Timaru local Sam Burleigh has been named Canterbury Westland’s top excavator operator, taking out first place at the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice Excavator Competition held at Road Metals Quarry in Rolleston on 4 October. 

The Thompson Engineering 2002 foreman conquered a series of gruelling challenges designed to test precision, skill, and technical know-how – from truck loading to the crowd-favourite egg and spoon challenge, where operators must lift an egg into a cup using their excavator without breaking it. 

Burleigh, who has competed in the event since 2022, said this year’s victory was his first after several close calls. 

“Last year I dropped the egg – this year I picked it up and popped it straight in the cup,” he laughed. “I just went into cruise mode today and did my jam, pretending no one was watching.” 

The 36-year-old credits his years on the tools, operating excavators since age 18, for helping him stay calm under pressure. His win over 28 other elite operators earned him a place at the national finals in Feilding next March, along with more than $3,000 in prizes. 

Other highlights included a giant game of excavator golf, a tricky log swing balance test, and theory-based challenges covering safety and machine checks. 

Competition organiser James Flower said the record number of entrants reflected the region’s strong talent and enthusiasm for the event. “It went like a dream, despite a deluge of rain,” he said. “There was a real carnival atmosphere – great to see families out supporting the operators and learning about the industry.” 

Rounding out the podium were Aidan Te Pakeke Palmer (second, Thompson Engineering 2002) and Jomar Clavo (third, Isaac Construction). 

The novice category went to Alex Waller from Smith Crane and Construction. 

The event was proudly supported by CablePrice, Attach2 Equipment, Connexis, and a host of other industry sponsors. 

The post Meet Canterbury Westland’s top excavator operator  appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

What do you think the secret was to your success last year?
Simon Bayliss (team foreman): “I don’t think there is a secret, but I think for us it was the ability to adapt under pressure. It was not all smooth sailing for us, but we supported each other. Safety was always in front of our minds, but it was really the way the team pulled together when it got challenging. We needed to stay calm, positive, and adjust quickly. I think that’s what got us over the line in the end.”

What prompted the team to want to compete together again this year?
Lance Kahotea: “Talking amongst ourselves, we agreed we loved our time at the Annual Connection competition; the atmosphere, and the chance to meet new people from the industry. Overall, it’s a great experience.

What does it mean to be returning champions?
Micheal Kava: “As returning champions, there is always added pressure to perform and win. I’m sure it will be no different this year for us or for the other teams competing, as everyone will want to do well. The main thing for us is to give it our best and enjoy the experience again.”

What does the team love about competing at Annual Connection?
Michael Mitchell (trainee): “The team enjoyed the different events and the event’s ability to bring different companies together. It is just as much as an opportunity to meet other lineys and see different equipment used, as it is a great competition. As a team, we really enjoyed the whole Annual Connection experience.”

The post Bringing the energy to win appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

As the country’s top energy sector workers show off their world-class skills at a national competition event in Christchurch next month, two young local women are making their mark.

More female competitors are making their presence felt at Annual Connection each year, and this year is no exception with a record number of women registered to take on the challenges at the 2025 event in Christchurch.

For the first time the cable jointing competitions will feature a landmark three female competitors, including two from host sponsor EA Networks; Chloe Guthrie, entered in the main cable jointing competition and Tia Fasi, who will be competing in the new Annual Connection trainee cable jointing competition.

The experience will be a first for both women, and they’re working hard to prepare by tapping co-workers who’ve previously competed for their best tips and advice.

“One of my fellow cable jointers at EA Networks had been a judge and competitor himself and was explaining the competition to me. I thought it would be fun and a great learning opportunity,” says Chloe, who joined EA as an apprentice cable jointer in 2022, and qualified in May this year through Connexis. “I’m having training moments with fellow workers who have been in the competition themselves, and I’m constantly working on my techniques on day-to-day jobs.”

Tia, who began her cable jointing apprenticeship at EA in mid-2024 through Connexis, says while the thought of competing at Annual Connection is “quite daunting” she is getting plenty of support from those around her.

“Everyone has been very forthcoming with their own experiences; the likely skills and knowledge I’ll need and the overall structure of the competition. I’m confident they’ll provide me with anything I’ll need. I’ll just try my best,” she says. “I’m looking forward to the learning experience and the challenge I’ve set for myself.”

Tia first heard about cable jointing as a career while completing a pre-trades course after leaving school with plans to become an electrician. “I saw the cable jointers in their workshop doing what I now know was a live joint. That’s how I became aware of cable jointing.

