Building futures with operations cadets

We recently launched the Higgins Cadet Programme – an initiative designed to grow talent from within the communities where we operate, offering a structured pathway into the civil construction industry.

Our first cohort kicked off with a week-long induction in Auckland, where cadets gained essential skills to set them up for success. Over the next 12 months, they’ll rotate through key operational workstreams including maintenance, surfacing, asphalt plant, construction, chip sealing, and traffic management, spending approximately 8–10 weeks in each area.

With structured learning plans and hands-on training, our cadets will gain broad experience across the business. By the end of their rotations, they’ll transition full-time into one of these workstreams, with the opportunity to work towards NZQA Level 3 in Infrastructure Works – earning while they learn.

To ensure they’re ready to add value from day one, cadets completed critical Higgins safety training during induction week. We partnered with leading health and safety solutions provider Impac Services Limited for our cadets to use virtual reality simulators to safely practice operating Class 2 vehicles and simulate Wheels, Tracks & Rollers environments, alongside completing key Unit Standards.

Our cadets: Isobelle Woodroffe and Lucy Swan – Auckland; Ranisha Watene-O’Carroll, Kai Bruce, and Natalie Turner - Palmerston North; Diaz Maraki-Pene – Waipukurau; and Kalani Morrell- Westrupp – Wellington. Hearing their aspirations was truly inspiring. We’re excited to follow their journeys and support our first cohort of Rangatahi as they build their futures in civil construction.

A huge thank you to our Higgins and Fletcher Construction Learning & Development teams for bringing this programme to life!