Trade Assistant / Construction Worker – Pathway to Leading Hand

Barossa Valley | Varied construction work | Genuine opportunity to develop into a Leading Hand role

Wonganella Constructions is a Barossa-based construction company specialising in commercial and industrial roofing and cladding, structural steel erection, steel building construction, water infrastructure, quarry sites and larger Tier 1 projects.

We are looking for a reliable, motivated and practical Trade Assistant / Construction Worker to join our team. This is a hands-on role for someone who is ready to contribute on site, build their construction skills and gradually take on greater responsibility.

For the right person, this role offers a genuine pathway to becoming a Leading Hand. As your experience and capability grow, you will have opportunities to assist with planning work, coordinating small crews, maintaining quality and productivity, and supporting less experienced team members.

The Role

Working alongside our experienced tradespeople and Project Managers, you will assist with:

· Commercial and industrial roofing, including roof and wall cladding

· Structural steel erection and shed or industrial building construction

· Crane, lifting and rigging activities

· EWPs, access equipment and general installation work

· Industrial, water infrastructure, quarry and larger construction projects

· Preparing materials, tools, plant and work areas for daily site activities

· Reading and working from construction and shop drawings as your skills develop

· Maintaining high standards of safety, quality and productivity

· Identifying site issues early and communicating clearly with the crew and supervisors

· Completing basic site records, photos and quality documentation when required

Our work is varied, so you will not necessarily be doing the same task every day or working on the same type of project.

Opportunity to Progress

We want to develop the right long-term person, not simply fill a position. Someone who demonstrates reliability, initiative, sound practical judgement and the ability to think ahead may progress towards a Leading Hand position.





That development may include opportunities to:

· Take ownership of a defined work area or task

· Help plan and coordinate daily site activities

· Think ahead about labour, materials, plant and access requirements

· Lead and work alongside a small crew, generally two to four people

· Communicate with Project Managers, clients and other trades

· Mentor apprentices and less experienced team members

· Develop the planning, leadership and documentation skills required to run a workfront with less supervision

Progression will depend on demonstrated performance, experience and the needs of the business, but there is a genuine chance for the right person to grow into this level of responsibility.

A Background That Could Suit This Role

This role could particularly suit someone with experience in carpentry, structural steel erection, roofing or cladding who is looking for a broader construction role and the opportunity to progress.

You don't necessarily need to have worked across all areas of our business. If you have a strong practical construction background, can read drawings, work safely and think ahead on site, we can develop your skills across the other areas of our work.

For example, a carpenter with good commercial construction experience may already have many of the practical, planning and problem-solving skills we're looking for. Likewise, someone from a steel erection or cladding background may be ready to broaden their experience and take on more responsibility.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

· Is reliable, punctual and has a strong work ethic

· Enjoys practical, hands-on work outdoors and is comfortable working at heights

· Can follow instructions, work well within a team and communicate clearly

· Takes pride in doing work safely and properly





· Shows initiative, solves practical problems and is willing to learn

· Can accept responsibility and wants a long-term opportunity to develop

· Has the potential and interest to lead others as their experience grows

Previous construction experience is preferred but not essential for the right person. Experience in roofing, cladding, structural steel, fabrication or similar work will be highly regarded.

Required

· Construction White Card

· Current driver’s licence

· Reliable transport

Highly Regarded

· Working at Heights

· EWP Yellow Card

· EWP over 11m (WP)

· Dogging (DG), rigging or crane licences

· Forklift (LF)

· Telehandler experience

· HR driver’s licence

· Ability to read and interpret construction or shop drawings

· Previous experience assisting with or leading a small crew

You do not need to hold every ticket. For the right person, there will be opportunities to gain additional skills, qualifications and licences.

What We Offer

· Full-time or casual employment options for the right person

· Competitive rates based on experience and capability

· Overtime opportunities when available

· Wide-ranging commercial and industrial projects

· Support to gain additional tickets, licences and practical skills

· Experience working alongside tradespeople and Project Managers

· A small team where capable people can take on genuine responsibility

· A clear opportunity to develop towards a Leading Hand role and, over time, broader site supervision

· Long-term employment and room to grow as the business grows

Work Locally – Build Your Career

Our yard is based in the Barossa Valley, and we are particularly interested in applicants living within approximately 30 minutes of our yard.

If you are practical, reliable and ready to build a long-term construction career—with the ambition to take on greater responsibility and potentially become a Leading Hand—we would like to hear from you.

To apply, please forward your application to ••••@wonganella.com.au.

Please note: only suitable applicants will be contacted.

📌 Trade Assistant / Construction Worker – Pathway to Leading Hand (Gomersal)
🏢 Wonganella Constructions
📍 Gomersal