“It was the physicality and utter complexity of the work that appealed. I had absolutely no idea what they were doing but I was instantly enticed,” Tia says. “I honestly love everything about the job now I’m doing it. I thoroughly appreciate the opportunity to have such variety in a job whilst having the ability to learn new skills and do many hands-on tasks.”

For Chloe, cable jointing was also a career option that was new to her when she discovered it, though she was familiar with the work of EA Networks through her dad, who also works for the company. “I never once heard of a cable jointer growing up. I mostly only knew of linesmen, but I wanted a hands-on job and to get into a good trade.

“I started by doing work experience at EA Networks in cable jointing and loved it right away, so I wanted to keep coming back and learning more.”

The things Chloe loves most about her job are the work ethic and technique required. “I love making terminations clean and like pieces of art. I also love having the ability to work outside and be travelling around mid-Canterbury while learning about my job and electricity every day. It’s good to feel a sense of accomplishment leaving work knowing the job you did that day was important.”

Chloe’s advice for other young people, particularly women, considering cable jointing as a career option is to give it a try.

“If you love outdoors and getting your hands dirty, have a strong personality and can deal with some male banter, cable jointer is a good start.

“As a woman you might need to learn some techniques to make things work for you as we don’t have the same strength as others, but I’ve loved learning and becoming part of a team and showing that girls can fit in and do the same jobs as men.”

Tia says she would definitely recommend giving cable jointing a try to anybody considering it. “I genuinely love my job despite only being over a year in and would have nothing but good things to say about my experience. Every job has its difficulties and challenges, but the reward is worth the risk. Take the jump and give it a go, what’s the worst that could happen.”

And to any other young female cable jointers wanting to compete in Annual Connection in the future, Tia’s advice is to go for it. “If you’re given the opportunity, take it. The worst that can happen is you come last, but the experience is what matters.”

Chloe agrees: “You are challenging yourself and showing off techniques you have learnt. You can do whatever you put your mind to – and remember competing will be a great learning experience.”

• Annual Connection, managed by Connexis with 2025 sponsors Orion, EA Networks and Connectics, is a unique three-day event, bringing together cable jointers, line mechanics and industry stakeholders from around New Zealand. The event consists of a series of competitions designed to showcase the skills and knowledge of workers in our Electricity Supply Industry.
• Annual Connection 2025 will be held at Canterbury Agricultural Park on 21-23 October.
• https://annualconnection.co.nz/

The post Young Ashburton women cable jointers taking on the best in NZ appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

“The thing that keeps me motivated is having a plan for the future in my mind. That helps me push through and complete the training that will allow me to develop and try to achieve those long-term goals.”

That approach to apprenticeship training is paying off so far for Ethan Morris, who was recently named Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 Waikato Civil Contractors Awards.

Ethan, an apprentice drainlayer with Schick Construction, is 1.5 years into his NZ Certificate in Pipeline Construction and Maintenance (Level 4) through Connexis. He says winning Apprentice of the Year is an amazing recognition of his training efforts so far.

“It means the world to me, because it proves that all my hard work, long hours, determination, and work ethic have been recognised, not only by my company but by the Waikato,” he says. “It shows me and everyone that if you put your head down, work hard, and try to better yourself every day, you will be able to reap the rewards, and people will start to notice.”

Ethan began his apprenticeship journey through a Gateway programme while still a student at Hamilton Boys’ High School, after attending an open day at Schick and learning more about what the company did.

“The things that appealed to me about drain-laying were being able to operate heavy machinery, which I’d wanted to do since I was a little kid, and being able to learn while working was another big upside for me. Doing an apprenticeship means I can learn, work, and get paid all at the same time, while getting a qualification under my belt that will last a lifetime.”

He adds that the biggest challenge of his training so far has been finding time to stay on top of some of the training bookwork while working long days on the job, but he adds he’s had good support from both Schick and Connexis to keep him on track.

“Connexis has supported me immensely with monthly catch-ups and being able to talk about things we struggled with as well as things we did well with, and any help we need just to be able to complete our bookwork,” says Ethan, adding that having access to other wellbeing services through Connexis “makes the process feel a lot more inviting and makes you, as a student, feel like you matter which helps you benefit by learning”.

A highlight of his training so far has been the opportunity to learn by doing and to meet a wide range of people. He’s also proud to be a part of the Connexis Water Services Apprenticeship Reference Group, a cohort of six current and former Connexis water trainees tasked with discussing legal and logistical issues in the water sector so as to ensure trainees are provided with the most relevant information in their training bookwork.

