Company Summary
Afrizan Personnel is a specialist South African recruitment agency focusing on technology, data, and digital talent placement. They connect skilled IT graduates and professionals with leading corporate clients across a range of industries. In this instance, Afrizan is recruiting on behalf of an established organisation operating a Data Centre and enterprise IT operations environment in Centurion, Pretoria. Data Centre operations roles of this nature are typically found inside large financial services companies, telecommunications firms, or managed IT service providers — all of which represent stable, well-resourced employers with real career growth pathways for IT graduates who perform well. This is a structured, shift-based environment where discipline, attention to detail, and a passion for IT infrastructure are the foundations of success.
Opportunity Overview
Afrizan is looking for an IT graduate to fill an IBMi Operations Shift Controller role within a live Data Centre and IT operations environment in Centurion. This is an entry-level opportunity specifically designed for graduates with no prior work experience — the employer is investing in developing the right candidate from the ground up.
Position: IBMi Operations Shift Controller Location: Centurion, Pretoria, Gauteng Environment: Rotational shift work — including after-hours and potentially overnight shifts Availability: Immediate start essential Transport: Own reliable transport or residence in Centurion is non-negotiable
What You Will Be Doing
This is a hands-on, operational role supporting critical IT infrastructure around the clock:
- Monitoring IBMi server performance and responding to system alerts
- Assisting with incident management and logging service requests
- Supporting Data Centre operations and dashboard monitoring
- Executing scheduled backups and routine system maintenance tasks
- Maintaining accurate operational reports and technical documentation
- Providing first-line support for basic technical queries from users or teams
- Following security, compliance, and escalation procedures strictly
- Participating in ongoing internal training and professional development initiatives
Key Requirements
- IT Diploma — essential, non-negotiable
- No prior work experience required — this is a graduate entry role
- Immediately available to start
- Willing and able to work rotational shifts including evenings and overnight
- Own reliable transport or currently residing in Centurion — this is a firm requirement due to shift hours and public transport limitations
Ideal candidate attributes:
- Strong problem-solving mindset
- Good numerical and analytical ability
- Excellent attention to detail and a process-driven approach
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Genuine passion for IT infrastructure and operations
- Eagerness to learn and grow within the technology sector
What You Will Learn
Working inside a live Data Centre operations environment is one of the most valuable starting points an IT graduate can have:
- Hands-on exposure to IBMi enterprise server systems — a specialised platform used widely in banking, insurance, and large corporate environments
- Real-world incident management and IT service request handling following ITIL-aligned processes
- Data Centre operations best practices including monitoring, alerting, and escalation procedures
- Backup and recovery procedures for enterprise-grade systems
- Security and compliance protocols in a regulated IT operations environment
- How to work effectively in a shift-based, 24/7 operational team
- Technical documentation and reporting standards used in professional IT environments
- First-line IT support skills that form the foundation of any IT operations or infrastructure career
IBMi is a niche but highly valued skill in South African banking and financial services. Graduates who develop familiarity with this platform early in their careers are consistently in demand.
Possible Interview Questions
Prepare for questions such as:
- What do you know about IBMi systems and how they differ from standard Windows or Linux server environments?
- How do you feel about working rotational shifts, including overnight shifts? Have you done shift work before?
- Walk us through what you would do if you received a critical system alert and your supervisor was unavailable.
- How do you ensure accuracy when completing routine tasks repeatedly over a long shift?
- What does IT infrastructure mean to you, and why does it interest you as a career path?
- Describe a situation — from your studies or personal life — where you had to follow a strict process or procedure without cutting corners.
- How do you stay focused and maintain high standards of work during quiet periods on a night shift?
Tip: You are unlikely to know IBMi in depth as a fresh graduate — and the employer knows this. What they are really testing is whether you are process-driven, calm under pressure, and genuinely interested in infrastructure operations. Demonstrate those qualities clearly and you will stand out.
Career Advice
- Rotational shifts are a feature, not a drawback — at this stage. Many graduates avoid shift work, which means less competition for you. More importantly, 24/7 operations roles give you exposure to system events and incidents that day-shift employees rarely see. That experience builds your technical instincts faster than almost any other environment.
- IBMi is a specialist skill that pays well long-term. IBM’s AS/400 and IBMi platform is deeply embedded in South African banking, retail, and insurance systems. Very few young IT professionals pursue it, which means those who do become genuinely scarce and valuable. If this role introduces you to IBMi, take it seriously.
- Transport is a hard requirement — sort it out before you apply. The employer has been explicit about this. Arriving late or struggling with transport on shift work is career-ending in this type of role. Only apply if you can genuinely meet this requirement.
- Use the documentation aspect of the role to build your professional writing skills. Operational reports and incident logs are not glamorous, but the ability to write clearly and accurately about technical events is a skill that separates strong IT professionals from average ones. Take it seriously from day one.
- This role is a gateway into IT operations, infrastructure, and potentially cloud. Operations Shift Controller experience is directly relevant to roles in IT operations management, systems administration, cloud infrastructure support, and DevOps further down the line. The foundation you build here can take you in many directions.
- Respond quickly. Afrizan has noted that if you are not contacted within two weeks, your application was unsuccessful. This means shortlisting happens fast — get your CV in today.
A Data Centre operations role at graduate level, with no experience required and immediate training provided, is a rare and genuinely valuable opportunity. If you have the IT Diploma and you can meet the shift and transport requirements — this one is worth your full effort.
To apply, send your CV to rainer@afrizan.co.za with the subject line: IBMi Operations Shift Controller – YouthXLS Application. Apply immediately — this role requires candidates who are available to start without delay.