Tracy recently received the Leadership in Electricity Supply Industry Training award at the 2026 Connexis Energy Trainee Awards. 

“Training and apprenticeships are essential to ESI businesses because they help develop a skilled and capable workforce while ensuring valuable industry knowledge is passed on to the next generation,” she says. “They provide employees with the practical experience and technical skills needed to work safely and effectively, supporting both the long-term sustainability of the industry and the future success of the business.” 

Since joining Northpower in 2021 Tracy has helped more than 130 people across electrical, civil, arboriculture and infrastructure pathways. In nominating Tracy for the Connexis award Northpower Technical Capability Manager Matthew Lawrence said Tracy’s work, which included redesigning the company’s cadetship programme, had directly contributed to building the company’s future workforce capability and strengthening the talent pipeline into the electricity supply industry.  

“Tracy understands that successful industry training is about more than completing qualifications. It is about helping people build confidence, develop resilience, understand industry expectations and feel that they belong in the electricity supply industry.” 

Tracy’s best advice to new trainees and apprentices is to be open to learning and ask questions. “And don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every mistake is an opportunity to grow, and the people around you can teach you a lot if you’re willing to listen, learn, and put in the effort.” 

Find out more about our Connexis Energy programmes and pathways here. 

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His achievement gives Waipā Networks back-to-back national titles in the Annual Connection Cable Jointer Competition. Zak Ramsey, who supported Jacob at this year’s competition, won the title in 2025.  

Representing Waipā Networks, with its proud tradition of strong performances at Annual Connection, Jacob was acutely aware of the standards set by those before him. “There’s an added pressure knowing the history of success Waipā has had at Annual Connection,” Jacob admits. “However, having a great support team and strong preparation through training really helps build confidence going into the competition.” 

This was not Jacob’s first time stepping onto the national stage. Having previously competed at Annual Connection in Invercargill in 2023, Jacob returned in 2026 driven by the challenge of pushing himself outside his comfort zone. Entering was an opportunity to test his skills under competitive conditions, pick up new techniques, and learn from fellow industry peers. Jacob has worked through his electricity supply pathway training with Connexis, the National Infrastructure Provider. 

He says his biggest challenge through the three days of competition was maintaining a clear mind while tackling unfamiliar joints and terminations he hadn’t frequently worked with in day-to-day operations. 

“It was about staying focused, trusting my training, and adapting as I went,” he explains. His strategy for staying calm under pressure was straightforward: “Keep a level head, trust your training, and rely on the experience you’ve built up. Don’t get caught up watching other competitors or worrying about the crowd. Focus on your own work, take it one step at a time, and enjoy the experience.” 

Winning the Annual Connection Cable Jointer trophy was a proud moment for Jacob, but he is quick to acknowledge his dad Daniel, who first encouraged him into the trade. 

 “He was the person who guided me and helped get me into the industry, so being able to share this with him makes it special. It was a great feeling and incredibly rewarding after all the training, preparation, and hard work over the past couple of years.” 

In his day-to-day work, Jacob’s motivation comes from the daily satisfaction of working to a high standard with meticulous attention to detail when it comes to safety and reliability. 

“I really enjoy the craftsmanship involved in cable jointing,” he says. “I take a lot of pride in the finer details, making sure the work is completed to a high standard, looks great, and functions exactly as it should.” 

Looking ahead, Jacob sees a bright future for those interested in taking up a career as a cable jointer or in other areas of the ESI, with demand for skilled workers continuing to grow. 

“Cable jointing is a specialised trade with plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and build a rewarding career,” Jacob says. “Be prepared to learn, take pride in your work, and make the most of the experience you gain from those around you.” 

Find out more about Connexis Energy programmes, developed with industry to help our learners skill-up and achieve nationally recognised qualifications here. 

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That diversity, and the opportunity to take ownership of plant, is what makes the work so rewarding. “There is a broad range of hands-on roles that are very mentally stimulating. My role is very diverse,” he says. 

Callum’s approach to learning and taking responsibility has helped him earn the title of Generation Trainee of the Year at the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards 2026. 

Originally from Omarama, Callum has already completed his NZC Electricity Supply in Operation (Level 4) through Connexis, New Zealand’s Infrastructure Training Provider, alongside his Tekapo Operator Maintainer competency. He is now trusted to run outages in the power stations, an opportunity that provides both valuable experience and evidence for his electrical apprenticeship assessments. 

“These are very rewarding and also provide opportunities to gather the evidence required for many of the on-job assessments in my electrical apprenticeship,” he says. 

For Callum, winning the award has meant having that hard work recognised. “We work in an industry where great work is usually expected rather than celebrated. To have the hard work I’ve put into my training recognised alongside such a strong group of competitors is awesome!” 

His advice to other apprentices is to think about the contribution they can make wherever they are working. “Every time you walk into a room, figure out what value you add.” He also encourages trainees to learn from everyone around them, including people who demonstrate what not to do, as well as those who show them the right way. 

And he believes developing good habits makes a real difference. “The amount of effort required to do your study and job well is likely only 10% more than it takes to scrape by but will give you far more than 10% better knowledge and opportunities.” 

Find out more about Connexis Energy programmes, developed with industry to help our learners skill-up and achieve nationally recognised qualifications here. 

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That enthusiasm has helped earn him the title of Transmission Trainee of the Year at the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards 2026, held recently. 

Now a fully qualified line mechanic, Zinzan started his working life in another industry then came to the ESI following a recommendation from someone he worked with. His biggest challenge to date has been overcoming a fear of heights, which he got through by sheer force of will, and just doing what needed to be done. He completed his NZC in Electricity Supply (Transmission Line Maintenance) (Level 4) Line Mechanic qualifications through Connexis, New Zealand’s Infrastructure Training Provider. 

One of the highlights of Zinzan’s apprenticeship was reaching the point where he could carry out a practical task independently, without needing someone to guide him through every step. It was a milestone that gave him confidence in his growing skills and knowledge. “It was the first time I was able to kind of do something without someone having to tell me exactly what to do,” he says. 

Now fully qualified, Zinzan is continuing to build his skills through further training in areas such as condition assessment and patrols. He also has his sights set on leadership. “Most people here know I want to be a boss one day,” he says. His aim is to learn as much as possible now so he can draw on that experience when he takes on a leadership role. 

He also sees setting a good example for other trainees as an important part of the job. Having started just before some of his fellow trainees, he found they often looked to him for guidance. Even when he felt unsure, he knew that showing confidence could help them believe they could do it too. 

Winning the award means a great deal to him. “It shows all the hard work I put in, the fears I overcame, and also just all the personal challenges I went through,” he says. 

His advice to anyone starting out is simple: “Always ask questions. Don’t be afraid to not know something you’ve never been told.” 

Find out more about Connexis Energy programmes, developed with industry to help our learners skill-up and achieve nationally recognised qualifications here.  

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That idea led her to a Connexis Infrastructure Gateway placement, at Hopper Construction a civil contractor delivering infrastructure and land development services in Whitianga. Connexis Gateway programmes give secondary school students a practical introduction to careers in New Zealand’s infrastructure sector while they are still at school.  

“If I see something that needs fixing, I’ve always just tried to fix it,” Lexi says. 

Through Gateway, Lexi spent one day a week at Hopper while still in Year 13 at school, through the first half of 2026. While there, she worked with the Hopper team on project sites helping with different types of testing and learning how each site worked and what everybody did. 

Through this period, she completed her Breaking Ground Level 3 Gateway programme. This experience helped her secure a full-time operational support role with Hopper. 

Lexi says having already worked at the company through Gateway made the step into a full-time job much easier. As well as knowing the basics of the work, she also knew the people. 

“Everyone’s been so amazing and nice. One of the challenges of only being here once a week when I was on Gateway was that was the only time I was on site, so it was hard to keep on top of some of the site work you need for the Connexis programme.  The team here all try to help me learn and make sure I know what I need to.” 

Lexi’s still settling into Hopper and isn’t yet sure what exact direction her career will take, she’s just enjoying learning on the job. 

“I’m working behind the scenes of jobs and helping with quality control of the projects. I really enjoy it, and I like learning about what’s involved in different parts of civil works; understanding the background and how it all works. 

“I’ll just see where that takes me for now.” 

When it comes to other school students considering a trade, Lexi suggests giving a Gateway programme a try. 

“It’s just a really good way to figure out if you actually want to do a job. It gives you the inside look at it. If you don’t like it, it’s OK. At least you know, and you can try something else.” 

More information on Gateway Programmes:  

Gateway Programmes combine theory with practical, on-job learning, with students completing unit standards through workbooks or eLearning alongside assessed workplace tasks. Connexis provides an assessor to assess practical work and support both the student and school throughout the programme, helping students gain industry-relevant skills and a pathway towards further training and employment. 

Find more Gateway information here. 

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Wellington, 2 November 2026

Infrastructure training provider Connexis has officially returned to industry ownership, giving the sectors it serves a direct role in guiding the organisation’s future.

From today, Connexis will operate as Connexis Inc, an independent, industry-owned and industry-led Private Training Establishment (PTE), with a membership structure and charitable status designed to keep training closely aligned with the workforce needs of the civil, energy, telecommunications and water sectors.

Connexis Chief Executive Kaarin Gaukrodger says the transition comes at an important time for the infrastructure sectors, which face ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers.

“Having industry at the heart of Connexis gives us an opportunity to align our priorities and strengthen our relationships with employers and industry partners and work together on the skills and training needed to build a locally skilled workforce that New Zealand needs. Building a skilled infrastructure workforce is a shared responsibility, and we look forward to being a long-term workforce partner to ensure training remains responsive to industry’s needs.”

Civil Contractors New Zealand, the Electricity Engineers’ Association and Water New Zealand are the founding members of Connexis Inc. The interim board comprises Susan Huria (Chair), Brian Warren and Roger McRae.

Susan Huria says, “This gives industry a direct role in guiding Connexis and keeping training connected to the workforce demand and capabilities needed across infrastructure, as shortages in workforce skills and experience continue to be a major issue for the sectors we serve.”

“We look forward to working with employers and our sector partners as Connexis moves into this next chapter. Existing training programmes and services will continue without disruption. Enrolments, assessment and learner and employer support will carry on as usual.“

Gaukrodger acknowledged the employers, learners, assessors, industry partners, the Energy & Infrastructure Industry Skills Board, the Tertiary Education Commission and Connexis staff for their support throughout the transition.

“The support we have received has helped establish a platform from which Connexis can move forward with confidence, with industry closely involved in shaping training for the workforce it needs.”

Connexis delivers industry training, including infrastructure apprenticeships and competency training, across New Zealand’s civil, energy, telecommunications and water sectors.

For more information about the transition, visit connexis.org.nz/backtoindustry.

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23 October, 2026 New Zealand’s outstanding electricity supply workers have put their skills and expertise to the test in Pukekohe at Annual Connection 2026, showcasing the specialist skills that keep New Zealand connected and powered up. 

Managed annually by Connexis, the national infrastructure industry training provider, and this year hosted by Counties Energy, Annual Connection is a major event for New Zealand’s electricity supply industry. It brings together line mechanic crews and cable jointers from electricity lines companies around the country for a series of challenging, skills-based competitions, alongside opportunities to recognise emerging talent and promote careers in the industry. 

The winning line mechanic crew for 2026 is Top Energy, from Northland, the team’s third consecutive win, while the champion cable jointer is Jacob Linton from Waipā Networks, Waikato. 

The event also showcases the next generation of electricity supply workers through competitions for apprentices currently in training. The 2026 trainee cable jointer competition was won by Anare Elers from PowerNet in Southland, while the winner of the supply industry electrical apprentice competition was Oliver Ormandy from Independent Line Services, Christchurch. 

Annual Connection concluded with the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards, celebrating the country’s outstanding electricity supply industry trainees and the mentors who support their development. 

The overall Trainee of the Year for 2026 is Michael Mitchell, a line mechanic for Top Energy in Northland, also a member of the company’s winning line mechanic team. Mitchell also won the 2026 Distribution Trainee of the Year award. 

Mitchell recently completed his line mechanic apprenticeship through Connexis, and has already begun his second apprenticeship, training as a cable jointer. 

In nominating Mitchell for the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards, Top Energy Field Services Health, Safety, Quality & Risk Manager Anne Mason said Mitchell “consistently demonstrates the qualities, values, and commitment that represent the very best of the electricity distribution industry”.  

“Despite his relatively young age, Michael displays a level of professionalism, maturity, initiative, and dedication that is exceptional among his peers. 

“[Michael] is an outstanding team member because he genuinely values the success of the people around him. He believes that individual performance is a reflection of those who have invested time in teaching and mentoring others, and he actively contributes to a culture of teamwork, respect, and shared success.” 

The complete list of Connexis Energy Trainee Awards winners is: 

• Distribution Trainee of the Year: Michael Mitchell, Line Mechanic, Top Energy, Kerikeri. 

• Transmission Trainee of the Year: Zinzan Coop, Transmission Line Mechanic, Northpower, Hamilton. 

• Generation Trainee of the Year: Callum Bryant, Operator Maintainer, Genesis Energy, Tekapo. 

• Traction Line Mechanic Trainee of the Year: Roy Lewis-Brown, Traction Line Mechanic, Kiwi Rail, Taihape. 

• Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year: Remy McDonald, Utility Arborist, Asplundh, Christchurch. 

• Advanced Trainee of the Year: Jessie King, Power Technician, Omexom, Invercargill. 

• Overall Trainee of the Year: Michael Mitchell, Line Mechanic, Top Energy, Kerikeri. 

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says Annual Connection is an important opportunity to recognise the skills, commitment and professionalism of the people who keep New Zealand’s electricity supply network operating. 

“A lot of the day-to-day work undertaken by these extremely skilled individuals and crews happens out of the public eye yet is essential to ensuring access to infrastructure services that literally keeps the country powered up,” Gaukrodger says. 

“Annual Connection is an important opportunity to showcase the skill involved in that work, as well as the exciting, long-term career pathways those skills, and the training behind them, can lead to.” 

Gaukrodger says an important part of Annual Connection is welcoming local schools, giving students the chance to experience first-hand some of the opportunities a career in the electricity supply industry (ESI) can offer. This year, around 80 students from eight local schools attended the event. 

Connexis was thrilled to have the support of Counties Energy, one of the earliest participants of Annual Connection when it first launched, as host sponsor, Gaukrodger says. A Counties Energy line mechanic crew was also entered in the competition. 

Counties Energy CEO Judy Nicholl says:“We’d like to thank Connexis for delivering an exceptional event and giving the community a chance to see our sector in action. The skill, teamwork and professionalism on display really reflect what makes this industry special.  

“While the technical side may draw newcomers in, it’s the people, shared knowledge and sense of purpose that make a career in this field so rewarding. Congratulations to all the competitors, and thanks to the other sponsors, volunteers and everyone who helped make the event such a success.” 

Gaukrodger says: “A huge thank you to Counties Energy for being the host sponsor of Annual Connection 2026 and for helping make this iconic industry event possible. Their support demonstrates a real commitment to the electricity supply industry and to recognising and promoting the community that ensures reliable access to power for all New Zealanders.  

“Thank you also to all our sponsors, industry employers, suppliers and the individuals who volunteer their time and for getting behind Annual Connection each year. The event relies on the industry coming together to share its expertise, support trainees and apprentices, showcase career opportunities to the wider community, and celebrate excellence. That collective commitment is vital to building the skilled workforce our industry needs for the future.” 

www.annualconnection.co.nz 

www.connexis.org.nz 

Annual Connection 2026 placings: 

Line mechanic competition 

Winner: Top Energy 

2^nd place: Waipā Networks 

3^rd place: Omexom 

Cable jointer competition: 

Winner: Jacob Linton, Waipā Networks 

2^nd place: Jarod Simmonds, Omexom 

3^rd place: Garth Leslie, Alpine Energy 

Trainee Cable Jointer Competition 

Winner: Anare Elers, PowerNet Ltd, Southland 

Supply Industry Electrical Apprentice Competition 

Winner: Oliver Ormandy, Independent Line Services, Christchurch 

For additional information: 

Please contact 

Kerri Jackson 
Accento Communications 
022 088 5860 
kerri@accento.nz 

About Connexis 

Connexis supports work-based learning for New Zealand’s infrastructure industries, including civil, energy, telecommunications and water. It works with employers and learners to develop the skills and capability needed to build, maintain and operate the country’s essential infrastructure. 

The post New Zealand’s top electricity supply workforce power up their own spotlight  appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

21 October 2026 

WEL Networks and Connexis have today shared details for an Advanced Powertech Apprenticeship Pathway, a new collaborative initiative to develop a structured apprenticeship pathway for Power Technicians. This initiative combines industry expertise and work-based training to address a critical skills shortage in New Zealand’s electricity sector. 

This collaboration will develop and launch a new delivery model for the combined Electrical Trade Level 4 apprenticeship and Level 5 Powertech programmes. The cohort-based approach will improve the learner experience and outcomes, increase completion rates, encourage peer learning, and develop strong professional networks. It will also strengthen employer and apprentice engagement and lay the foundation for the future Power Technician workforce.  

The new pathway provides a formalised path through an electrical trade apprenticeship, into becoming a qualified Power Technician. Through the design of the on job, off-job and online training components, the Advanced Apprenticeship Pathway reduces the timeframe for someone newly commencing an electrical trade qualification to becoming a qualified Power Technician, without reducing the required skill training 

The Advanced Apprenticeship Pathway initiative was formally released for wider industry engagement on Wednesday 21 October at Annual Connection 2026, the electricity supply industry’s flagship event. 

The initiative directly responds to the Re-Energise 26 report, which identified Power Technicians as one of the electricity and energy workforce’s most critical skills shortage areas. 

“We’ve championed this initiative and we’re delighted to be working with Connexis on an advanced apprenticeship pathway that provides structured progression into Power Technician roles and meets the needs of Electricity Distribution Businesses (EDBs) as we transition to an increasingly electrified future,” says WEL Networks Chief Executive Garth Dibley. 

“Building the specialist technical workforce we need moving forward is a challenge best addressed collectively by industry,” he says. 

Today’s announcement of this new Apprenticeship Powertech pathway, shared with industry leaders, encourages other EDBs to engage with Connexis on the possibilities of a wider rollout across the country.  

It comes as Connexis prepares to transition on 1 November into an industry-owned and led Private Training Establishment, following Tertiary Education Commission approval. The change will return Connexis to industry ownership while maintaining continuity of training and services for employers and learners. 

“This collaboration shows what an industry-owned Connexis is all about: listening to industry, understanding employers’ skills challenges and priorities, and working together on practical, streamlined training solutions,” says Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger. 

“This Powertech pathway is an opportunity to work directly with the wider electricity distribution sector to build the specialist capability industry needs for the future,” she says. 

While WEL Networks has championed the initiative, the workforce challenge is shared across the energy sector. The launch aims to build momentum and encourage other industry organisations to engage and participate. 

Connexis is now seeking expressions of interest from employers, with the first Hamilton-based cohort expected to kick off early 2027. 

About WEL Networks 

WEL Networks delivers innovative and sustainable energy solutions across the Waikato, connecting more than 103,000 homes and businesses to its electricity network. Community-owned through the WEL Energy Trust, the company has supported the region’s economic and social development for more than 100 years. www.wel.co.nz 

About Connexis 

Connexis is New Zealand’s infrastructure training provider, supporting work-based training across the civil, energy, telecommunications and water industries. Connexis works with employers, learners and industry partners to deliver nationally recognised training that helps build a skilled and sustainable infrastructure workforce. www.connexis.org.nz  

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Annual Connection is a three-day skills competition for the country’s best line mechanics, cable jointers and supply electricians being held at Pukekohe Showgrounds across October 20-22. The event, run annually for more than 20 years, with the support of Connexis, New Zealand’s infrastructure training provider, has Counties Energy as its 2026 host sponsor. 

Over three days of competition, line mechanic crews, cable jointers and trainee supply electricians will compete in a programme of skills-based events designed to test and showcase the skills and knowledge required to keep the country connected. 

More than 90 competitors, as well as 10 logistics personnel, 30 judges and support crew will descend on Pukekohe over the three days of competition. The event concludes with the announcement of competition winners, as well as winners of the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards, at the Connexis Excellence Awards function. 

Competitors are attending from around the country, including as far afield as Invercargill to compete at the event. 

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says it’s exciting to be hosting Annual Connection in the North Island again, after a successful event in Christchurch last year.  

“We’re thrilled to have Counties Energy on board as our host sponsor this year. They have a long history with Annual Connection having been involved in the very first event in 2002, and the company’s line mechanic crew will be competing at this year’s event. 

“South Auckland is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions, making Pukekohe a fitting location for an event focused on the people and skills needed to support the country’s future infrastructure,” Gaukrodger says. 

Counties Energy CEO Judy Nicholl says hosting Annual Connection is a unique opportunity to support the electricity supply industry (ESI) and showcase the work its skilled people do every day, within the local community and across the country.  

“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.”  

Nicholl says a highlight of Annual Connection is always seeing the relationship and rapport between competitors. “The standout is always the synergy on the field. It’s inspiring to see crews bring out the best in one another, showcasing the pride, wide range of skills and commitment to safe work practices that define the industry. The second the tools are down, that competitive spirit turns into genuine camaraderie, and it’s that chance to reconnect with the wider industry whānau that makes the event so special.” 

Annual Connection is also an opportunity to showcase the career pathways and potential of working in the ESI to the next generation. Local schools from around the Franklin region will attend the event to try their hand at some of the skills required, meet key employers, and see first-hand what working as a line mechanic, cable jointer or supply electrician is like. 

“Like many infrastructure-focused industries, the ESI is facing a shortage of skilled workers,” Gaukrodger says. “Events like Annual Connection help Connexis, New Zealand’s leading work-based training provider to the industry, to demonstrate in a visual, practical way, all the different career opportunities that can come from taking up infrastructure apprenticeships and training in this sector.” 

Find out more: 

www.connexis.org.nz 

www.annualconnection.co.nz  

About Connexis 

Connexis is New Zealand’s infrastructure training provider, supporting work-based training across the civil, energy, telecommunications and water industries. Connexis works with employers, learners and industry partners to deliver nationally recognised training that helps build a skilled and sustainable infrastructure workforce.  

The post What does it take to keep NZ’s lights on under pressure?  appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

New Zealand’s infrastructure sectors are set to have a stronger industry-led training pipeline, with Connexis approved to become an independent, industry-owned training provider from 1 November. 

The move comes at a time when New Zealand needs a skilled workforce to build, maintain and support the infrastructure communities rely on every day — from roads and electricity networks to telecommunications and water services. 

Connexis, New Zealand’s national infrastructure training provider, has received approval from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to transition out of the Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (EI ISB) and into Connexis Inc, a Private Training Establishment (PTE) from 1 November 2026. 

The approval provides a clear path forward for Connexis, as part of the governments redesign of vocational education and training, and will see infrastructure work-based training return to an industry-owned and industry-led model. Connexis Inc will be focussed on delivering work-based apprenticeships and training across the civil, energy, telecommunications and water sectors within New Zealand.  

Connexis Inc. is a membership based charitable organisation, with Civil Contractors New Zealand, the Electricity Engineers’ Association and Water New Zealand joining as founding members. The interim Connexis Inc. Board comprises Susan Huria (Chair), Brian Warren and Roger McRae, who have guided the establishment of the new industry-owned entity. 

Huria says the approval reflects the strong support Connexis has received from employers and industry stakeholders. She thanked both TEC and NZQA for their confidence in Connexis Inc. and acknowledged the support of the EI ISB in enabling a smooth and timely transition. 

“Industry has been clear it wants a training provider that is closely connected to workforce needs, responsive to change, and focused on quality outcomes for learners and employers,” she says. 

“As an industry-owned PTE, Connexis will continue working alongside employers, learners, associations, government and industry partners to build the skilled workforce New Zealand’s infrastructure sectors need now and into the future,” Huria says. 

This approval marks the culmination of a significant period of change within the vocational education and training system for Connexis and the industries it supports. 

Kaarin Gaukrodger, Executive Director of Connexis, says the TEC approval is an important moment for both Connexis and infrastructure industry training in New Zealand, providing stability, consistency and certainty for learners, employers, staff and industry partners. 

“Throughout that period, our focus has remained on ensuring learners, employers and industry have continued to receive the training and support that meets industries workforce needs. This approval provides a clear path forward and enables us to strengthen our role as a trusted industry partner in addressing workforce skills needs across the infrastructure sectors. 

“Nothing changes for our learners, employers, assessors or key industry suppliers. Current learners will continue to work through their training programmes, employers can continue enrolling learners with confidence, and Connexis will keep delivering nationally recognised, work-based infrastructure training throughout New Zealand.” 

Connexis Inc. founding member reaction: 

Electricity Engineers’ Association Chief Executive Nicki Sutherland: “The EEA has long supported strong, industry-informed training pathways for the electricity supply industry.  We’re delighted to be a founding member of the new Connexis incorporated society, giving us a seat at the table that will influence future industry training delivery.” 

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard: “Connexis has delivered qualifications for the civil construction industry for decades. Civil construction qualifications are vital for developing competence and recognising achievement in the industry, and CCNZ supports initiatives that support people in gaining the skills they need, and progress civil construction training, qualifications and apprenticeships.” 

 Water New Zealand Chief Executive Gillian Blythe: “Water New Zealand is excited and proud to be a founding member of Connexis and supporting the transition to an industry-owned Private Training Establishment (PTE). Providing targeted education and training builds the skills, expertise and confidence our workforce needs to meet industry and consumer demand, support long-term investment, and deliver essential infrastructure services across Aotearoa New Zealand.” 

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