Apprentice - Drainlayer

Fletcher Building; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fuel discounts

Monthly pie & coffee

KiwiSaver 4% match

Career development

Job summary

Higgins Wairarapa in the Wairarapa region is seeking an Apprentice Drainlayer to join our hands-on team. You will support the Foreman with drainage tasks and help deliver civil construction projects across the region.

This permanent, full-time role offers ongoing training, a supportive team, and benefits such as KiwiSaver, fuel discounts, and career development opportunities. No prior qualification required, drainage qualification is an advantage.

Qualifications

• Interest in drainage or civil construction.
• Willingness to learn and follow instructions.
• Good communication skills and a positive team attitude.
• Physically fit and able to perform manual labour.
• Drainage qualification is an advantage but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support the Foreman and crew with daily drainage tasks.
• Set up plant, tools and equipment as required.
• Review the daily plan with the Foreman to maximise productivity.
• Measure and mark out work areas.
• Operate plant and equipment once trained and deemed competent.
• Assist with heavy manual labour and act as a spotter on site.
• Complete QA documentation, drawings, and timesheets when instructed.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in clean, safe condition.
• Participate in inductions, toolbox meetings, and site administration.
• Follow all Job Instructions, Work Instructions, and safety procedures.
• Communicate effectively with your team and supply chain partners.

Skills

Drainage interest

Willingness to learn

Good communication

Physically fit

Education

Drainage qualification (advantage)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Fletcher Building – Wairarapa, North Island

Higgins Wairarapa is looking for a motivated Apprentice Drainlayer to join our team. This is a hands-on role where you'll work alongside an experienced crew delivering a range of drainage and civil construction projects across the Wairarapa region.

If you enjoy outdoor work, take pride in delivering quality outcomes, and want to build your career in drainage and civil infrastructure, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing:

• Support the Foreman and crew with daily drainage tasks
• Set up plant, tools and equipment as required
• Review the daily plan with the Foreman to maximise productivity
• Measure and mark out work areas
• Operate plant and equipment once trained and deemed competent
• Assist with heavy manual labour and act as a spotter on site
• Complete QA documentation, drawings, and timesheets when instructed
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in clean, safe condition
• Participate in inductions, toolbox meetings, and site administration
• Follow all Job Instructions, Work Instructions, and safety procedures
• Communicate effectively with your team and supply chain partners

What you'll bring to the role:

• A strong interest in drainage or civil construction
• Willingness to learn and follow instructions
• Good communication skills and a positive team attitude
• Physically fit and able to perform manual labour
• Drainage qualification is an advantage but not essential

Come join the Green Team:

• Permanent, full-time role with long-term career opportunities
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Supportive team culture where everyone looks out for each other
• Z fuel discounts, including a monthly free pie and coffee
• KiwiSaver employer contribution matched up to 4%
• Great benefits for you and your whānau
• Opportunity to work on a variety of projects across the Wairarapa region

Higgins is a leading roading and civil infrastructure company in New Zealand. We are on a dynamic growth path with people at the heart of what we do every day. We offer a great working environment, competitive pay, subsidised medical insurance, and subsidised education and training for you and your dependants.

Higgins is committed to a drug-free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, along with a health check.

We're with you on the road ahead - Ko tātou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua

We are actively looking to fill this role and encourage your early application. Applications are reviewed regularly, and we may remove the advertisement before the closing date.

Research shows that females and minority groups don't always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. If this role is of interest but you feel you don't quite fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs and lifestyles, and we are proud of our diversity.