Apprenticeship Plumber & Drainlayer - Ashburton

Foleys; Ashburton; On-site; NZD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job learning

Block courses

Career progression

Job summary

Foleys in Ashburton offers a Plumbing & Drainage Apprenticeship, with a permanent role from day one. You will learn across service, new builds and commercial plumbing over a five-year program, using hands-on experience, block courses and online study.

You will start on adult minimum wage with regular pay increases based on performance and development, aiming to become a qualified tradesperson with van duties in time.

Qualifications

• Willingness to study for apprenticeship
• Strong communication and numeracy
• Hands-on and practical, outdoors work

Responsibilities

• Learn plumbing and drainage across service, new builds, and commercial work
• Work with experienced tradespeople and progress to independent tasks
• Attend block courses and online study to complete qualification

Skills

Willing to learn

Good communicator

Hands-on

Physically capable

Education

NCEA Level 2 or equivalent

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.

Foleys is a well‑established New Zealand plumbing, drainage, gasfitting, electrical and mechanical business, with around 250 people across 11 locations nationwide.

When you join Foleys, you’ll become part of a close‑knit team where you’ll be supported to learn, develop your skills and build a long‑term career in the trades. We offer good pay, regular opportunities for progression and plenty of support throughout your apprenticeship.

What does an apprenticeship with Foleys involve?

As a Plumbing & Drainage Apprentice in our Ashburton team, you’ll join us permanently and learn the skills needed to become a well‑rounded tradesperson.

Over approximately five years, you’ll gain experience across a range of plumbing and drainage work, including service, new builds, commercial plumbing and more. You’ll learn through a combination of hands‑on experience, block courses and online study.

You’ll start by working alongside our experienced tradespeople, helping with day‑to‑day tasks and learning as you go. As your skills and confidence grow, you’ll take on more responsibility and work more independently, with the goal of eventually becoming a qualified tradesperson working from your own van.

You’ll start on at least the adult minimum wage, with opportunities for pay increases twice a year based on your performance and development. Once qualified, you’ll take another step up in pay.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Keen to learn and committed to completing the study required for an apprenticeship
• A good communicator with solid literacy and numeracy skills
• Hands‑on and enjoys practical, technical or physical work
• Comfortable working outdoors and in a physically demanding environment
• Comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces
• Based in the Ashburton area, or genuinely willing and able to relocate
• A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• Able to drive a manual vehicle, or willing to learn
• Holds a clean driver licence

NCEA Level 2 or equivalent is preferred, particularly subjects such as maths, technical subjects or PE, but we’re also interested in people who can demonstrate the right attitude, practical ability and willingness to learn.

Please note that all staff are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing and criminal history checks. Certain convictions may mean you are unable to work for us.

You’ll also be expected to live by our Foleys values: Trust | Respect | Effort | Expertise.

Foleys is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds and stages of life.

If you’re looking to start a hands‑on career where you can learn a trade, earn while you learn and build a long‑term future, we’d love to hear from you.