Trades Assistant - Maintenance Role in Christchurch

Company Overview

Founded in 1917 in Australia, Sims Limited is a global leader in metal recycling and circular economy solutions focused on sustainable technologies. With operations spanning 13 countries and over 155 sites, Sims is dedicated to promoting circularity and decarbonisation by providing recycled materials and repurposed products that help preserve the environment. The company employs more than 4,100 people worldwide and values career development through continuous learning and promotion from within.

Position Summary

We are recruiting an Entry Level Trade Assistant in Maintenance to join our Christchurch site. This position reports directly to the National Engineering Manager and involves hands-on maintenance of plant and equipment to maximize efficiency in our yard operations. This opportunity offers an immediate start and is perfect for individuals passionate about mechanics and engaging in practical work with tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out scheduled maintenance to reduce breakdowns and keep equipment operational.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of all maintenance activities performed.
• Support the production team to ensure efficient and smooth operations.
• Adhere to site-specific safety, environmental, and quality standards at all times.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience in a comparable role such as laborer or production operator collaborating with operations or maintenance teams.
• Strong attention to detail with an emphasis on safety and quality assurance.
• Good communication skills capable of working both independently and within a team environment.
• Basic knowledge of engineering processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of forklift license and/or Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) certification is advantageous.
• Practical experience handling heavy machinery.
• A solid understanding of engineering workflows and principles.
• Pre-trade qualifications will be highly regarded but are not mandatory.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hands-on training opportunities including apprenticeships and specialized courses such as welding, oxy cutting, and conveyor operations.
• Competitive remuneration with overtime pay.
• Consistent work schedule Monday through Friday, with no rotating shifts.

Additional Information

Working at Sims means joining a company committed to becoming the safest and most responsible metal recycling enterprise worldwide. We foster a culture of zero harm, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Diversity and inclusion are core to our values, supported by our equal opportunity policy. Our workplace culture is shaped by our pillars: safety and well-being, collaboration, accountability, innovation, purposeful leadership, and celebration.