“It can be overwhelming when you get all the assessments at once but once you break this down it becomes more manageable,” Rob says. “Have a timeframe for each assessment.” 

Rob, 21, completed his NZ Certificate Surveying (Level 4) ahead of schedule, which he says was made easier by the support he was given by his employer, Taupo-based Energy Surveys. 

“We were given time at the office and resources to get practical and theory tasks, and assessments done. They were open to any questions we had, and helped us understand how to use the equipment,” he says. 

“I didn’t know a whole lot about surveying when I first started. It’s important when you’re coming into a new role to be open-minded and make the most of the opportunities that are given to you.” 

The ability to work outdoors and travel around the country working on key energy assets like dams and power stations was a big part of what appealed to Rob about his role. 

He says the training involved in his qualification has been vital to making his days on the job be productive. “It gives you a better understanding of what and why we do what we do out in the field. It gives meaning and context to my day-to-day job. It’s great to be able to do a qualification while you’re working.” 

Time management was Rob’s biggest challenge through his qualification but says having someone else on his team studying at the same time was a big help. 

“We work away a lot of the time so trying to fit in the office time and collect evidence can be difficult. Studying with someone else meant we could push each other along, and work together at the end of the day. I think it helped us both and we both really didn’t want our training to drag on “ 

“It was really cool to see our qualification progressing quickly while we were also developing skills in our jobs. 

Rob says he was well supported by Connexis through his qualification with Customer Service Account Manager (CSAM) Amy Young regularly checking in to make sure he was staying on track, and assessors offering regular feedback on how assessments had gone. 

“That really helps with motivation, and completing the qualification has helped me in developing confidence and good habits.” . 

Rob says his positive experience gaining his Surveying LG means he is open to further study to keep his career moving forward. “I’d consider doing the diploma in Surveying, but at the moment I’m still looking at my options.”  

Find our more about Connexis Civil qualifications here: https://connexis.org.nz/civil-qualifications/ 

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Connexis
1^st April 2026

Connexis launches three new Level 4 Temporary Traffic Management micro-credentials

Connexis has launched three new Level 4 Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) micro-credentials, available from today. Connexis is the first provider in New Zealand to offer these new credentials.

Micro-credentials are short, NZQA-recognised training programmes of between five and 40 credits. They can contribute towards a full qualification or provide targeted training in specialised skills.

These new micro-credentials support the sector’s transition from a compliance-based approach to a risk-based framework for temporary traffic management, in line with the 2023 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management.

“The new micro-credentials will support frontline Temporary Traffic Management learners and builds on Connexis’ existing suite of Temporary Traffic Management micro-credentials launched in late 2024 and mid-2025,” says Kaarin Gaukrodger, Executive Director – Connexis. “Through this work, we continue to support workforce capability and safer outcomes across the infrastructure sector.”

Connexis new Level 4 micro-credentials:

Micro-credential in Temporary Traffic Management: Foundation Specialisation Requirements (Level 4)
NZQA reference 5285-1

Designed for people who need foundational knowledge of the Temporary Traffic Management system, including its principles, roles, and regulatory requirements, to support safe TTM practices.

Micro-credential in Temporary Traffic Management: Monitoring TTM Controls (Level 4)
NZQA reference 5286-1

Designed for people who are currently working in Temporary Traffic Management who are responsible for monitoring and maintaining static TTM controls to ensure safety, and quality assurance on worksites.

Micro-credential in Temporary Traffic Management: Mobile Supervision (Level 4)
NZQA reference 5287-1

Designed for people who supervise mobile operations in the Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) industry and who manage the risk and supervise the deployment of personnel and equipment to deliver a safe mobile operation.

These credentials further strengthen Connexis’ suite of temporary traffic management learning programmes which can be found here,

ENDS

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 learning across these industries, which are vital to keeping New Zealand connected.

Connexis | Infrastructure Training

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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.

“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.”

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“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.

Denay Cottam is a standout example of how a solid foundation in the trades can open doors to a long, diverse, and future-focused career in infrastructure.

A qualified plumber, gasfitter, and drainlayer, Denay completed his apprenticeship in New Plymouth before heading offshore. Over more than a decade, he worked across New Zealand, Australia, and Malaysia in high-pressure roles—both onshore and offshore—in the oil and gas sector. From nitrogen pumping to pre-commissioning and subsea testing, Denay built a reputation for reliability and technical depth, all underpinned by a strong commitment to safety.

Returning to New Zealand, Denay rejoined his family’s business, OPS Plumbing and Pipeline. Originally a plumbing firm, OPS has since evolved into a civil infrastructure company. Denay responded to this shift by expanding his own skillset—completing both the New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Pipeline Construction and Maintenance) and the New Zealand Diploma in Infrastructure Asset Management through Connexis.

“OPS has grown into more of a civil company, so completing those pipeline qualifications was a natural step,” he says. “It added another dimension to my CV and gave me a great refresher on the fundamentals I learned as a plumber.”

Today, Denay wears several hats. He’s the company’s Health and Safety Manager, leads projects, mentors junior staff, and still gets hands-on when required. He also works as a casual Asset Integrity Technician with Verbrec, where he contributes to the inspection and maintenance of natural gas infrastructure. NEC4 ECC Project Management accredited, he’s increasingly stepping into strategic planning roles while keeping his boots firmly on the ground.

In 2024, Denay broke his elbow in a snowboarding accident. Rather than sit idle, he used his recovery to complete the Level 6 Diploma in Infrastructure Asset Management. The qualification deepened his understanding of how to manage assets across their lifecycle—reinforcing his ability to align practical field knowledge with high-level planning.

