Media Release from: Connexis 

New Zealand’s top electricity supply industry (ESI) trainees have been named as finalists in the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards for 2026. 

These annual awards recognise the country’s standout ESI trainees across seven different categories, as nominated by their employers.  

This year, 20 industry trainees from some of the country’s leading energy companies have been named as finalists in the categories of Transmission Trainee of the Year, Distribution Trainee of the Year, Generation Trainee of the Year, Traction Line Mechanic Trainee of the Year, Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year and Advanced Trainee of the Year. Of these categories, one winner will also be named Overall Trainee of the Year (this year sponsored by Connetics). 

Another three ESI workers have also been named as finalists in the Leadership in Electricity Supply Industry Training Award, which recognises those who go above and beyond in training others and helping them succeed. 

2026 has also seen the introduction of a new Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year category, recognising the vital skills of utility arborists, who keep key ESI assets safely clear of vegetation. 

See the full list of finalists below. 

Set up and championed by Connexis, New Zealand’s leading training provider to the energy sector and other infrastructure industries such as civil, telecommunications and water, these awards are designed to shine a light on the future leaders of the electricity supply industry. 

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the awards offer a unique opportunity to recognise the achievements of these industry trainees and celebrate them in front of their industry peers, employers – and maybe future employers.  

“Over the years we’ve seen dedicated and hard-working trainees celebrated at these awards who have then gone on to become leaders in the industry,” Gaukrodger says. 

“We know that training can be challenging as people balance work and family commitments while meeting the requirements of their programmes. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate those who are succeeding, while also inspiring and motivating others on the same journey by showing them what’s possible.” 

The Connexis Energy Trainee Award winners will be announced at an awards dinner in Pukekohe on October 22, marking the close of the Annual Connection three-day industry skills competition, managed by Connexis. 

Over October 20-22, Annual Connection, this year hosted by Counties Energy at Franklin A&P Showgrounds in Pukekohe, will see line mechanic crews, cable jointers and supply electricians compete in a series of competitions designed to showcase the skills and expertise they use to keep New Zealand connected. 

Gaukrodger says: “It’s fantastic to bring Annual Connection 2026 to the North Island again this year. We’re excited to welcome crews from across the country to Pukekohe.   

“Annual Connection is a great opportunity for the electricity supply industry to demonstrate how good they are and to connect with each other in one high-voltage celebration.” 

Counties Energy Chief Executive Judy Nicholl says hosting Annual Connection for the first time is an incredible opportunity to support the industry and showcase the work it does every day, both within local communities and across the country.  

“This year feels like a true milestone. Hosting it on our own patch is our way of celebrating the skill and grit our teams bring to work every day, while helping the wider industry become stronger and more resilient together.” 

Connexis Energy Trainee Awards finalists: 

Find out more: 

connexis.org.nz

annualconnection.co.nz

About Connexis 

Connexis is a training provider for New Zealand’s Civil, Energy, Telecommunications, and Water infrastructure industries. Connexis works with infrastructure employers to develop and deliver nationally recognised programmes for apprenticeships and professional qualifications that sit on the New Zealand Qualification and Competency Framework. Connexis is committed to increasing the capability and capacity of New Zealand’s infrastructure workforce through high quality, work based training across these industries which are vital to keeping New Zealand connected.   

For more information, please contact: 
Tracey Mehrtens 
Accento Communications 
tracey@accento.nz 
021 430 606

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Through this transition, the Avetta Training Team personnel and their programmes joined Connexis Training, complementing Connexis’ existing suite of programmes, and strengthening our ability to deliver NZQA-accredited qualifications and high-risk health and safety training across the telecommunications and infrastructure industries. 

Congratulations to our newest qualified line mechanics, who have completed the final stages of their training journey with Connexis Training. 

Over the past few weeks, two groups of learners from Northpower and Downer completed their Block 5 training and final assessments, marking an important milestone in their careers and for the electricity supply industry. 

