Trades Assistant

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Take the next step with Hastings Deering as a Trades Assistant in Cairns, a permanent full-time role supporting fitters and the workshop team to safely maintain Caterpillar equipment. You’ll organise tools and parts, keep the workspace tidy, and operate forklifts or overhead cranes where licensed, always following safety, quality and environmental procedures. This role suits someone with prior trades assistant or workshop experience, a safety minded, team oriented, proactive attitude, and good physical fitness. Desirable licences include overhead crane or forklift. Benefits include competitive pay with competency-based increases, world-class CAT training, clear career paths, and work life flexibility. Apply now and contact Taylor Collett at 1300 071 618 for enquiries; pre-employment checks apply.

Company :

Kickstart your career or take the next step with Hastings Deering – where our people build something BIGGER.

Do you love hands-on work, supporting tradespeople, and working in a safety-focused workshop environment. Well then, this position is for you! We are looking an experienced and motivated Trades Assistant to join our team in Cairns QLD to provide day-to-day support to our fitters and workshop team to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard. This is a permanent, Monday to Friday role.

What you’ll be doing
As a Trades Assistant at Hastings Deering, you will:

• Support the team – assist tradespeople with safe, efficient maintenance, repairs, and rebuilds of Caterpillar equipment.
• Be prepared – organise tools, parts, and work areas ahead of each job to ensure smooth workflow.
• Maintain the workspace – complete general workshop labouring tasks and uphold high housekeeping standards.
• Operate equipment safely – use forklifts and overhead cranes where licensed and required.
• Prioritise safety and quality – follow all safety, quality, and environmental procedures at all times.
   

Who are we and why work with us?

Hastings Deering is proud to be one of the top 5 Caterpillar dealerships globally. We sell, rent, and offer support and parts distribution services for Cat® products across a range of industries, including resources, general construction, civil transport and commercial construction, power systems, government, primary industries and marine.
 
We have more than 3,500 employees across 23 business service centres throughout Queensland, Northern Territory, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia, with our headquarters based in Brisbane, Australia.

When you join our team at Hastings Deering, you’ll benefit from:

• Big Pay, Bigger Growth - Competitive hourly rates with competency-based pay rises PLUS regular scheduled increases under our current Enterprise Agreement.
• Body, Mind & Wallet Support - Free health checks, Employee Assistance Program, income protection insurance, and discounts at major retailers.
• World-Class Training - We’re one of only eight Caterpillar Centres of Excellence globally. Learn from the best in CAT and boost your skills.
• Career Paths That Work for You - Grow into leadership, technical specialist, or support service roles. At Hastings Deering, we align with YOUR goals.
• Get more time back in your life - Our work schedules are made to fit your life, giving you the flexibility to take care of what matters most outside of work.
• Security you can count on - Enjoy the stability of a long-term career with Hastings Deering, backed by global strength.
• Cutting Edge Tech - Get hands-on experience with the latest CAT technology as we shape the future of mining and heavy equipment solutions.

What you’ll need:  

A successful teammate will have experience in: 

• Experience that counts – previous experience as a Trades Assistant or in a mechanical/workshop environment (preferred)
• Safety minded – committed to maintaining high workplace health and safety standards at all times.
• Team player – able to work well with others as well as independently when required as well as follow instructions.
• Demonstrate a proactive attitude – maintain strong physical fitness to support consistent, safe, and efficient work performance
• Licenses a plus – overhead crane and forklift tickets (desirable).

Interested? Here’s What’s Next: 

If you’re interested in growing your career with a large OEM, we’d love to hear from you!
 

📌 Apply Now – click the button below.
📞 Enquiries: 1300 071 618
👤 Contact: Taylor Collett – Talent Acquisition Partner

Hastings Deering follows a Pre-Employment Process for all successful applicants, which includes two employment references, a National Police Check and a medical assessment. These checks are essential to your application, and your Talent Acquisition Partner will support you through the process.