When it comes to revolutions, there is probably none larger than the technology one we are living through. In the last three decades the internet has transformed how people around the world live, work and play, and its innovations just keep on coming.

For the last five years, Christchurch-based Jonathan (Jon) Welch has been literally at the front lines of technological change. As a Fibre Technician with Downer Group he is involved in the nationwide roll-out of the fibre-optic broadband network; if you’re enjoying the super-fast connectivity and large data bandwidths that fibre provides, there’s a chance that Jon may have helped bring it to your area.

“Installing and splicing cable is the heart of what we do as fibre technicians, but as the roll-out extends right throughout New Zealand it offers a big variety of work in diverse settings and environments,” Jon says. “Our work ranges from building new systems and networks to responding to problems so there’s always something different, along with the opportunity to continually expand and improve your skills.”

Jon’s work has also taken him to a lot of places in New Zealand, including the Kaikoura area after the major earthquake in November 2016.

“There was a lot of repair work to be done as you can imagine, and we were sometimes working in remote places where the only access was by helicopter,” he says. “It was memorable times.”

During his five years with Downer Group, Jon has completed two qualifications via Connexis: a Level 2 New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply (Introductory) with a strand in Telecommunications (February 2017), and a Level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Telecommunications with a strand in Customer Access Networks (April 2018). In 2018 he received the Telecommunications Trainee of the Year Award at the Connexis Annual Connection Excellence Awards in Christchurch.  

Jon sees his award as another positive sign that his change of career was a good one. Before joining Downer he worked in hospitality for sixteen years and was a qualified baker; a friend who knew he was looking to change directions told him about an industry he thought would appeal to his technical side.

“He has definitely been proved right because that is the area of telecommunications I like the most,” Jon says. “Even though I’m working with fibre on a daily basis I am continually reminded of how clever a technology it is. My qualifications have also helped me to see that.”

Jon says the ability to “earn while he learned” – combining Certificate studies with working at Downer Group – was also a very good experience.

“I have a young family so studying full-time was not practicable, but the combination of part-time study with Connexis and work with Downer gave me financial stability as well as a balanced lifestyle.”

“Downer has a well-structured work environment with a system behind everything and the scope to do different types of work, and it’s rewarding to be part of a team that works together to achieve a goal. There are some big hours involved sometimes but you are paid for them, and with the use of a company car and other benefits I feel well looked after.”

When his family is bit older Jon plans to undertake more studies, but for now he is pleased at how well his new career has turned out.

“I never thought I’d be doing this ten years ago but it has been a great change for both me and my family. I think I have the best of both worlds.”

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Today, six years down the track, Lisa is a registered electrician, having completed Level 4 in Electrical Engineering and Electricity Supply and, in September 2009, took up a trainee technician job with United Group, where she undertook further training to achieve Level 5 as a high voltage Protection Technician.

United Group looks after all facets of electricity sub-stations in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. Smooth-running of the sub-stations and early detection of any network transmission
faults are critical to maintaining electricity supply.

Lisa has never looked back since deciding to become a registered electrician and Protection Technician.

“I knew I wanted to do something different with my life, not something girls traditionally do.”

Her three-year training within the Mighty River apprenticeship Program was largely on-the-job but with the six, three month blocks at Manukau Institute of Technology and WINTEC, she was taken all over the country and this gave her a taste of the many different aspects of the industry.

“What’s really cool is doing different kinds of work every day and getting around and seeing the country,” says Lisa.

During her training, she was sent to Auckland to work on electrical wiring for new retirement homes and apartment blocks. In Christchurch, she helped on updating commercial wiring at
Westfield Mall. While in Taranaki she worked on the commissioning of the new Kupe gas field supply.

But it was her work experience with United Group on high voltage maintenance in sub-stations that grabbed her interest the most.

“There are so many different things to learn and to do that there are always new challenges. It’s great learning the skills to be able to go out and test big equipment and to commission
new plant.”

United Group’s Maintenance Manager Stephen Spry says his company was so impressed with Lisa that they offered her a job and the opportunity to undertake further training when she completed her MRP apprenticeship.

“Lisa showed a lot of aptitude and is not fazed by working in a male oriented business. She’s a joy to have on board. She’s likeable and doesn’t put up with any nonsense,” says Stephen.

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