We were thrilled to celebrate one group graduating earlier this month and a second group crossing the finish line last Friday. 

A huge congratulations to Cole, Te Heru, Francis, Willem, Zane, Eric, Tia, Jono, Sam, Le Treal and Jack. Your commitment, focus and professionalism throughout your training has been outstanding. 

A special thank you to the Downer Whanganui depot for providing the facilities that made this training possible. We’re proud to support these learners and look forward to seeing them continue to grow, thrive and make a difference across New Zealand’s electricity supply industry. 

More about our Connexis short course programmes here. 

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That led to work as a network operator for Fulton Hogan, where he is now a leading hand. With just a couple of papers to go on his qualification Jack, 33, is excited about what the future holds and has a good perspective on the value of training. 

“I did a diesel apprenticeship when I was quite young, and back then I prioritised socialising over studying. Not this time,” says Jack, who is on track to complete his qualification a year ahead of schedule. 

With two kids, finding balance to study wasn’t always easy, but this time Jack found it easy to choose what had to give. “I just had to sacrifice my social life and get the training done. I work in the reactive side of the business so I might be at home at 9pm with my head in the bookwork and the next thing I’ll be on a call out.” 

Jack has been helped in his training by Connexis customer service account manager Amy, and assessor Eric. “Eric’s been great. He never gives you the answer if you’re stuck, but he’s always happy to talk things through and help you work it out for yourself.  

He’ll keep asking ‘Do you understand what I’m saying?’ to make sure you’re not getting left behind. 

Amy says Jack has been an exemplary trainee. “He’s shown amazing commitment to his development and progression through both his certificates and he always has a big smile on his face. A quiet, stand-out achiever.” 

Jack says the support from Connexis and his employer Fulton Hogan has been a big factor in his training achievements. “When I did my diesel apprenticeship it was hard to speak up if you didn’t understand something. The trainer I had would just give you four books and say these have to be done by the time I get back or I’m putting you on the recovery programme. This was a really different experience.”  

Though it can have its challenges, Jack’s advice for anyone considering an apprentice is to “just do it”. 

“My biggest tip is to sit down and go through all the books before you start. Just take two or three days – or evenings – to go through it all.” That preparation means you know what evidence you’ll need to provide at different stages of the training and can plan ahead. 

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Connexis has celebrated employers and apprentices who are helping build the future of New Zealand’s civil infrastructure workforce through training, development, and nationally recognised qualifications at the annual Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Awards, presented at the Civil Contractors Conference in Wellington recently.

These awards recognise organisations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to growing capability within the civil infrastructure sector, while also celebrating individuals who are excelling in their apprenticeship journey.

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger said the calibre of this year’s entrants reflected an industry that understands the critical role staff development plays in creating a strong and sustainable workforce.

“The organisations recognised all understand that the infrastructure New Zealand needs tomorrow depends on the people we develop today,” said Gaukrodger.

“These awards celebrate the commitment that makes our industry stronger, safer and more inclusive. It’s inspiring to see employers investing in training and creating meaningful career pathways that support both their people and the wider industry.”

Grounded HQ recognised for developing local talent:

Whanganui based company, Grounded HQ, received the Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Award for organisations with an annual turnover of up to $10 million.

Judges Fiona Malloch and Mark Borland praised the company’s commitment to developing local talent and creating opportunities for people who are not in employment, education or training.

“Grounded HQ’s commitment to investing in every individual ensures that as the business grows, its people grow with it,” the judges said.

Quality Roading and Services strengthens regional capability:

The Connexis award for organisations with turnover between $10 million and $100 million was presented to Quality Roading and Services, recognising its long-term commitment to workforce development and Civil Trades certification.

The Wairoa-based company has spent seven years championing nationally recognised qualifications and competency certification for its employees.

“Quality Roading and Services exemplifies how local employers can play a vital role in strengthening regional workforce capability,” the judges said.

