SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Helpers--Production Workers

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Helper
  • Material Handler
  • Press Helper
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What do Helpers--Production Workers do?

Helpers--Production Workers assist in the manufacturing and production process by performing various tasks that support the overall production activities. They often work in factories, warehouses, and other industrial settings, providing assistance to skilled workers and operators. These individuals may be responsible for preparing materials, loading and unloading products, feeding machines, and maintaining cleanliness in work areas. Their role is essential in ensuring that the production processes run smoothly and efficiently. While they may not operate complex machinery, they contribute to the workflow, preparing workstations, and handling tasks that allow more experienced personnel to focus on their specialized roles. Helpers--Production Workers often work as part of a team, collaborating with other production staff to meet production goals and deadlines. Their work is vital in maintaining the overall productivity and efficiency of manufacturing operations.

What the work actually is

  • Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances.
  • Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators.
  • Place products in equipment or on work surfaces for further processing, inspecting, or wrapping.
  • Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards.
  • Start machines or equipment to begin production processes.

Skills employers expect

Abilities

  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Control Precision The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Static Strength The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  • Trunk Strength The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

Knowledge

  • Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Less than high school diploma
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

A normal week

  • Handling and Moving Objects
  • Performing General Physical Activities
  • Controlling Machines and Processes
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Getting Information

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Presentation software Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Electronic mail software Microsoft Outlook
  • Data base user interface and query software Operational databases
  • Document management software Adobe Acrobat

Tools

  • Screwdrivers Phillips head screwdrivers · Straight screwdrivers
  • Jacks Hand jacks · Pipe jacks
  • Ladders Platform ladders
  • Tape measures Measuring tapes
  • Slings Material-hoisting slings

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Questions people ask

How much do Helpers--Production Workers earn in South Africa?

Helpers--Production Workers salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Helpers--Production Workers do?

Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances, Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators and Place products in equipment or on work surfaces for further processing, inspecting, or wrapping.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.