Cadet

Higgins; Wellington; On-site; NZD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid cadetship

Accommodation covered for induction

Travel covered for induction

Job summary

Higgins is offering a Cadet Programme in civil construction across New Zealand, with the first induction in Auckland and a 12-month on‑the‑job rotation in your home region. You’ll gain safety, technical and everyday work skills while earning a wage.

No experience is required; a positive attitude and willingness to learn are all that’s needed. Upon completion you can pursue NZQA certs and a professional pathway within Higgins.

Qualifications

• No experience required – just a great attitude!
• Cadet programme offering paid work while you learn.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through key workstreams: Asphalt surfacing, Traffic management, Road maintenance, Chip sealing.
• Induction in Auckland with travel and accommodation covered.
• 12 months of hands-on experience in your home region across multiple rotations.
• Develop safety, technical and everyday work skills while progressing toward NZQA certificates.

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.

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