Fulton Hogan recognised for structured career pathways:

Fulton Hogan won the award for organisations with turnover over $100 million and alliances, reflecting its comprehensive and personalised approach to employee development.

Through initiatives including its Infrastructure Skills Centre, graduate programme, and Road to Growth, and Road to Success programmes, Fulton Hogan has established clear pathways that support employees at every stage of their careers.

“Through its innovative and individualised approach to development, Fulton Hogan continues to demonstrate leadership in growing both its people and the infrastructure industry’s future capability,” the judges noted.

Apprentice of the Year honours excellence in the field:

The inaugural Connexis Apprentice of the Year Award was presented to Simon Bunyan of Think Water Gisborne.

Judges highlighted Simon’s exceptional work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes, noting the respect he has earned from both colleagues and clients.

“Simon’s outstanding achievements, reliability, and passion for excellence make him a truly deserving winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award,” the judges said.

Gaukrodger said recognising excellence through the Connexis Awards was an important way of showcasing the value of training and development across the civil infrastructure industry.

“Our award winners are setting the benchmark for workforce development and demonstrating what can be achieved when employers invest in their people. Their success is helping build a stronger pipeline of skilled workers for New Zealand’s infrastructure sector.”

More information:

Winners: Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Awards 2026

Apprentice of the Year Award Winner: Simon Bunyan – Think Water Gisborne

In addition to winning this award, Simon was also a Connexis Outward Bound scholarship recipient for 2026.

Civil Industry Training and Development Award for companies with turnover up to $10 million

Winner: Grounded HQ

Highly commended: Draintech BOP

Civil Industry Training and Development Award for companies between $10 million and $100 million

Winner: Quality Roading and Services

Highly commended: City Contractors

Civil Industry Training and Development Award for companies with turnover over $100 million and alliances

Winner: Fulton Hogan

Highly commended: John Fillmore Contracting

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When you ask her how she got there, she keeps the answer simple: show up, work hard, have a great attitude and stay open to learning. 

Kyla, who has been with Downer for nearly five years, began her career in temporary traffic management (TTM). Soon after, her positive attitude and willingness were recognised by a Downer sealing team and she was poached. 

“I was actually with the sealing team for most of my time with Downers so far, and worked through getting all my different licenses; classes 2 to 4, dangerous goods, wheels, tracks, rollers – everything”. Kayla also completed her NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Bitumen Surfacing) (Level 3) through Connexis. 

“I really enjoyed sealing, especially the hands-on nature of it, but I did get to a point where I wanted something a bit more challenging and a bit more people-focused,” Kyla says. That opportunity presented itself when a more senior role opened up back in the TTM team and Kyla immediately put her hand up to try her hand at the role on a temporary basis. She again impressed with her can-do attitude and ability and was made a permanent supervisor of the TTM team in October 2025. 

She now manages the TTM for 14 different Downer work sites, planning all the daily activity, schedules and a team of 38 people. It’s meant stepping into a leadership role at a relatively young age, which has meant making a few adjustments for Kyla. 

“A lot of the team are similar age to me so that’s been a bit of a challenge. I just have to remind myself I’m in charge. I’ve learned to be mindful and polite in how I address and understand people. 

“There are times when it’s easy for people to think they don’t need to take me seriously, but I just keep showing up, doing my job and working hard,” she says. 

Kyla also recently attended a Connexis Lead Well workshop aimed at growing leadership skills among those in the infrastructure trades.  

“The main thing I took away from the Connexis Lead Well workshop was that everyone works differently and has their own experiences. So, back at work I’ve learned to be more understanding of my team and use different styles of communication with each person.  

“It’s been working well, I feel like I have developed a better relationship with some team members by using a different method of communication with them.” 

Meanwhile, one of the common misconceptions many people have about TTM, that Kyla is keen to change, is that it’s a simple job; just stop/go signs and a few road cones. 

