Trades Assistant-Christchurch

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

With a promote-from-within philosophy and a variety of programmes available to support continuous learning, Sims offers the opportunity for a rewarding career. We are committed to the ecologically sound and sustainable use of resources and strive to operate in a manner that minimises waste and protects the environment.

The role

We are seeking an Entry Level Trade Assistant / Maintenance person to join our Christchurch team. Reporting to the National Engineering Manager, you will perform hands-on maintenance of our plant and equipment to ensure maximum yard efficiency. IMMEDIATE START!

This role is an ideal starting point for a career in the maintenance or heavy plant industry. We are looking for someone with a passion for mechanics who enjoys hands-on work with tools.

Your responsibilities:

• Conducting planned maintenance to prevent breakdowns and maximise equipment uptime.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed records of all maintenance tasks
• Assisting the production team to ensure smooth and efficient operations
• Ensuring all work complies with our site safety, environment, and quality standards

What will you bring to the team:

• Previous experience in a similar role (laborer, production operator, etc.), working closely with operations/maintenance
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on safety and quality
• Effective communication skills for both independent and team-based work
• Basic understanding of the engineering processes

What makes you stand out:

• Holding a Forklift ticket and/or Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) certification is a big plus
• Hands-on experience with heavy machinery
• A good grasp of how engineering processes work
• While it is not essential, a pre-trade qualification would be highly regarded

In return, we offer:        

• Learn and Grow: Get paid to build your career! We offer hands-on training with top-tier recycling systems, including apprenticeships and changes to gain new skills in specialised training (e.g., welding, oxy cutting, conveyor operations)
• Great Pay: We offer a competitive wage and overtime for your hard work
• Enjoy a consistent Monday to Friday schedule. No rotating shifts.

Interested?

Click "Apply" and upload your cover letter and resume. We look forward to hearing from you!

Applications Close

Sun 30 November 2025, 11:00pm AEST

Why Sims?

• Join an environmentally conscious company recognised as the most sustainable corporation in 2024 on Corporate Knights' Global 100 index. We are dedicated to ecologically sound practices, minimising waste, and protecting the environment.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks paid parental leave at base pay for the nominated Primary Carer; or 6 weeks paid parental leave at base pay for the nominated Non-Primary Carer/ Partner.
• Southern Cross: Access exclusive health insurance discounts for you and your loved ones.
• We help you to save for your retirement by matching employee KiwiSaver contributions of 3%

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organisation whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

At Sims together we are a diverse group of employees who are supported by our equal opportunity policy. To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.