Apprentice Maintenance Fitter - Kelso

Culture and Benefits

 At Simplot, we are fueled by our purpose: We Contribute to Feeding Our World. We imagine a better future and set goals to reach it. We are committed to working as one Simplot and are guided by our shared values:
 

• Respect for Resources
• Spirit of Innovation
• Passion for People

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about creating an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing and where our people feel supported, respected and empowered. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all our team members.

Simplot is passionate about cultivating a future where good ideas and inspiring possibilities have the chance to grow. We want our team members to build exciting and fulfilling careers with us and offer professional and personal growth opportunities.

The Perks

• Base rates up to 58% higher than the applicable award
• Obtain a nationally recognised trade certification upon completion of 4 year apprenticeship, Cert III Engineering - Mechanical
• Fully provided & laundered uniform, boots and PPE
• Income protection insurance
• Opportunity to work with a global leader in food manufacturing with a high focus on career development within a supportive environment
• Learn from a team of highly skilled maintenance tradespeople
• Soft tissue specialist appointments

About Our Role

• 4 year Maintenance Fitter Apprenticeship with Simplot Kelso
• Bring your prior learnings to a unique opportunity with the home of Australia's favourite foods
• Commence late 2025 / early 2026

Simplot is committed to developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople and prides itself on providing a supportive training environment.  As part of our 2026 apprenticeship programme, we are seeking highly motivated applicants for an exciting and unique opportunity in the role of Apprentice Maintenance Fitter (Mechanical)

Commencing in Jan 2026, this role will provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to learn a skilled maintenance trade and to work with a unique range of equipment at our Kelso based food manufacturing facility.  Upon successful completion of this 4 year apprenticeship, the Apprentice will obtain a nationally recognised qualification (Cert III Engineering - Mechanical).

Simplot Kelso is our seafood and snacking processing plant, producing approx. 50 tonnes of product daily (75 SKUs) for the retail and foodservice markets including Birds Eye, I&J and Captain's Catch branded products. The site employs approx. 120 local employees, with approximately 95% of manufactured goods consisting of either Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) or Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) seafood.

We strive to give our Apprentices the leading edge in developing a diverse skill set in the mechanical fitting trade.  With base rates of up to 58% higher than the applicable award, and Simplot providing the successful candidate with a tool kit as a gesture of welcome - we ensure our apprentices are set up for success from day one!

What You Will Do

Working as part of our highly skilled Mechanical Maintenance team on a Monday-Friday day shift roster – this apprenticeship will focus on all facets of the mechanical maintenance trade within a busy food manufacturing environment.  As part of this apprenticeship, duties may include (but are not limited to):
 

• Contributing to safety initiatives to achieve a 100% commitment to safety, health and wellbeing in the workplace
• Learning industry best practice for both preventative maintenance & breakdown activities
• Attending mandatory blocks of TAFE for the duration of the apprenticeship
• Use of hand tools, in addition to electrical and pneumatic powered tools & equipment
• Use of lathes and other machining equipment to manufacture components prior to assembly / fitting
• Welding (TIG, MIG, MMA)
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Working in a workshop environment and on the production floor
• Problem solving & fault finding
• Use of CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems)
• Interaction & collaboration with wider Maintenance / Engineering & Production teams re: maintenance activities
• Contributing towards continuous improvement initiatives
• The opportunity to work with a wide variety of fixed plant and equipment incl;
  - Conveyors
  - High speed packing equipment
  - Freezer tunnels
  - Pumps
  - Gearboxes
  - Fryers
  - Pneumatics

About You

• Ideally you will have successfully completed school based engineering modules (e.g. Cert II - Engineering Pathways)
• Possess a genuine interest in learning a mechanical based trade
• Ability to commit to a 4 year apprenticeship incl. classroom based learning blocks
• Demonstrated problem solving skills with a hands-on approach
• Possess strong mathematical and English attributes - noting aptitude testing is required for shortlisted candidates
• Intermediate IT skills with Windows OS
• Hold Australian Citizenship or PR (we are unable to consider those candidates with a temporary visa)
• Ability to commence full-time employment in Jan 2026.
• Possess a driver's licence (or hold your Learners Permit with a look to obtaining P plates in the near future)
• Demonstrate sound communication skills with the ability to interact with a wide variety of people and cultures
• Willingness to undertake a pre-employment medical assessment (incl. urine based drug & alcohol screen)

Please click on the "Apply" button to submit your application, ensuring a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role AND an up-to-date resume are included (noting that you will be redirected to the Simplot Careers portal).

APPLICATIONS CLOSE MIDNIGHT, SUNDAY AUGUST 24th 2025 - Simplot reserve the right to commence shortlisting prior to advert closing date.