“People always think traffic management is really basic and easy, but there’s a lot more to it. It doesn’t seem easy when you do it! I’m always busy with the planning and coordination. 

“In the end the job is about people and keeping them safe, which is really important and satisfying,” she says. 

“I like the challenge of having to think for yourself and manage people. That’s the skill that I wanted to learn when I decided to put my hand up for the job.” 

Kyla’s short term career plan is to complete more training, ideally TTM, though is still considering exactly what that might be. Beyond that she’s keeping her options open and is keen to keep up training as the tool for a successful career in different areas of civil construction. 

“I think success really is about showing up everyday and having a good attitude. That’s how you get the opportunities to try new things.”  

The post The Road to Success appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

‘For many years, infrastructure employers have highlighted the importance of exposing high-school students to infrastructure projects and the wide range of careers available in building and maintaining the infrastructure networks and assets that keep New Zealand connected and running,” says Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger.  

‘While our Gateway and Girls with Hi-Vis® initiatives have provided a pipeline for school students to enter these careers, giving students the opportunity to explore infrastructure-related subjects within the school curriculum will help further raise awareness of careers in energy, water, and civil infrastructure, and provide a clearer pathway into vocational education, apprenticeships and employment,’ she says.  

The new subjects recognise that career pathways are not one-size-fits-all. By placing industry knowledge and real-world applications alongside traditional academic learning, students will be able to make more informed decisions about their future and better understand how their studies connect with employment opportunities.  

Connexis looks forward to supporting efforts that help more young people transition successfully from school into vocational education and training pathways, and infrastructure careers. Creating stronger links between education and industry is an important step towards ensuring New Zealand has the skilled local workforce needed to build, maintain and operate the infrastructure our communities rely on. 

About Connexis  

Connexis is a training provider for New Zealand’s Civil, Energy, Telecommunications, and Water infrastructure industries. Connexis works with infrastructure employers to develop and deliver nationally recognised programmes for apprenticeships and professional qualifications that sit on the New Zealand Qualification and Competency Framework. Connexis is committed to increasing the capability and capacity of New Zealand’s infrastructure workforce through high quality, work-based training across these industries which are vital to keeping New Zealand connected.  

More information: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-subjects-bring-industry-and-classroom-closer-together?utm_source=aweber&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=feed-entry-title 

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The Connexis Energy Trainee Awards recognise the hard work and commitment it takes to skill up by rewarding the best and brightest trainees working in Electricity Supply and Telecommunications. They also celebrate those who promote industry training by supporting and inspiring young people who are on their training journey.

Winners are announced at the Connexis Excellence Awards dinner on the last night of Annual Connection – Thursday 22nd October 2026. Presentations will be made to the recipients of the Trainee Awards along with the winners of Annual Connection held over the previous three days.

The 2026 Connexis Excellence Awards are proudly hosted by Counties Energy on Thursday 22nd October 2026 – Pukekohe Indian Community Centre, 55 Ward Street, Pukekohe.

Key dates:

• 31 July – Nominations close
• June 2026 – Tickets on sale
• 1 September 2026 – Finalists announced
• 22 October 2026

Award categories:

• Transmission Trainee of the Year
• Generation Trainee of the Year
• Distribution Trainee of the Year
• Advanced Trainee of the Year
• Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year (NEW for 2026!)
• Traction Line Mechanic Trainee of the Year
• Leadership in Electricity Supply Industry Training

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Thursday July 2, 2026: The next generation of New Zealand women are stepping up to take their place on the country’s major infrastructure projects and work sites. 

Throughout June, Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis^® saw female secondary students from around the country visit their local infrastructure employers to find out more about the career opportunities in industries such as civil construction, electricity supply, telecommunications and water treatment.  

While onsite in the country’s power stations, highway construction sites and water treatment plants, the students were able to try for themselves some of the skills required to work in infrastructure trades, and connect with other women already working in them, as well as local employers. 

