Drainage Apprentice — Hands-on Training & Mentorship

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora - Southern; Southland; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

On-site mentorship

Job summary

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora - Southern is seeking an Assistant Drainlayer’s Assistant for Southland. You will work with certified drainlayers, assisting with stormwater, wastewater, and sewer pipe installation, repair, and maintenance across residential and civil projects.

You will learn on the job under experienced mentors, gain hands-on skills, and build toward becoming a qualified drainlayer. The role offers a full-time schedule with weekly pay and opportunities to advance within the

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience (qualification preferred but not compulsory).
• Strong physical fitness and willingness to carry out heavy manual handling in all weather conditions.
• Reliable, punctual, and eager to learn the drainlaying trade.
• Ability to follow instructions clearly and work well within a close-knit team.
• Valid Driver’s license, WTR endorsements preferred (or willingness to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Assisting qualified drainlayers with laying stormwater, wastewater, and sewer pipes.
• Digging trenches, preparing pipe bedding materials, and backfilling trenches manually or assisting machine operators.
• Moving, handling, and preparing drainage pipes, fittings, manholes, and connection materials on site.
• Setting up laser levels, trench shoring, and safety equipment under supervision.
• Operating hand and power tools (compactors, concrete saws, shovels, level guides) safely.
• Keeping the work area clean, organized, and free of hazards at all times.
• Assisting with traffic management setup and site environmental controls where required.
• Following all health and safety procedures, including trench safety and confined space protocols.

Skills

Physical fitness

Teamwork

Punctuality

Willingness to learn

Ability to follow instructions

Driver's license

WTR endorsements

Education

Drainlaying qualification preferred

Tools

Laser levels

Shovels

Hand tools

Trenching equipment

Job description

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora - Southern is seeking an Assistant Drainlayer’s Assistant for Southland. You will work with certified drainlayers, assisting with stormwater, wastewater, and sewer pipe installation, repair, and maintenance across residential and civil projects.

You will learn on the job under experienced mentors, gain hands-on skills, and build toward becoming a qualified drainlayer. The role offers a full-time schedule with weekly pay and opportunities to advance within the