Apprentice Plumber

Silver Fern Farms Limited; Balclutha; On-site; NZD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted staff meat sales

Paid sick leave from day one

Subsidised health insurance

Confidential employee assistance

Free on-site parking

Uniform provided

Job summary

Silver Fern Farms Finegand in Otago is seeking an Apprentice Plumber to join our maintenance team. You will support a qualified Plumber with plumbing and drainage tasks across the site, help keep production running smoothly, and contribute to a safe, collaborative work environment.

If you enjoy practical work and problem solving, this role offers a hands-on start to your plumbing career, with clear opportunities to learn, grow and take on more responsibilities as you complete an apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• Trade experience in plumbing support or maintenance.
• Willing to learn and pursue an apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Assist with plumbing, drainage and hygiene equipment maintenance.
• Support new installations and basic fabrication tasks.
• Follow safe work practices and contribute to safety culture.
• Collaborate with the maintenance team to complete tasks.

Skills

Hands-on plumbing

Maintenance mindset

Problem solving

Team player

Job description

We’re looking for a hands‑on and reliable Apprentice Plumber to join our maintenance team at Silver Fern Farms Finegand, one of New Zealand’s leading beef and lamb processing sites.

In this role, you will support our qualified Plumber with plumbing and drainage tasks across the site. You'll help keep production running smoothly, assist with repairs and installations, and contribute to a strong safety culture.

If you enjoy practical work, problem solving, and being part of a collaborative team, this is a great opportunity to develop and grow your skillset.

• Keep things flowing - assist with the maintenance and repair of plumbing, drainage, and hygiene equipment across the site.
• Learn and build - support new installations, upgrades, and basic sheet‑metal or fabrication tasks.
• Champion safety - follow safe work practices, use tools correctly, and support a strong health and safety culture.
• Collaborate and contribute - work closely with the maintenance team to complete tasks and support continuous improvement.

You’ll bring:

• Practical, hands‑on experience in a trade, plumbing support, maintenance, or mechanical environment.
• Strong practical skills with tools, equipment, and basic repair work.
• Solid problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail.
• A strong commitment to safe work practices and compliance standards.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
• A positive attitude and willingness to support a qualified Plumber in day‑to‑day tasks.

Note: This role does not require Plumbing Registration or a Plumber’s Licence. A willingness to complete an apprenticeship / keenness to learn and grow is desirable.

Te Ahurea / Why Work at Silver Fern Farms?

Silver Fern Farms is all about Creating Goodness from the Farms the World Needs. That goodness is reflected in the work our people do, the skill of our farmers, and the care we show for communities, animals, and the environment.

For you, we offer:

• Discounted staff meat sales
• Paid sick leave from day one
• Subsidised health insurance
• Confidential employee assistance (career planning, financial advice, counselling)
• Free on‑site parking
• Uniform provided

Please note that applications will be reviewed from Friday 18th September 2026.

Silver Fern Farms welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all. Come and create goodness with us.