Girls with Hi-Vis^® (GWHV), now in its 11th year, was developed by infrastructure industries training provider Connexis, to make more young women aware of the traditionally male-dominated career pathways open to them that they may not have previously considered. 

In 2015 the event began with three Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) companies hosting events and 50 female students in attendance. This year saw more than 30 events scheduled around the country with more than 80 schools and 800 students attending. 

Connexis now has its highest-ever number of enrolled female learners; with the proportion of female learners doubling from 8% in 2015 when GWHV was first launched to 16% in 2025. 

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the growth of GWHV since it began in 2015 is testament to the value it offers both students and employers. 

“In 2015 Connexis had 8% of trainees in trade and technical roles were female, today that figure is 16%. We are now attending Girls with Hi-Vis^® events hosted by female apprentices who were introduced to their employer at a Girls with Hi-Vis^® event,” Gaukrodger says.  

“Women still represent a largely untapped employment market for a lot of our infrastructure industries, many of which are facing skills shortages. One of the most effective ways of changing that is simply awareness.  

“So many of the students attending a Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis^® event come out of it with their eyes open to new opportunities that have never been presented to them before. On top of that they are making key connections with employers in their local area.” 

Connexis GWHV also offers a great hands-on opportunity for young women to see industry-led trades apprenticeships as a practical, valuable path to training and qualifications, if they are looking for alternatives to university that let them earn while they learn, Gaukrodger says. 

“Trades training is no longer an after-thought for two-thirds of school students who are not looking at an academic career pathway through university. It’s recognised as an important, affordable option for gaining a tertiary qualification while working that will provide the foundation and step up into long and varied careers, using high-demand skills that are unlikely to be overtaken by AI.” 

Read more about Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis® from our inspirational ambassador and recent Outward Bound scholarship recipient Annabelle Thorpe-Hall here 

For more information on Girls with Hi-Vis®, including inspirational work stories, visit the Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis® page. 

For more information please contact 

Kerri Jackson 

Accento Communications 

kerri@accento.nz 

0220885860 

About Connexis 

Connexis is a training provider for New Zealand’s Civil, Energy, Telecommunications, and Water infrastructure industries. Connexis works with infrastructure employers to develop and deliver nationally recognised programmes for apprenticeships and professional qualifications that sit on the New Zealand Qualification and Competency Framework. Connexis is committed to increasing the capability and capacity of New Zealand’s infrastructure workforce through high quality, work-based training across these industries which are vital to keeping New Zealand connected. 

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“I knew I didn’t want to go to university but I loved doing hands-on work and learning in a practical way.”  

The answer to that equation for 19-year-old Annabelle Thorpe-Hall was taking on an electrical trade apprenticeship, with ElectriNET, part of the Horizon Energy Group, in Gisborne.  

“The subjects I enjoyed in school were maths and physics. I spoke to my careers advisor at school and she showed me some of the options. I decided to contact some local businesses to see if I could spend some time shadowing them at work.  

“I reached out to a range of trades and ElectriNet offered me the opportunity to spend a day a week with them where I spent time with electricians, fire technicians and data technicians. I loved my time there and was lucky enough to be offered an apprenticeship so here I am.” 

Now Annabelle is spreading the word about the opportunities that lie in an electrical trade by taking part in Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis^® in Whakatane with Horizon Networks. The nationwide event held each year through June, offers female secondary students to meet with local potential employers onsite to learn about infrastructure trade careers, meet the women already working in them and try their hand at some of the technical skills required. 

“I am looking forward to meeting other girls who might be interested in getting into trades, just being able to answer any questions they might have or tell them what I do in a day” Annabelle says. “It might help them decide whether it’s something they would like to do or not.” 

One of the things Annabelle would like other women to know about her job is just how varied it is. 

