trade assistant.

Some of the tasks and duties of a trade assistant include:

• assisting in maintenance: you perform maintenance tasks on the equipment and machines used in industrial operations. For instance, you service plant and equipment used in mining operations and perform simple repair tasks to ensure the equipment operates efficiently. You also adjust the machines according to the manufacturer's specifications to ensure they are ready for use.
• general labouring duties: you assist tradespeople with various duties. For instance, you can perform tasks related to plumbing, steam-fitting, carpentry or electrical and mechanical work. Other general duties include assisting in fabrication work like cutting and welding materials to specification.
• operating machines and power tools: you may be tasked with operating power tools and equipment at a work site. Many trade assistants operate forklifts, cranes and other automotive equipment to transport materials or supplies. In mining, you assist in operating excavation machines for digging mining shafts. You also drive service trucks to load and offload raw materials or supplies.
• maintaining safety and security: your job involves maintaining the safety and security of the work site. For instance, you clean the work site and tidy up the work areas after completing your duties to prevent accidents. You also clean the machines to ensure they operate efficiently. As a trade assistant, you should observe safety and security measures to secure the work site.
• maintaining quality standards: you complete multiple maintenance and repair tasks throughout the day. You are expected to complete the tasks on time, and the repairs or maintenance should meet the quality standards.

A trade assistant works in various industries, meaning exposure to multiple work environments. For instance, in construction, you work in an outdoor setting in all weather conditions. Depending on the season, you may experience high temperatures or rainy and cold weather. In mining industries, the work environment is dusty, and sometimes you work in underground shafts. Working in outdoor environments means wearing protective clothing like earmuffs and gloves. Some trade assistants work with maintenance crews indoors in manufacturing settings. Most indoor work environments are climate-controlled with specially designed floors to prevent accidents and contamination.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include crane operators, forklift operators and labourers. You might also be working close to forklift drivers and fitters, as well as other specialists that could include, but are not limited to, welders, electrical technicians, electricians, maintenance supervisors and maintenance technicians.

As a trade assistant, you work full-time work schedules that start early in the morning and end late. Some trade assistants work shifts of up to 10 hours, depending on the industry. That means you are likely to work early or late at night if the production process is continuous. Sometimes, you respond to out-of-hours emergencies to repair equipment or machine operations. Trade assistants also work part-time positions and on short-term contracts. The role involves travelling if you work at multiple sites.

The projected job growth of trade assistants is 5.4% in the next five years. To excel in the role and progress to higher positions, ensure you improve your skills regularly. You also have specialisation options to consider. For instance, you can become a facilities manager or a maintenance specialist. Some trade assistants working in construction become pipelayers, road construction workers, builders or electricians.

Finding your trade assistant job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a trade assistant is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

A trade assistant helps tradespeople by completing tasks on their behalf. Your job is to perform maintenance tasks on equipment and worksites. You clean the work areas and ensure the machines are calibrated to industry standards. You also maintain health and safety standards and ensure the work site complies with the industry regulations.

As a trade assistant, you need both technical and soft skills to excel in the role. Time management skills help you prioritise work and complete tasks promptly. It is also important to have interpersonal and teamwork skills since you work alongside various other professionals.

You don't require formal education to become a trades assistant. However, completing qualifications in construction or engineering improves your job prospects. You also need licences to work on some sites. For instance, you should have a White Card to work in construction or a high-risk work licence for mining industries.

A trade assistant takes home a median salary of $65,000 per year. New trade assistants earn as low as $55,000 annually, while experienced trade assistants receive a remuneration package of over $75,000 annually.

Applying for a trade assistant job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.