Cadet

Fletcher Building Limited; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Higgins invites school leavers and early career entrants in New Zealand to join its Cadet Programme in civil construction. You’ll start with a week-long Auckland induction (travel and accommodation covered) and rotate for 12 months across core workstreams in your home region.

Each rotation lasts eight to ten weeks, giving hands-on experience in asphalt surfacing, traffic management, road maintenance and chip sealing. A supportive team guides your learning and development.

Qualifications

• No qualifications required – just a great attitude and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through key workstreams over 12 months, gaining hands-on experience in asphalt surfacing, traffic management, road maintenance, and chip sealing.

Job description

Kickstart Your Career in Civil Construction - Earn, Learn and Grow with Higgins

No experience? No problem! The Higgins Cadet Programme is your chance to build a real career in infrastructure and civil construction - and get paid while you do it.

Why Join?

• Be part of a supportive, hands-on team
• Build real skills on the job and get paid while you learn
• Follow a personalised learning plan
• Discover long-term career opportunities

Who We’re Looking For

• School leavers or those thinking of leaving early
• No qualifications needed – just a great attitude!
• Based in Auckland, Waikato, Tauranga, Wellington or Christchurch
• Ready to start on the 2nd of November 2026

How The Programme Works

Your journey starts with a week-long induction in Auckland – travel and accommodation are covered. Then, over 12 months in your home region, you’ll rotate through key workstreams:

Asphalt surfacing

Traffic management

Road maintenance

Chip sealing

Each rotation lasts around eight to ten weeks, giving you hands-on experience across the business and a chance to discover what you enjoy most. You’ll build safety, technical and everyday work skills.

How You’ll Be Supported

Managers and supervisors will guide your day-to-day learning, Buddies: Team members who model best practice will support you on the job and Career Coaches will help you plan your future and navigate development.

Where It Leads

After completing all four-five rotations, you’ll move to the workstream where you shine brightest. You’ll keep building experience and you’ll also have the opportunity to earn the NZQA Level 3 Certificate in Infrastructure Works – a nationally recognised qualification. You’ll also be on track to earn the NZQA Level 3 Certificate in Infrastructure Works

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.

Higgins is committed to a drug-free workplace. The successful applicants will be required to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol testing along with a health check - you’ll need to be fit for work!

Applications close Tuesday 22nd of September 2026