Trades Assistant – Blasting & Fabrication
The Trades Assistant (Blasting & Fabrication) provides essential operational support to qualified Tradespeople (Fabricators and Painter). This dual-focused role involves preparing metal surfaces through abrasive blasting and assisting with the cutting, positioning, and assembly of structural steel components.
Key Responsibilities1. Blasting & Surface Preparation
- Abrasive Blasting: Operate industrial blasting equipment (garnet) to remove rust, scale, old paint, and contaminants from steel surfaces.
- Pre-Treatment: Clean, degrease, and mask components prior to blasting or painting to protect sensitive areas (threads, machined surfaces).
- Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine checks on blast pots, hoses, nozzles, and personal protective equipment (blast helmets, breathing air lines).
2. Fabrication Support & Assembly
- Trades Support: Assist Fabricators by holding, positioning, and clamping steel components during fabrication.
- Material Preparation: Use hand and power tools (angle grinders, pedestal drills, magnetic drills, and saws) to cut, bevel, and clean steel sections.
- Material Handling: Safely load, unload, and move heavy steel materials around the workshop using overhead cranes, forklifts, or pallet jacks.
- Tack Welding (If qualified): Perform basic tack welding to hold components together prior to final welding by a qualified trade.
3. Housekeeping & Safety
- Maintain a clean and hazard-free workshop environment, including sweeping blast media and organizing steel racks.
Required Skills & QualificationsEssential:
- Proven experience working in a similar role
- Hands-on experience with industrial air compressors and abrasive blasting equipment.
- Proficiency with power tools, especially heavy-duty angle grinders and cutting saws.
- High level of physical fitness, with the ability to handle heavy lifting and work in hot, dusty, or confined environments.
Desirable Licenses (Highly Regarded):
- Forklift Licence (LF)
- C Class Drivers Licence
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Conditions: Workshop Can be loud, dusty, and require wearing heavy protective blast suits and air-fed respirators for extended periods.
- Stamina: Requires standing, bending, and lifting heavy metal components throughout the shift.
Pay: From $32.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