Now that he’s well into his apprenticeship, Ethan says he also loves being able to work in an environment that is providing a service and helping people has become important to him.

“Helping people have new homes with working drainage, or new roads with working water retention systems, gives me a sense of fulfilment, like I’m giving back and providing for the future,” he says.

“I also like being around so many people who do different jobs within the same industry, like site works, earthworks, and land development; not only being around them, but being able to jump into different activities with them when needed, and being able to learn new skills and change it up every so often.

“With the people you meet in the industry, everyone has different stories and experiences that you can learn from and relate to, which makes the job even better. You have a solid team around you who you can enjoy and have a laugh with while working.”

To others considering an apprenticeship or just starting out on their qualification journey, Ethan’s advice is to try to pursue something that you have a passion for, which will make keeping up with the work/study balance easier. “There are heaps of different apprenticeships out there, and if you’re doing a qualification you have a passion for, it will make it 10 times easier completing the bookwork.

“To keep on top of the bookwork, I’d say put your head down and make the time, whether it’s 15 minutes a day or an hour, because it will benefit you in the long run. Just keep ticking away with it because if you stop, it’s hard to get motivated to start again.

“Civil drain-laying is a trade where if you put the hard yards in, you will be able to reap the rewards, so I highly recommend anyone out there who’s interested or curious to give it a go. It’s not all about live sewage and yucky stuff!”

Ethan’s own professional road map includes ongoing training and a big picture goal of eventually moving into leadership roles.

“Self-development is the key to a good life. All throughout my future life I would like to be training and learning new things.

“After completing my drainage ticket, I’d like to go into a project manager or contract manager position and be able to learn more about the wide variety of this job, rather than just one sector.

“I like the idea of a management role in the future. I’ve always felt like I am a good role model and am good when it comes to helping and organising things. I’d find it really fulfilling to be able to help and guide others to become their best selves.”

The post Top apprentice has his eyes on the future appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

The winners will be announced at the Connexis Excellence Awards Dinner, being held on 23 October at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. Who will take out the top accolade of Trainee of the Year?

Good luck to all the finalists who are:

Transmission Trainee category:
Dylan Watson, Omexom, Otematata
Callum Fowden, Ventia, Upper Hutt
Dylan Ngahooro, Ventia, Upper Hutt

Generation Trainee category:
Caitlin Manickum, Mercury Ltd, Taupo
Callum Bryant, Genesis Energy Ltd, Tekapo
Fiona Glennie, Meridian Energy, Twizel

Advanced Trainee category:
Gemma Rose, Empowered Technical Services, Ngaruawahia
Mitch van Waelsden, MainPower NZ Ltd, Kaiapoi

Distribution Trainee Category:
Harley Farnham, Buller Networks, Westport
Harvey Mitchell, Ventia NZ Ltd, Hamilton
Hugh Thomson, Counties Energy, Manukau
Tom Anderson, ElectroNet, Greymouth

Traction Line Mechanic category:
Robert Ngawharau, KiwiRail, Auckland.

Contribution to training and development:
Andree Curly James, Ventia NZ Ltd, Auckland
David Haydock, Genesis Energy Ltd, Huntly
Paul Bryant, Genesis Energy, Tekapo

What is Annual Connection?
Annual Connection, managed by Connexis, is an annual three-day competition showcasing and celebrating the skills and expertise of New Zealand’s Electricity Supply Industry (ESI). It sees line mechanic crews and cable jointers from around the country compete in a series of challenges that put their workplace skills to the test.

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the training provider is thrilled to be bringing Annual Connection back to Christchurch, which last hosted the event in 2018.

“Bringing Annual Connection to Christchurch creates a fantastic opportunity to gather our ESI companies centrally in the South Island. There is nothing quite like this event to showcase the skill in our ESI workforce, while demonstrating to the community how rewarding and varied careers in the energy sector can be.

“It will be great to see the different teams, as well as suppliers and supporters, from all over New Zealand gather in Christchurch to test their skills against each other over the three-day competition.”

Annual Connection makes its return to the South Island this year with help from three host companies: Orion, EA Networks, and Connetics Ltd.

The post Connexis Energy Trainee Awards Finalists Announced appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

“When many people enter this industry, becoming a labourer might not be their first job choice. Our approach is to work with them, to help them on their way towards the getting into the roles they aspire to and that will also benefit the business,” says HEB Construction Training Manager, David Hall.