“The variety of work and opportunities that I have at ElectriNET is huge. I never realised how many different jobs electricians do,” she says. “What I really enjoy about my job is having a wide variety of work. Every day is different. You get to visit so many different sites and meet a whole range of people. 

“I get to use lots of different problem solving skills, and be able to help people. 

“If it’s something you are interested in and enjoy hands-on work then give it a go. Don’t be put off thinking it’s a male-dominated trade. My attitude has always been that if you’re willing to learn and want to do the job then that’s all that matters. It doesn’t make any difference whether you’re a male or female.” 

Annabelle  was also a recipient of a Connexis Outward Bound scholarship and recently completed her course. She says the experience was challenging but in a positive way. 

“I absolutely loved Outward Bound. It was the perfect environment for me to be pushed out of my comfort zone and I was able to learn so much about myself. I was able to participate in so many activities I wouldn’t have normally done.  

“I learnt that I’m capable of much more than I thought, and I learnt many skills around communicating and being around a new group of people. I learned that putting yourself out of your comfort zone can be a huge positive and you can get so much out of an experience if you just give everything a go and don’t always say no just because you’re nervous or don’t think you’re capable.  

“I learned to give everything a good go and don’t turn down opportunities even if you’re really nervous and don’t want to go. Speak up if you have ideas and encourage other people around you to do the same, working in a team can be so much more efficient and your ideas can become so much more developed.”  

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As well as building local capability, with all four Chatham Island trainees successfully achieving their NZ Certificate Drinking Water Treatment (Level 4), the visit highlights Connexis’ strong commitment to developing skilled water operators in remote communities.  

Expert assessor and respected water treatment specialist Marty Simpson travelled to the islands to complete final on-site assessments for the operators Latoya Hough, Bruce Winter, Russell Phillips, and Rikard Kamo. Their on-job practical, full-time experience at the Waitangi Water Treatment Plant on the Chatham Islands was supported by Connexis with structured learning, including workbooks, e-learning modules, and a block course delivered by WSP in Petone, Lower Hutt. 

During their time on-course in mainland New Zealand, the group also visited leading facilities along the Kāpiti Coast, including Waikanae, widely regarded as a gold standard site for treatment plant operations. 

It was a first trip to the Chatham Islands for assessor Marty and one that has left a strong impression. 

“Supporting trainees goes beyond technical learning—it also means providing strong pastoral care to ensure they feel supported throughout their journey.” 

“It’s really encouraging to see the momentum continuing. All four newly qualified operators are now progressing to the Level 4 Wastewater qualification, further strengthening their expertise,” he says. 

The newly qualified operators, who have reached this professional milestone after several years working in the industry, say access to eLearning was important to their training success from a remote location like the Chatham Islands. 

“When I first enrolled, I wasn’t that interested in a career in water, but the online course made it accessible and really got me engaged in the subject.  

“Now that I’ve finished the course, we’re excited to progress into the wastewater learning programme and I’m keen to explore some of the Connexis plant operator courses too. Being so remote, the block course on the mainland was amazing, it gave us a chance to see bigger, more complex operations and processes than we have on the Chathams,” says Operator and Connexis learner Latoya Hough. 

The thirst for learning is continuing at Chatham Island water with team manager, Shingy Torga, also enrolling in the NZC Drinking Water Treatment (Level 4), demonstrating strong leadership and a proactive commitment to ongoing professional development within the Chatham Islands team. 

“The industry is evolving, and over the past two decades we’ve seen increasing diversity among trainees. The Connexis Drinking Water and Wastewater certificate and diploma qualifications are now widely recognised as a viable and rewarding career pathway, with strong opportunities for progression, including diploma-level study,” Marty says. 

This successful training initiative on the Chatham Islands underscores the value of investing in local capability and highlights the collaborative efforts between Connexis and employers to ensure sustainable water management across Aotearoa New Zealand, even in its most remote communities. 

For more information about water qualifications and career pathways, visit: https://connexis.org.nz/water-qualifications/

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