on all equipment, ensuring faults or concerns are documented, reported and addressed before operating the furnace. Maintain furnace equipment to ensure it is in good working condition and report any defects or wear.Material Management: Ensure all necessary charge materials and consumables are available for the shift.Furnace Charging and Operating: Load metal and additions into the furnace in the correct manner using appropriate tools and equipment. Ensure the lining and tools and equipment are kept in good condition. Control the induction furnace to melt metal at the required melt rate, ensuring that temperature, composition and metal cleanliness are maintained.Monitoring: Ensure the furnace, cooling systems and hydraulics are operating correctly and within the parameters required.Quality Control: Perform sample tests to verify the quality of the molten metal and make adjustments as necessary.Safety First: Demonstrate 100% commitment to our zero harm behaviors in support of our drive towards developing a world-class safety culture.What You’ll BringMust-haves: Grade 12 with minimum of 5 years’ related experience in a Foundry environment.Attention to detail.Technical ability and skills.Ability to work in a high-temperature environment.Why join Weir? We live our values we think safety first, do the right thing, respect each other, aim high, and delight our customers. We encourage our people to lead by example and celebrate our successes.We’re passionate about our purpose to help deliver the natural resources that are essential to create a better future for the world. We do this by combining our deep customer insights, world-class engineering, materials science expertise, and intelligent automation to deliver innovative end-to-end solutions incorporating our signature technologies.We believe your voice matters and your ideas make a difference. We’re working hard to nurture a diverse culture where our people feel like they belong and can do the best work of their lives. You can help shape our unique culture through our inclusion networks and safety initiatives.BenefitsCompetitive pay.Career development and learning support. Access to global inclusion networks. Regional and team-specific benefits. Sharebuilder scheme. Wellness support for you and your family. Collaboration with global teams. Study support.#Minerals

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Welder Jobs in South Africa

Q
What is the 2026 national minimum wage for welders in South Africa?
The Department of Employment and Labour sets the national minimum wage at R28.79 per hour from 1 March 2026 for all sectors including welding. Welders working more than 45 hours per week must receive 1.5 times this rate for overtime. Employers must display the wage schedule at every workplace.
Source: Department of Employment and Labour
Q
Which trade certificate is required to legally work as a welder in South Africa in 2026?
Welders must hold a QCTO-registered occupational certificate in welding at NQF Level 4 obtained after completing a minimum 3-year apprenticeship and passing the trade test at an accredited centre. The certificate number must be verifiable on the QCTO database before any employer can hire the welder.
Source: Department of Employment and Labour
Q
How many hours per week and days of annual leave apply to welder contracts in 2026?
Welders are limited to 45 ordinary hours per week and 8 hours per day under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. They are entitled to 21 consecutive days of paid annual leave after every 12 months of employment, calculated from the date of engagement.
Source: Department of Employment and Labour
Q
What documents must South African welders submit when applying for formal employment in 2026?
Applicants must provide a valid South African ID, QCTO trade certificate, valid bank account details, and proof of UIF registration number. Employers are required to verify the trade certificate directly with the QCTO before issuing an employment contract.
Source: Department of Employment and Labour