David believes the training and pastoral support for learners and apprentices at the company is among the best in the country. HEB Construction won the National Connexis Civil Training and Development Award for its staff development programmes in 2023 and 2024.

HEB National Talent Development Manager Amy Baars and her team support and train more than 100 apprentices at HEB sites all across New Zealand, working with Connexis customer service account managers (CSAMs).

HEB Construction also provides support for those with learning or literacy challenges and while there is a dedicated training team, the whole company is involved in the success of learners.

David says, “Everyone is involved in supporting trainees, from senior management to engineers early in their careers. It’s all about building mutually beneficial relationships.”

Amy was impressed by the company’s commitment to and investment in learning when she started in her role in late 2024.

“We’re fortunate at HEB to have a dedicated team that supports apprentices and trainees through their professional development, backed by significant investment in both training and pastoral care.

“This support ensures that our team members are well-equipped to succeed, not just in their roles but also in their personal growth,” she says, adding that HEB operates the 70-20-10 model in how it supports its trainees, with 70% learning derived from on-the-job experiences, 20% through social interactions with peers and mentors, and 10% through formal training or education programs.

“Not all learning is in a classroom or from a book. Learning from others and through experience is crucial, and our people are open and real, sharing knowledge to help each other do their jobs and to grow their skills. There is a healthy and proactive learning culture across our projects, sites and offices.

“Our approach to training and development contributes to our strong staff retention. We’re able to develop career pathways that people might not have considered before, keeping people engaged and motivated.”

David adds that celebrating wins is another important part of developing a successful learning culture.

“In recent years some of our apprentices have won apprentice of the year in their regions. It’s amazing to see people who may not have had an opportunity for formal learning, thrive in these training contexts and even be in the limelight for their achievements.

“We make sure they’re recognised at HEB and everyone from their peers and managers across the business join in to celebrate them. This culture which values our people encourages and motivates others to take up further training or just be open to learning from one another.”

Amy adds, “That’s the beauty of qualifications.  Training, whether on the job or in the classroom, leads to recognition and ignites a passion for learning.

“Ultimately, good training support translates to more success for the business,” David says. 

“Training makes people feel more confident and valued, contributing to our high staff retention. Our employees become more agile and adaptable to client needs and are able to deliver great outcomes for our customers.”

Check out the HEB website for more information.

The post Success in training equals success in business for HEB Construction appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

What was meant to be a temporary job has turned into a fulfilling career path for Kaitlyn Newsome.

Kaitlyn’s civil construction career began when she was working for a labour hire company supplying staff to HEB Construction. She decided she’d like to give the trade a go herself.

Kaitlyn, who has also worked as a prison officer, has been with HEB Construction in Waikato since August 2019, working in several different roles. She completed her New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Level 3) and, without hesitation, enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate – New Zealand Apprenticeship in Infrastructure Works (Civil) (Level 4) – Road Maintenance Strand, which she completed in December 2024.

But Kaitlyn, who won the Waikato region CCNZ Apprentice of the Year last year, isn’t done with her training yet. She has now enrolled in the New Zealand Diploma in Civil Engineering.

That’s quite a shift in thinking from when she started at HEB. “When I first started, I didn’t see myself in the job for more than six months. I intended to use this industry as a stepping stone until I secured another job in an entirely different line of work.

“That has changed massively. I’m still here six years later and have achieved way more than I thought I ever could. I’ve become really passionate about my career within HEB.

“When I started, I expected to find it hard coming into such a male-dominated field, but I quickly realised it didn’t matter if I was female. I was given the same opportunities as everyone else and was 100% supported when I showed interest in becoming a machine operator.

“I’m now a full-time grader driver, and I’m studying for my diploma in Civil engineering.”

Two of the things Kaitlyn enjoys most about her work are the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a job and working in a close-knit team. “It’s extremely fulfilling knowing each day that my workmates have my back and that we’re there to support one another, day in, day out.

“I also love that there are opportunities for career progression, which can lead you to a whole bunch of different avenues within the industry.”

Kaitlyn also manages to balance her ongoing learning with being a mum of two and a manager of a local children’s hockey team.

To other young women who might be considering a career in civil construction, she says: “Go for it!
“There are so many opportunities out there. It’s a field that can challenge you, but it can also bring out the best in you and make you realise you’re capable of skills you never thought you would have.
“Don’t be discouraged by stereotypes or doubts. The good days definitely outweigh the bad in this industry.”

HEB Training Manager – Learning and Development, David Hall, says, “Kaitlyn worked hard to achieve her Level 3 qualification and Level 4 apprenticeship through Connexis, and it’s amazing to see her go on to enrol in the Civil Engineering Diploma.

