The country’s civil contracting company training trailblazers for 2024 have been recognised at the Connexis Civil Training and Development Awards.
The Connexis-sponsored awards, announced at the annual Civil Contracting NZ (CCNZ) conference held in Invercargill recently, recognised companies which prioritise the training and development of their people through internal training programmes and opportunities to take up nationally recognised qualifications.
The winners for 2024 are:
Category 1 (turnover up to $10M): Odlum Group, Morrinsville
Category 2 (turnover between $10M and $100M): InfraCore, Rotorua
Category 3 (turnover $100M+): HEB Construction, nationwide
Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger said the three winning companies were clear examples of organisations that prioritise industry training to help their people reach their full potential, grow the capability of their organisation and the wider civil infrastructure industry and in doing so building quality infrastructure that will benefit all New Zealanders.
“We are thrilled to recognise these outstanding winners, and applaud the approach to training demonstrated among the other award finalists and nominees. Their commitment to workforce development through creating a culture of training not only strengthens their own companies but supports the sustainability of the wider infrastructure industry,” Gaukrodger says.
This is the second Connexis Civil Training and Development Award win in a row for HEB Construction in its category, honoured for its holistic approach to growing capability among its people, with an extensive training programme providing work, life and cultural skills.
InfraCore was recognised by the judges for its work with schools in order to develop future potential employees. With a comprehensive structured training programme featuring weekly study groups and mentors for every trainee, all InfraCore’s apprentices have completed a third of their apprenticeship requirements every year.
Odlum Group was also recognised by the judges in particular for its dedication to going beyond the normal to create a strong workplace culture and nurturing team development through internal training.
The awards were judged by CCNZ Vice-President David Howard, Connexis National Field Team Manager Fiona Malloch and Connexis General Manager Customer Engagement Andrew Harland.
“Companies that commit to ongoing training as an essential part of their business development plan are rewarded with a culture of quality work and continuous improvement,” Gaukrodger says. “They have a much better chance of retaining staff with years of skills and experience and they become the employers of choice for those looking to begin or develop careers in the sector.”
Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard saluted the award winners for their standout contributions to the industry. “These individuals and companies are flag bearers for the civil infrastructure industry, they deserve their chance to shine and we should all join in celebrating their efforts. By lifting their game, they help all of us lift ours.”