Throughout his career, Denay has embraced every opportunity to train, grow, and adapt. It’s given him a career that’s not only stable but constantly evolving.

His message to others considering a trade career?
“Start with a solid trade, but don’t stop there. If you stay curious and keep building on your skills, you’ll be surprised where it can take you. There’s no one path—just lots of doors waiting to be opened.”

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The changes to the training programme see an increase in the size of the programme to provide more focus on quality outcomes for your worksite in a real-world environment and we are taking enrolments from Monday 24 March.

Apprentices in the current version will have until the end of 2026 to complete, however, there may be an opportunity for them to transition into the updated programme. Any transition will be carefully managed by the Connexis Customer Service Account Manager to ensure that no apprentice is disadvantaged. 

This programme is part of a broader suite of programmes designed specifically for the Civil Construction industry so for more information reach out to either your Connexis Customer Services Account Manager or contact us at askus@connexis.org.nz

The post Updated NZ Apprenticeship in Infrastructure Works (Civil), (Level 4) appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

When Bay of Plenty’s Waiotahi Contractors wanted to introduce a professional development plan for its people, they turned to a concept every civil construction worker knows well – building roads.

Waiotahi now uses the simple imagery of building a road on its Career Progression Map to give all employers a clear visual understanding of how they can develop their career opportunities and progress through the company by training. The map clearly tracks how an employee might go from being a labourer to a project manager by following a training path with Connexis from NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Works (level 2) through to the NZ Certificate in Project Management (Level 5) with other jobs and qualifications along the way.

Each step along the path outlines approximate pay increases, skills acquired and responsibilities undertaken.

The Waiotahi Career Progression map is the brainchild of the company’s People and Capability Manager, Hollie Atarau.

“We had done some staff surveys and one of the things a lot of staff said they wanted was more training and professional development, so, as part of developing a culture and wellbeing improvement strategy, we came up with the professional development career progression plan,” Hollie says.

“It provides a clear pathway for our entry-level roles to progress within Waiotahi. Which helps with employee retention as well as professional growth. Employees who advance within the company from the bottom up are really valuable, because they gain that knowledge through experience and on-the-job training, while getting the qualifications. It’s great to keep that knowledge and understanding in the company.”

Hollie knows a thing or two about how important training and professional development can be for building a career, having started at Waiotahi as a receptionist. She developed the roadmap so everyone in the Waiotahi can see clearly and quickly where training could take them – and how it can impact what you earn.

“We put the average industry pay rates in because it does inspire people to see what they can achieve financially by investing in their own training and development. That’s quite motivating.”

Hollie says the map is often used by managers when they’re onboarding staff, and in performance reviews, to motivate team members.

“An operator can see on the map that their journey can lead to a project manager. Waiotahi do really want their staff to succeed and they want to be part of that journey of supporting them to reach their goals.

“It goes a long way to fostering a positive company culture when staff feel valued and motivated. They then want to contribute to the success of the business.”

Feedback on the map from Waiotahi staff has been hugely positive, Hollie says. “A lot of feedback has been on the fact it’s a really visual tool; and it’s pretty simple without pages and pages of words about different steps and options.”

Shining a light on the value of training also has a domino effect within the team, Hollie says. “One of our guys in Kawerau recently finished a qualification and one of his team mates reached out to me and wants to complete the same civil apprenticeship. Seeing people succeed encourages others.

“It makes them want to achieve more, and they enjoy their job more. It gives them a sense of produce, and a sense of loyalty to the company. That reduces our staff turnover and reduces the costs of hiring. It’s good for everybody.”

Waiotahi currently have 9 staff members completing training through Connexis. 

The post <strong>Waiotahi Construction – Building a new kind of road</strong> appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

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 Management (NZGTTM).

Existing TTM warrants gained up to and including 31 October 2024, remain valid and recognised and stay on the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi TTM warranted workers database.

Some workers may wish to recognise their warrants against the unit standards by applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This simply recognises that the TTM specialist already has met the skills and knowledge required by the unit standards.

The new RPL process needs to be completed by an NZQA-approved provider. Connexis is encouraging assessors working with TTM specialists interested in taking up the RPL, to direct them to the TTM page on the Connexis website to get started.

Find out more:

Apply for TTM recognition of prior learning

Read more about Waihanga Ara Rau’s retirement of prerequisite unit standards

Read more about the new NZQA-approved changes to TTM micro-credentials

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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 is aimed at those who design, plan and develop TTM ensuring safe outcomes for activities conducted in or impacting the road corridor, is the first of a new suite of micro-credentials to be rolled out in the coming months, all of which have been developed to meet a new risk-based approach to TTM as outlined in the NZTA Waka Kotahi New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (NZGTTM).

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the training programme for the micro-credential is aimed at staff who have a health and safety role or responsibility, which is critical to keeping workers as well as the public safe.

“At Connexis we are excited to be a part of implementing this new approach to traffic safety,” Gaukrodger says.

The Temporary Traffic Management Risk Assessment (Level 4, 15 credits) micro-credential contains two unit standards that must be achieved before it is awarded:

• 33252 Describe the principles and process for managing risk for an activity requiring temporary traffic management (Level 4, credit 5)
  
  
• 33253 Complete a risk assessment for an activity requiring temporary traffic management (Level 4, credit 10)

For more details on industry changes to the delivery of TTM training, and the new Temporary Traffic Management Risk Assessment (Level 4) micro-credential, please visit the TTM page on our website or contact a Customer Service Account Manager near you.

Image credit: Danny Wood, NZTA

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