“She has worked hard with her studies and has found time to help her workmates with their own studies. Kaitlyn truly is an inspiration to all women in the civil industry who are looking to further their career through the HEB apprentice programme.

Well done, Kaitlyn—a deserving winner of Apprentice of the Year.”

The post Constructing a Career Through Training appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Kia ora koutou,
 
I hope you and your teams are well and staying healthy through winter. It has been a difficult time for a lot of businesses, and I acknowledge the commitment it takes to focus on investing in the future through training while the economy is slow.

In this eNews we have a number of product and event updates, the launch detail for our reduced enrolment fee promotion, along with a focus on the extra support you and your trainees can access while training with Connexis.

As Connexis transitions out of Te Pūkenga at the end of the year, we want to reassure you that there will be no changes to your training experience with us.

• Connexis will continue to be your national infrastructure training provider.
• Training programmes, services, and your Connexis contact person will remain the same.
• All trainees and apprentices will continue to be fully supported through to the completion of their training programme and award of their qualification.
• We will continue to be taking enrolments as usual.

With this transition, we are pleased to be able to refocus our attention on the national provision of infrastructure training. To support this renewed focus, we’re offering reduced enrolment fees for select infrastructure training programmes from 04 August to 31 October 2025. This initiative is designed to make it easier for you to upskill your team and invest in the future of your workforce while the strength of our economy slowly returns. 

Last month, the Government confirmed detail on the new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) which will be replacing the current Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) at the end of this year. The ISBs will be the new standard setting bodies, developing qualifications, endorsing programmes, undertaking workforce analysis and providing advice into the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), the funding body. 

The great news is that Infrastructure has a dedicated ISB and this will be the entity Connexis will transition into at the end of this year. Connexis will not be fully integrated into the ISB but will instead operate as a distinct business division within the ISB. This step is to help return work-based learning to be industry led and owned. 

If you are interested in keeping up to date with the VET changes, you can do so by visiting our VET Review page on our website. 

We are also continuing to showcase the opportunities of infrastructure trade apprenticeships and careers. As an example, we have just wrapped up another hugely successful Girls with Hi-Vis^®. Throughout June female secondary students from around the country attended events hosted by employers at some of the country’s major infrastructure assets and projects, trying their hand at some of the job skills required.

2025 marks the tenth year that this initiative has been running, and we are extremely proud of how popular this event has become among employers and schools. It’s appreciated for its effectiveness at connecting students both with a whole new potential career path they may not have realised was open to them, and for connecting them to potential employers in their local area. From these events there have been numerous enquiries from students interested in enrolling in Gateway programmes with a view to infrastructure apprenticeships. 

Amid ongoing changes for work-based training, it’s a pleasure to continue to promote the opportunities infrastructure offers the next generation, and appreciate their enthusiasm when someone discovers a career pathway they never knew was available. 

We are working very closely with our Infrastructure Associations to secure the future for national industry training provision for our industries.  Part of this is looking to establish Connexis as a Private Training Establishment (PTE). If you have any thoughts, feedback or support you would like to provide for this, please email us on haveyoursay@connexis.org.nz or feel free to reach out to me directly. 

We look forward to what we can achieve together with a refocus on industry training, led and owned by industry. 

Ngā mihi

Kaarin Gaukrodger
Executive Director

The post A word from our Director – July 2025 appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

More than 500 secondary school students from around the country have attended almost 30 Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis^® (GWHV) events hosted by key industry employers who have given female students the opportunity to try their hand at on-the-job trade skills and gain a practical understanding of what work-based training and apprenticeships can offer them as a career pathway.

Connexis is the leading work-based training provider for infrastructure industries such as civil, energy, telecommunications and water. Connexis established GWHV ten years ago in response to a request by infrastructure employers to help them attract more young women to careers in the infrastructure trades and help them grow a diverse workforce.

Connexis executive director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the real world experiences the secondary school students gain at GWHV events gives them an understanding of what working in these trades will be like, but also the advantages of work-based apprenticeship training toward gaining a tertiary qualification and a career.

“The students come to Girls with Hi-Vis® events from school where most of their learning is classroom based. Being exposed to real working environments, often at some of the country’s major infrastructure assets like power stations and roading projects, opens them up to a whole new practical way of learning.

