Denay Cottam is a standout example of how a solid foundation in the trades can open doors to a long, diverse, and future-focused career in infrastructure.
A qualified plumber, gasfitter, and drainlayer, Denay completed his apprenticeship in New Plymouth before heading offshore. Over more than a decade, he worked across New Zealand, Australia, and Malaysia in high-pressure roles—both onshore and offshore—in the oil and gas sector. From nitrogen pumping to pre-commissioning and subsea testing, Denay built a reputation for reliability and technical depth, all underpinned by a strong commitment to safety.
Returning to New Zealand, Denay rejoined his family’s business, OPS Plumbing and Pipeline. Originally a plumbing firm, OPS has since evolved into a civil infrastructure company. Denay responded to this shift by expanding his own skillset—completing both the New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Pipeline Construction and Maintenance) and the New Zealand Diploma in Infrastructure Asset Management through Connexis.
“OPS has grown into more of a civil company, so completing those pipeline qualifications was a natural step,” he says. “It added another dimension to my CV and gave me a great refresher on the fundamentals I learned as a plumber.”
Today, Denay wears several hats. He’s the company’s Health and Safety Manager, leads projects, mentors junior staff, and still gets hands-on when required. He also works as a casual Asset Integrity Technician with Verbrec, where he contributes to the inspection and maintenance of natural gas infrastructure. NEC4 ECC Project Management accredited, he’s increasingly stepping into strategic planning roles while keeping his boots firmly on the ground.
In 2024, Denay broke his elbow in a snowboarding accident. Rather than sit idle, he used his recovery to complete the Level 6 Diploma in Infrastructure Asset Management. The qualification deepened his understanding of how to manage assets across their lifecycle—reinforcing his ability to align practical field knowledge with high-level planning.
Throughout his career, Denay has embraced every opportunity to train, grow, and adapt. It’s given him a career that’s not only stable but constantly evolving.
His message to others considering a trade career?
“Start with a solid trade, but don’t stop there. If you stay curious and keep building on your skills, you’ll be surprised where it can take you. There’s no one path—just lots of doors waiting to be opened.”