Apprenticeship Plumber & Drainlayer - Timaru

Foleys; Timaru; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Foleys in Timaru invites applications for a Plumbing & Drainage Apprentice. You will join permanently and learn to become a well‑rounded tradesperson through a mix of hands‑on tasks, block courses and online study over about five years.

You’ll start at adult minimum wage with pay increases twice yearly based on performance and development; the goal is to progress to a qualified tradesperson with increasing pay and responsibility.

Qualifications

• Committed to completing the study required for an apprenticeship.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills are essential.
• Based in Timaru or willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

• Learn plumbing and drainage across service, new builds and commercial work.
• Train through hands-on tasks, block courses and online study.
• Follow guidance from experienced tradespeople and progress to independent work.

Skills

Keen to learn

Good communicator

Hands-on

Physically capable

Willing to relocate

Clean driver licence

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 Timaru 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 Timaru 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.