“One of the most common feedback comments we get from those who attend Girls with Hi-Vis®, and those who go on into Gateway programmes from school, is that they appreciate the opportunity to learn by doing,” Gaukrodger says. “A classroom environment doesn’t suit everyone, so being given the opportunity to learn on the job often really fires up the students’ enthusiasm for trades and work-based apprenticeship training.”

This year’s GWHV saw students from 91 schools don their hi-vis to visit hydro and geothermal power stations, and highway and public walkway construction projects, as well as learn skills like cable jointing, traffic management, working at height, and operating heavy machinery.

One former student who has experienced the benefits of GWHV first-hand is Natalee Hughes. Natalee attended a Connexis GWHV event at Horizon Networks in Whakatane in 2022 while still a student at Trident High School. It opened Hughes’ eyes to a new world of career possibilities.

After attending GWHV Hughes enrolled in a Gateway programme to start training as a line mechanic with Horizon, while finishing high school, and joined the company as a full-time  apprentice line mechanic soon after. She is now nearing the end of her apprenticeship with Horizon and took her place at the company’s 2025 GWHV event to share her experiences with students from her old high school.

“I really enjoyed the day when I visited through Girls with Hi-Vis®. As a student I really enjoyed being a bucket operator and controlling a crane, but the best thing was pole top rescue and I really enjoyed the hands-on nature of the work.

“GWHV is important because it gives girls a chance to try things you wouldn’t usually expect girls to do,” she says. “If you’re thinking about a trade, just go for it. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.”

Gaukrodger says the career opportunities offered by industries, such as infrastructure, which have traditionally been male dominated, are still not well-promoted to women – and are often under-sold to all students. “Too often trade careers are still regarded as a ‘last resort’ for school students who might be struggling academically. By connecting students directly with local employers through events like Girls with Hi-Vis® and Gateway, Connexis can show them that there are great opportunities to be found.

“While you may start as an apprentice, that gives you a foundation on which you can build a life-long career – taking on greater responsibilities, continuously adding to your skills and knowledge and moving into leadership or more specialised technical roles,” she says. “Plus, you are supported through that whole journey, through Connexis pastoral support and training guidance to keep your training on track.”

Mt Albert Grammar, Auckland, teacher Karen Caso, who attended a GWHV event hosted by Omexom in Auckland says: “It was great for the students to have hands-on experience of a variety of activities that gives them an idea of what these jobs involve. They were able to interact with staff and give different things a go. It was a really informative day for them.”

The post Hands-on work experience key to enticing apprentices appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Attending a Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis® (GWHV) event in 2022 opened Natalee Hughes’s eyes to a new world of career possibilities.

After attending a GWHV hosted by Horizon Networks in Whakatane, Natalee completed a Gateway programme with Horizon while she was still a student at Trident High School. It just cemented the idea that a career as a line mechanic was for her.

Once she left school, Natalee joined Horizon full time as an apprentice line mechanic and is due to complete her apprenticeship later in 2025. She’s also gone on to help encourage other young women into similar apprenticeships by helping out at recent GWHV events.

“I really enjoyed the day when I visited through Girls with Hi-Vis®. As a student I really enjoyed being a bucket operator and controlling a crane, but the best thing was pole top rescue and I really enjoyed the hands-on nature of the work.

“GWHV is important because it gives girls a chance to try things you wouldn’t usually expect girls to do,” she says. “If you’re thinking about a trade, just go for it. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by — you might regret it.”

Natalee’s own successes are proof of where trades training can take you. After seeing her speak confidently and passionately to other young women at GWHV about the opportunities open to them, Natalee was selected by Horizon and Connexis for a Connexis Outward Bound scholarship in 2024 in recognition of her leadership skills.

“I wanted to do Outward Bound because I wanted to try something I’d never tried before and I wanted to gain confidence in my own abilities,” Natalee says, adding that one of the most rewarding parts of the experience was working with the team of people on her Outward Bound course.

“They were non-judgemental and they were all amazing people who really encouraged me to never give up on myself or my teammates. I was nervous about the 5km run we had to do, because of an injury, but I managed it and didn’t give up. I felt amazing afterwards. I had a real sense of accomplishment,” Natalee says.

“I also learned to always have the courage to speak up for yourself. In this job it’s really important as if you ever feel unsafe you need to speak up, and if I have a question I need to have the courage to ask.”

Back on the job with Horizon, Natalee says the thing she loves most about her job is the people she works with out in the field. “They push me past boundaries that I never thought I could cross. They make me feel a part of the line mechanic whānau.”

The post From Hi-Vis to High Voltage: Natalee Hughes is lighting the way for women in trades appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.