Experienced Trade Assistant Wanted - Step into a Career with Ferndale Foods

Are you a mechanically skilled Trade Assistant with experience in manufacturing or automation? Ferndale Foods Australia is currently seeking an experienced and detail focused Trade Assistant to join their growing team on a full time permanent basis.

This is a genuine opportunity to step into a stable, long-term role with career development, world-class facilities, and excellent earning potential.

About Ferndale Foods

Ferndale Foods Australia is a proudly family-owned and innovative Ballarat business, known for its long-standing success and world-class product quality. Our iconic brands include JILA® mints, JOLS® fruit pastilles, LICORETTE® and SO SOFT® Marshmallows, enjoyed by millions across Australia and beyond.

This role is based at our state of the art snack bar manufacturing facility in Delacombe.

About the Role - Trade Assistant

As a Trade Assistant, you'll play a key role in maintaining and improving production efficiency and machinery performance. Working closely with the Site Manager and experienced technicians, you'll help keep operations running smoothly through hands on support in maintenance, repairs and continuous improvement initiatives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Trade Assistant ready to take the next step in their mechanical career.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend and assist in resolving equipment breakdowns
• Support production line changeovers and machine adjustments
• Participate in preventative maintenance and continuous improvement activities
• Help implement the Preventative Maintenance Program (PMP)
• Assist in managing spare parts and equipment to minimise downtime
• Support project work and develop SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)
• Identify and act on opportunities to improve equipment reliability and efficiency
• Maintain high housekeeping and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards
• Be available for reasonable overtime and occasional call-ins as needed
• Assist in preparing reports or supporting broader business outcomes

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in mechanical, fitting or engineering fields (manufacturing an advantage)
• Safety-first mindset with strong fault finding and problem solving skills
• Hands on experience in automation or high-speed manufacturing highly regarded
• Experience with pneumatics and sensor technology is a bonus
• Electrical disconnect/reconnect ticket highly regarded
• Team-focused attitude with good communication skills
• Basic to intermediate computer skills (email, Word, Excel)
• Food handling/hygiene qualifications are advantageous but not essential

What's in It for You

• Work with state of the art equipment
• Be part of a stable and supportive team
• Ongoing training and development to grow your skills
• Secure a full time role with strong earning potential

If you're an experienced Trade Assistant ready for a long-term career opportunity with one of Ballarat's leading manufacturers, we want to hear from you.

Apply now to Justin Thompson at Workforce Extensions and take the next step with Ferndale Foods Australia.