Apprentice Maintenance Fitter

Company description:

In Australia, the J.R. Simplot Company's core operations are food manufacturing and agriculture, encompassing potato, vegetable, seafood and sauce operations. We supply a wide range of frozen, shelf-stable and chilled products to major retail and foodservice customers in Australia and New Zealand. The Simplot Global Food business includes 17 food manufacturing and processing sites, serving retail and foodservice customers in 37 countries, with 8,000 people across North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Globally, the J.R. Simplot Company employs 15,000 people, driving innovation and excellence across diverse industries.

Within the Australian market, we are a leading provider of quality, nourishing and sustainable food, focused on creating meals that maximises value from the best Australian-grown produce and global seafood. Our iconic brands have been an integral part of Aussie life for generations, and include Leggo's, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West and Chiko.

Job description:

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

• Opportunity to work with a global leader in food manufacturing with a high focus on career development within a supportive environment
• Fully provided & laundered uniform, boots and PPE
• Base rates up to 50% higher than the applicable award + weekly pay
• On-site subsidised canteen
• Income protection insurance
• Soft tissue specialist appointments

About Our Role

• 4 year Maintenance Fitter apprenticeship - commencing January 2026
• Learn and earn with a global leader in food manufacturing
• Obtain a Certificate III - Engineering (Mechanical) at completion of apprenticeship

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.

Commencing in mid-late January 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 in our modern food production facility at Simplot Echuca. Upon successful completion of this 4 year apprenticeship, the Apprentice will obtain a nationally recognised qualification, Certificate III - Engineering (Mechanical)

Simplot's Echuca production facility has a long history within the community, with the plant dating back to 1978 and producing products under our Leggo's, Edgell, Chicken Tonight, Raguletto and Harvest brands. Employing over 150 people, Simplot Echuca processes up to 15,000 tonnes of tomato paste each year, 8,000 tonnes of beetroot and has five unique packaging lines (glass jars, canning, plastic squeeze bottles, foil sachet and aseptic filling).

With base rates up to 50% 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 teams on a Monday-Friday day shift roster - this apprenticeship will focus on learning all facets of the mechanical (maintenance) trade within a busy food manufacturing / FMCG environment. Duties will include (but are not limited to):

• Contribute to safety initiatives to achieve a 100% commitment to safety, health and wellbeing in the workplace
• Learn industry best practice for both preventative maintenance & breakdown activities
• 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
• Work in a workshop environment and on the production floor
• The opportunity to work on a wide variety of fixed plant and equipment incl;
• Conveyors
• High speed packing equipment
• Cooking vessels / boilers
• Pumps
• Gearboxes
• Pneumatics
• Process line fixed plant
• Problem solving & fault finding
• Use of CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems) incl. work orders / data entry / stores lookups
• Interact & collaborate with wider Maintenance & Production teams on tasks associated with production line maintenance
• Attend mandatory blocks of TAFE for the duration of the apprenticeship (TAFE options incl; Bendigo or Shepparton)
• Contribute towards continuous improvement initiatives

About You

• Possess a genuine interest in engineering or mechanical type trades
• Can display a good basic knowledge of tooling, materials and mechanical aptitude
• Demonstrated problem solving skills with a hands-on approach
• Possess strong mathematical and English attributes - noting an aptitude test will be required for shortlisted candidates
• Intermediate IT skills with regards to Windows based operating system
• Be an Australian Citizen or hold formal permanent residency
• Ability to commence full-time employment in mid-late January 2026
• Possess a driver's licence (or hold your Learners Permit with a look to obtaining P plates in the near future)
• Demonstrate superior communication skills with the ability to interact with a wide variety of people and cultures
• Ability to commit to a 4 year apprenticeship
• 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, MONDAY 29th SEPTEMBER noting that Simplot reserve the right to commence shortlisting prior to advert closing date.**Simplot is an equal opportunity employer and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. If you feel you would be a great addition to our team please apply online today, we would love to hear from you. If you require technical assistance, please email us