Sappi – Chipper Knife Grinderman

Engineering support roles like this can suit someone who is practical, safety-conscious, and comfortable working with precision equipment in a workshop or mill environment. This Chipper Knife Grinderman opportunity at Sappi Tugela Mill is focused on re-sharpening and grinding industrial knives, maintaining grinding equipment, and supporting safe engineering standards in a mill maintenance setting.

At a glance

What this opportunity is

This is a maintenance-related engineering role focused on providing a basic engineering service through the re-sharpening and grinding of chipper knives, slitter knives, slitter drums, bed knives, and guillotine knives according to safe engineering standards.

Note: This is more than a general workshop role. It is better suited to someone who is comfortable with grinding equipment, knife tolerances, maintenance routines, and precision work in an industrial environment.

Who this opportunity may suit

• Someone interested in engineering support or workshop work in a mill environment
• An applicant who is comfortable with precision grinding and machine operation
• A person who values safe working practices and routine equipment care
• Someone with some workshop or engineering exposure who wants to build practical maintenance experience

What you’ll do / learn

You’ll gain practical engineering and maintenance experience through knife sharpening, grinding work, equipment care, and health-and-safety compliance in a mill environment.

• Sharpen slitter knives to required tolerances daily
• Operate specialised grinding equipment, including the Elliot Surface Grinder
• Perform routine maintenance and help ensure proper functioning of grinding and machining equipment
• Grind knives to precise specifications and required quality standards
• Handle, collect, and clean machines efficiently
• Adhere strictly to health and safety regulations and maintain a safe working environment

Eligibility requirements

Check the requirements below before applying.

Essential requirements

• Relevant NQF Level 4 qualification or Grade 12 / N3 with Mathematics and Science
• One year of engineering or workshop experience
• Valid driving licence

Advantageous

• Recognised Trade Test
• SAP knowledge

What this role really means

A role like this usually means working with precision and consistency, because the quality of sharpened and ground knives can affect broader production performance. In practice, that can include checking tolerances carefully, operating specialised equipment safely, and keeping machinery in good working order. If you are applying, it helps to show that you are dependable, technically minded, and comfortable in an engineering workshop environment.

Application checklist

Make sure your application is complete before submitting.

• Updated CV
• Certified copy of South African ID
• Grade 12 / N3 / NQF 4 supporting documents
• Trade Test certificate if applicable
• Valid driving licence copy
• Clear contact details (phone + email)
• Any supporting workshop, engineering, grinding, or maintenance experience on your CV

Need help with CVs, certified copies, and application tips? Use our Resources & Guides Hub.

About the sponsor

Sappi is a South African-founded woodfibre products and solutions business with operations in Southern Africa and internationally. Its official company pages say Sappi Southern Africa operates four production facilities, with headquarters in Johannesburg, and is active across paper, pulp, packaging, and forestry-related activities. For more information visit the Sappi Southern Africa – Website

Quick tips for this application

• Make your engineering, N3, or workshop qualification easy to identify near the top of your CV
• If you have grinding, fitting, sharpening, machining, or workshop experience, mention it clearly
• Show that you are comfortable with precision work, safety standards, and equipment care
• If you have SAP or Trade Test exposure, include it clearly because both are listed as advantageous
• Keep your CV focused on technical readiness rather than generic labour or admin wording

Mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a CV that gives no evidence of workshop or engineering experience
• Leaving out Mathematics and Science details if applying through the Grade 12 / N3 route
• Not mentioning grinding, sharpening, or machine-related exposure if you have it
• Using a generic CV that does not show technical or maintenance readiness
• Uploading incomplete or unreadable supporting documents

Scam warning (important)

Do not pay any fee to apply for this opportunity. Genuine recruitment for this role should happen through the official Sappi careers platform. If anyone asks for money for placement, interviews, or faster processing, use only the employer’s official application page.

How this opportunity was verified

We checked the official Sappi vacancy listing for Chipper Knife Grinderman and matched the sponsor details to Sappi’s official company pages before preparing this post.

For more information about how our posts are verified, please visit our How we verify listings page.

How to apply

1. Open the official vacancy page using the button below.
2. Read the requirements carefully and confirm that your background fits the role.
3. Prepare your CV and supporting documents.
4. Submit your application through the official Sappi careers platform.