Cadet

Higgins; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Higgins in New Zealand offers a paid Cadet Programme for school leavers to start a career in civil construction. You’ll earn while you learn, with a week‑long induction in Auckland and 12 months of rotations across key workstreams.

Managed by experienced mentors, you’ll gain hands‑on safety and technical skills and have the option to earn NZQA Level 3 Certificate in Infrastructure Works in your home region.

Qualifications

• No experience required – suitable for school leavers.
• Attitude and willingness to learn are essential.
• Class 1 driver licence preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in 8–10 week rotations across workstreams: asphalt surfacing, traffic management, road maintenance, asphalt plant, chip sealing.
• Learn safety practices and technical skills under supervision and with buddies and mentors.
• Complete induction in Auckland and rotate in your home region over the 12‑month programme.

Skills

Great attitude

Team player

Job description

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!
• Class 1 driver licence preferred
• 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
• Asphalt plant
• 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

Applications close Tuesday 22nd of September 2026

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!

Research shows that females and minority groups don’t always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. So, 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. We are proud of our diversity and see it as one of the things that make us better together.