Celebrating Milestones at Trade Assist (Part 2) - Simon Williams' 9th Work Anniversary

We’re continuing our three-part blog series, "Celebrating Milestones at Trade Assist" and in Part 2 we’re shining the spotlight on Simon. He’s been with us since the early days and this year marks nine years on the team. Simon’s a great example of starting from the ground up. These days he leads the charge as Team Leader of our Christchurch branch and we’re stoked to have him as part of the senior team.

This series is a reminder that people are at the heart of everything we do. It’s about celebrating the milestones that shape each person’s journey with us. We’re taking a moment to recognise a few of our awesome team members who’ve grown with Trade Assist and are doing great things in their roles. We asked them to reflect on their time with us, share a few highlights and tell us what they’re looking forward to next.

Simon Williams - 9 years with Trade Assist

How has your role or journey at Trade Assist evolved over the years?

When I started out as a foreman, I never thought I’d end up in recruitment. It’s been a bit of a ride, to be honest. Back when Trade Assist was still a construction company, I began on the tools and then worked my way into a Site Manager role. I really enjoyed working on-site with the crew.

Somewhere along the way, the business pivoted into recruitment and I was offered a role in that space. Fast forward nine years and I’m still here. The job’s changed a lot over that time and so has the company. I guess I’ve been here all these years because I love working with good people. I enjoy having a good chat with the clients and looking out for candidates who work hard. I do miss the tools now and then but helping others find work and seeing them succeed has its own rewards too.

What’s been your standout moment or proudest achievement so far?

I’m not really one to stop and think about that sort of stuff too much but I’d say the little wins along the way all add up. This might sound a bit cliché but every time we place someone into a role or when someone goes from temp to perm, it’s a win, not just for them but for all of us here. The market’s pretty tough at the moment, so making sure everyone’s out on-site and making sure they’re doing well is top priority. At the end of the day, if all our candidates are working and things are ticking along smoothly, that’s a job well done in my books.

What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead at Trade Assist?

Honestly, just keeping my head down and cracking on. I don’t think everything needs to be about chasing goals. It’s ok to take each day for what it is. I’m just going to take it day by day and focus on what I do best.