About the Role
The Government Printing Works (GPW) is seeking a dedicated Artisan (Specialised): Production (Craft Book Binding) based in Pretoria. This role is essential in ensuring the quality and efficiency of bookbinding processes, directly impacting the delivery of printed materials to various sectors within the government. As an Artisan, you will play a vital role in managing both manual and mechanised binding processes, coordinating with multiple teams to ensure that projects are completed on time and to the highest standards. Your expertise in craft book binding will contribute significantly to the public service, delivering quality materials that the community depends on.
In this position, you will not only use your technical skills but also your leadership abilities, as you will be responsible for training and developing staff. Your work will help maintain the quality assurance standards that are crucial for the GPW’s operations, enhancing the overall productivity of the division. The community benefits from your commitment to excellence, as the printed materials produced support government initiatives and services that affect the lives of South Africans.
About the Department
The Government Printing Works (GPW) is the primary provider of printing services for the South African government. Its mission is to ensure that government communication is effectively disseminated to the public through high-quality printed materials. Working at GPW means being part of an organization dedicated to transparency, accountability, and service delivery. The work carried out here is fundamental to the functioning of public services, making a real difference in the lives of citizens across the nation.
What You’ll Do
- Manage finishing processes including craft book binding and mechanised binding.
- Coordinate with Prepress, Press, and Finishing departments to ensure smooth workflow.
- Conduct quality assurance checks and implement corrective actions for defects.
- Source and control production materials, managing stock and reporting shortages.
- Maintain and troubleshoot binding, cutting, and finishing equipment through regular inspections.
- Support safety, health, environment, risk, and quality initiatives within the division.
- Train, coach, and supervise staff while conducting performance reviews.
- Participate in policy and strategy development, ensuring compliance with GPW procedures.
- Bind and finish printed and unprinted materials, meeting project specifications.
What You’ll Need
- Grade 10 or an equivalent qualification, with a completed apprenticeship.
- Trade Test Certificate in Printing, Craft Book Binding, or Mechanised Binding.
- A Grade 12 qualification will be an advantage.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in Craft Book Binding or Mechanised Binding.
- Ability to obtain a positive security clearance.
- A valid driver’s license is an added advantage.
- ISO experience will be beneficial.
How to Apply
Please refer to the application instructions below.
Requirements
Grade 10 or equivalent qualification plus a completed apprenticeship.Trade Test Certificate in Printing, Craft Book Binding or Mechanised Binding.
Grade 12 will be an advantage.
Must be able to obtain a positive security clearance.
ISO experience will be an added advantage.
Minimum of 5 years’ post apprenticeship appropriate experience in Craft Book Binding or Mechanised Binding in a relevant printing environment.
A valid driver's license will be an added advantage.
Job Duties
Managing finishing processes which include craft book binding, mechanised binding processes to meet customer requirements and schedules.Coordinating with Prepress, Press, Finishing and other business units to ensure smooth workflow and timely project completion.
Managing manual binding and automated or semi-automated equipment.
Ensuring quality assurance, conducting quality checks, identifying defects, and implementing corrective actions.
Sourcing and controlling production materials, checking stock and reporting shortages.
Maintaining and troubleshooting binding, finishing, cutting and all other equipment in the division through inspections, cleaning and scheduled maintenance.
Supporting SHERQ requirements, including safety, health, environment, risk and quality initiatives.
Training, coaching, supervising and developing staff, including conducting performance reviews.
Participating in policy and strategy development while ensuring compliance with GPW production procedures.
Observe, participate in the development of policies and strategies as well as updating and submitting production statistics and reports daily, weekly and monthly.
Binding and finishing of printed and unprinted matters.
Supervise, develop staff and conduct performance reviews as per GPW policy.
