Trainee: IS Operator

Introduction

Job Title : Trainee: IS Operator

Location : Wadeville Factory

Closing Date : 01 September 2026

Job Type: 12 months fixed term contract for the purpose of training.

Role description

This is a trainee role within our forming department and is accountable to the Forming Process Technician (supervisory role). It is broadly responsible for the efficient running of forming machines which includes working towards operational pack to melt targets at the best quality.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Performance Areas

Operational performance

• Maintain records of work carried out during shift.

• Check mass, operate IS machine and change tools as and when required.

• Ensure that speed control and air pressure of the mechanisms is always maintained.

• Ensure that bottle mass and capacity is within the glass containers’ customer specification.

• Ensure that capacity is controlled within the set limits by doing regular checks on bottle mass.

Quality Orientation and Customer centricity

• Identify ware defects at the hot end as early as possible.

• Communicate with the previous shift regarding status of ware and faults running.

• Eliminate defects and if unable to do so, consult with the Forming Process Technician.

• Ensure that the quality of the containers produced comply with the standards as agreed upon, by checking sets every 30 minutes.

• Conducting speedy and accurate defect rectification in order to produce high-quality ware with minimal losses.

Continuous improvement and Collaboration

• Identify and take action to correct problems affecting production.

• Work towards agreed standards and established forming parameters.

• Conduct a continuous review of the jobs in order to improve overall performance.

Safety Compliance

• Ensure that safety and housekeeping standards are adhered to.

• Continuously practice 5S’, HACCP, GMP, SPC, and Environmental Awareness.

• Ensure that working environment and operating standards are in compliance with safety, health and quality legislative requirements.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Required Qualifications

• Grade 12

• Mechanical qualifications would be an added advantage

Required Knowledge and Experience

• Experience in manufacturing environment would be added advantage

• Competencies but are not limited to:

• Attention to detail

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Acute Mechanical / Technical Aptitude

• Problem solving and continuous improvement

• Good communication skills (verbal and written)

• Must be able to focus on process improvement.

• Working towards specific standards and parameters

• Must be willing to work overtime if required on short notice.

• Proven troubleshooting skills in aspects of bottle-making essential.

• Ability to maintain housekeeping and high company safety standards

• Customer / Quality orientation (On time delivery, quality orientation)

Interested?

About Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group is a global leader in metal and glass packaging solutions, producing packaging for the world’s leading brands. We trace our roots all the way back to the Irish Glass Bottle Company, founded in 1932. Since then, we have grown rapidly to a team of more than 16,000 people with revenues of almost $7 billion. Today we have a presence across Europe and the Americas.

• Did you know that Ardagh produce many of the beverage cans and bottles you drink your favourite beverages from?

• Did you know we produce metal and glass packaging which are permanent materials, meaning they can be infinitely recycled without any loss of quality?

• Did you know we produce more than 160 million containers per day?

Applicants are required to attach a copy of their South African ID and Grade 12 (Matric) Certificate when submitting their application.

The advertisement has minimum requirements listed.

Ardagh reserves the right not to fill vacancies and to use relevant information as criteria for shortlisting.

Correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates.