As we welcome in the New Year, 1 January 2025 also marks the commencement of the Government’s new ‘final-year’ Fees Free policy (or final two years for work-based learning), with the ‘first-year’ Fees Free scheme ending on 31 December 2024. This means learners starting a work-based training programme for the first time in 2025 may be able to access Fees …
Government announces future of industry training
On 20 December 2024, the Government announced its plan for a redesigned Vocational Education and Training (VET) system in New Zealand, as it proceeds with the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga. Following industry feedback in August on proposals for work-based learning, the government has developed a third option and will hold targeted consultation in January 2025, with those industry organisations that …
Top of the country: Inside Top Energy’s Annual Connection win
“The nerves turned into excitement and focus as soon as the hooter went.” Simon Bayliss, foreman for Top Energy’s winning line mechanic crew at Annual Connection 2024, says with all of the team members new to Annual Connection there were plenty of nerves ahead of the competition start in Te Awamutu. “Our team had a two-week training block prior to …
Two decades of Annual Connection
“People don’t think about this industry much except when the weather’s bad and the power goes off, so Annual Connection is a way to showcase the skills in the industry and recognise some of the best performers.” Rick Johnson has seen some of today’s electricity supply industry top performers and leaders rise through the ranks from being fresh-faced trainees, having …
TTM Recognition of Prior Learning now available
Holders of Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) warrants can now apply through Connexis to have their previous learning recognised for Level 3 unit standards. As of 1 November 2024, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi no longer registers some TTM warrants, as part of a shift to the new risk-based approach to TTM outlined in the NZ Guide to Temporary Traffic …
A word from our Director – November 2024
Kia ora koutou, The past few months have seen a flurry of activity from the Government with announcements of increased investment and support for New Zealand’s growing infrastructure needs. This includes: consenting changes to remove barriers for the development of renewable energy sources to deliver to the Electrify NZ plan; the delivery of water services back to local councils who …
Connexis delivers first risk-based TTM micro-credential
On Wednesday 30 October Connexis launched the Temporary Traffic Management Risk Assessment (Level 4) micro-credential, the first Tertiary Education Organisation (TEO) to offer the micro-credential in New Zealand. Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) is a core skill requirement affecting almost any infrastructure project, whether it is building new roads, or maintaining the country’s energy, water and telecommunications networks. The micro-credential, which …
Awards recognise top commitment to civil infrastructure training
The country’s civil contracting company training trailblazers for 2024 have been recognised at the Connexis Civil Training and Development Awards. The Connexis-sponsored awards, announced at the annual Civil Contracting NZ (CCNZ) conference held in Invercargill recently, recognised companies which prioritise the training and development of their people through internal training programmes and opportunities to take up nationally recognised qualifications. The …
Changes to Apprenticeship Boost 2025
Civil and Water industry training programmes will no longer be eligible for the Apprenticeship Boost, as outlined in a recent government announcement. In October the Hon Minister Penny Simmonds and Hon Minister Louise Upston released an updated policy for the Apprenticeship Boost announcing that from 1 January 2025, first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, and critical industries would be eligible. Industry …
Celebrating the faces of New Zealand’s energy future
PRESS RELEASE Te Awamutu, October 25, 2024: The future of New Zealand’s electricity supply industry (ESI) looks bright, with the country’s top trainees recognised at an awards ceremony in Waikato. The Connexis Excellence Awards, recognising the best and brightest trainees in New Zealand’s ESI were named at a ceremony to close the industry’s iconic Annual Connection event with Southland’s Angelo …
