The trick for keeping on top of training for recently qualified Survey Field Technician Rob Radu, is breaking the work up into manageable bite-size pieces.
“It can be overwhelming when you get all the assessments at once but once you break this down it becomes more manageable,” Rob says. “Have a timeframe for each assessment.”
Rob, 21, completed his NZ Certificate Surveying (Level 4) ahead of schedule, which he says was made easier by the support he was given by his employer, Taupo-based Energy Surveys.
“We were given time at the office and resources to get practical and theory tasks, and assessments done. They were open to any questions we had, and helped us understand how to use the equipment,” he says.
“I didn’t know a whole lot about surveying when I first started. It’s important when you’re coming into a new role to be open-minded and make the most of the opportunities that are given to you.”
The ability to work outdoors and travel around the country working on key energy assets like dams and power stations was a big part of what appealed to Rob about his role.
He says the training involved in his qualification has been vital to making his days on the job be productive. “It gives you a better understanding of what and why we do what we do out in the field. It gives meaning and context to my day-to-day job. It’s great to be able to do a qualification while you’re working.”
Time management was Rob’s biggest challenge through his qualification but says having someone else on his team studying at the same time was a big help.
“We work away a lot of the time so trying to fit in the office time and collect evidence can be difficult. Studying with someone else meant we could push each other along, and work together at the end of the day. I think it helped us both and we both really didn’t want our training to drag on “
“It was really cool to see our qualification progressing quickly while we were also developing skills in our jobs.
Rob says he was well supported by Connexis through his qualification with Customer Service Account Manager (CSAM) Amy Young regularly checking in to make sure he was staying on track, and assessors offering regular feedback on how assessments had gone.
“That really helps with motivation, and completing the qualification has helped me in developing confidence and good habits.” .
Rob says his positive experience gaining his Surveying LG means he is open to further study to keep his career moving forward. “I’d consider doing the diploma in Surveying, but at the moment I’m still looking at my options.”
Find our more about Connexis Civil qualifications here: https://connexis.org.nz/civil-qualifications/