
Listing Reference: TS14/2025PEC
Listing Status: Open
Position Summary
- Company: Port Elizabeth TVET College
- Industry: Education and Training
- Job Category: General Maintenance / Facilities Support
- Location: Eastern Cape – Russell Road, Dower, Iqhayiya, and Erica Campuses
- Contract Type: Project Contract (ends 30 September 2025)
- Remuneration: Casual Rate (as per institutional scale)
- EE Position: Yes – Employment Equity applies
- Closing Date: 28 May 2025
Introduction
Port Elizabeth TVET College is calling on dedicated, hardworking, and unemployed South Africans to apply for twenty (20) temporary General Assistant posts available across its campuses. This is an ideal opportunity for individuals who are passionate about cleanliness, grounds maintenance, and supporting institutional functionality through essential services.
This position is offered on a project contract basis, ending on 30 September 2025, and aims to enhance the college’s operational environment through effective cleaning and groundskeeping. Applicants from diverse communities and historically disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply in line with the college’s commitment to equity and community upliftment.
Job Description
The General Assistant roles involve both cleaning and groundskeeping responsibilities. Successful candidates will ensure the maintenance of hygienic, safe, and visually appealing college premises. Whether maintaining lecture hall hygiene, office cleanliness, or garden care, these roles are integral to the smooth day-to-day operations of the college.
Key responsibilities include:
- Cleaning of all designated areas including offices, corridors, restrooms, stairwells, kitchens, and communal student spaces
- Handling cleaning tools and operating machinery such as vacuum cleaners and microwaves
- Restocking cleaning materials and reporting faulty machines or maintenance issues to supervisors
- Sweeping and clearing outdoor spaces, maintaining lawns and flower beds
- Using gardening tools to prune plants, manage weeds, and improve outdoor aesthetics
- Ensuring all facilities are kept in a safe, orderly, and welcoming condition
These duties will be performed in alignment with the institution’s health and safety standards, with proper training and supervision provided upon appointment.
Ideal Candidate
This opportunity is best suited for unemployed individuals who are committed to contributing meaningfully to a clean and healthy academic environment. Candidates must have the physical ability to carry out manual tasks, follow instructions with attention to detail, and work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
The ideal candidate should:
- Be respectful and reliable in handling duties
- Be committed to cleanliness and public hygiene standards
- Possess a basic understanding of cleaning methods and tool usage
- Be willing to work outdoors in different weather conditions
- Show initiative when identifying tasks that need attention
- Be a team player with a sense of community responsibility
- Be available to work for the full contract period ending 30 September 2025
Previous experience in cleaning or grounds maintenance is not required but may be an advantage.
Role Responsibility
The successful candidates will be responsible for:
- Performing daily cleaning of restrooms, lecture rooms, passageways, kitchens, and offices
- Sanitizing high-touch surfaces and emptying trash bins regularly
- Maintaining the college garden spaces, including watering, weeding, and trimming plants
- Assisting with furniture moving during special events or campus rearrangements
- Reporting broken equipment, burnt-out lightbulbs, and general maintenance issues to the facility supervisor
- Ensuring cleaning tools and chemicals are used safely and stored properly
- Supporting the campus facilities team during emergency cleanups or events
- Participating in environmental awareness and cleanliness drives on campus
- Following safety guidelines and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary
- Upholding the image and reputation of the institution through professional conduct and consistent output
These tasks ensure a pleasant, productive, and compliant campus environment for students, staff, and visitors.
Skills and Attributes
To perform this role effectively, candidates should demonstrate the following:
- Physical stamina – ability to perform cleaning and outdoor work over extended periods
- Attention to detail – ensuring cleanliness and maintenance standards are met
- Teamwork – ability to collaborate with fellow general assistants and supervisors
- Time management – completing tasks efficiently and adhering to assigned schedules
- Responsiveness – reporting issues promptly and taking initiative
- Integrity – handling institutional equipment and materials with care
- Adaptability – performing both indoor and outdoor tasks as required
- Respectful communication – especially when interacting with staff and students
- Self-discipline – maintaining productivity with minimal supervision
- Commitment to safety – following institutional policies on hygiene and equipment use
These attributes will help ensure each campus functions smoothly and maintains its professional, welcoming appearance.
Minimum Requirements
- Educational Qualification: ABET / Standard 8 / Grade 10
- Experience: No prior experience required
- Age: Open to all eligible adults; preference may be given to youth in line with employment equity
- Knowledge of:
- Cleaning materials, practices, and safe storage
- Basic hygiene and workplace safety protocols
- Use and care of basic gardening tools (rakes, spades, shears)
- Willingness to perform manual labour and follow directions from supervisors
All applicants must be South African citizens and available for the full contract duration.
Application Process
Applicants should submit the following documents:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copy of educational qualification (ABET/Grade 10)
- Clearly state the reference number: TS14/2025PEC and preferred campus location (Russell Road, Dower, Iqhayiya, or Erica)
Applications must be submitted before 28 May 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
Submit applications to:
Port Elizabeth TVET College – HR Department
(Online or postal submission details may vary. Check official notice or contact the college for more.)
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive a response within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Final Note
This General Assistant opportunity at Port Elizabeth TVET College is a great chance for unemployed individuals to gain valuable work experience, earn an income, and contribute to the efficient operation of one of the Eastern Cape’s leading educational institutions. With no experience required, and multiple campuses participating, this opportunity is inclusive and accessible.
If you’re reliable, eager to work, and value cleanliness and public service, don’t miss the chance to apply before 28 May 2025. Join the Port Elizabeth TVET College team and make a meaningful impact in your community.
