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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post Every day is different appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Instead Azra Wenzlick pivoted toward training as a line mechanic, following in the footsteps of both her father and grandfather. 

“I actually knew about the industry because my granddad, back in the day, was a line mechanic, and then also my dad was a line mechanic. I really enjoy working with other people and having a laugh. It makes the day go by so much quicker,” she says. “Being a team leader does come with a lot more responsibility and pressure because the buck stops with you, but I enjoy that. I’m naturally quite assertive, so I think I fall into that kind of role anyway. Even when I was a line mechanic I was leaning toward this kind of role anyway.” 

Azra, who completed her line mechanic apprenticeship through Connexis and was a member of the Connexis Ultimit first all-women line mechanic crew at Annual Connection, says there are still challenges that come with working in a male-dominated field, and she’s passionate about supporting other women to success. 

“I can’t sugarcoat it and say: ‘It’s fantastic. Everyone loves me all the time.’ I’ve been doing this for quite a while now and there are times that I still feel like I have to prove myself with some people. The people around me aren’t like that, but you do still feel it on site with other people or subcontractors onsite.” 

The most important aspect of having women on a crew is to remember they don’t expect to be protected or treated differently, she says.  

“Sometimes you get guys, who are actually trying to be respectful and helpful, say ‘oh that’s too heavy for you’ or something and want to help, but we actually can and want to do it ourselves. I see both sides, but none of us have chosen this job because we want others to help us through it. We want to stand on our own two feet, and have the chance to show we can do it. 

“Theres a balance in dealing with that between being assertive and being too aggressive. I’m still learning that!” 

She adds that it’s also important to acknowledge the support and confidence boosts she’s had from the men she’s worked with through each stage of her career so far. 

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the men in my company who have backed me and taught me everything I know, especially my manager, Warren. He’s the one who pushed me to do things like Annual Connection, and to just be the best I can be. He created an environment for me to thrive in.”  

Azra’s main piece of advice for any young person considering training as a line mechanic is to make sure they’re enjoying the work. “If you don’t love it at the start you’re probably never going to enjoy it because we do some extreme hours and work in some extreme conditions at times. 

“But I actually think it’s a fantastic and underrated field to work in,” she says. “I love the versatility of it. Once you have a qualification, there’s so many ways you could go with it. We work in beautiful places every day. We work outdoors, and you’re constantly moving, so I think it’s really good for your mental health as well as your physical health.” 

There is also a huge amount of satisfaction to be had from a job well done, she adds. “We’ve had some pretty big storms up in Auckland, where we’ve gone in where everything’s been flattened. By the end of the day, with a few crews working, we have everything back up and running and people are out saying thank you. That’s really satisfying because you can really see what you’ve achieved.” 

The post Leading the way appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Gemma, 28, is a Power Technician with Empowered Technical Services in Waikato, where she’s been for the past two years working in high-voltage (HV) and Medium Voltage (MV) substations. Gemma has completed the NZ Certificate Electrical Supply – Power Technician (L5) through Connexis and, in 2025, was named Advanced Trainee of the Year in the Connexis Energy Trainee Excellence Awards.

Gemma, who entered the electricity supply industry (ESI) as an apprentice electrician, says she never turned back once she discovered how much she loved the work in substations.

“Once I was there I saw a lot of opportunities to further my training. The learning never actually stops.”

That work includes tasks such as relay protection, acceptance, functional, primary and secondary injection testing of high voltage (HV) assets such as circuit breakers, current transformers (CTs), voltage transformers (VTs), and power transformers, ensuring that all equipment meets strict industry standards prior to energisation.

Gemma is particularly passionate about making sure people know there is more to a career as an electrician than working on residential, commercial or industrial buildings.

“There is a general shortage of workers in the supply industry, and people just don’t know there’s this whole flipside to the industry with lots of other avenues you can go down like working in the medium voltage and high voltage sectors.

“I just happened to fall into it, and now I’m never leaving!”

Gemma says the biggest hurdle to completing her level 5 qualification was balancing work, which often requires her to be away, with completing her training, as well as her love of sports and finding time for friends and family.

“Your level 5 Power Technician qualification comes with a big portfolio of work you have to complete, which is difficult to stay on top of at times. It comes down to carefully managing your time, and having good communication with my bosses at work and my sports teams to fit it all in.”

Her biggest piece of advice for others completing the course is to be diligent about keeping a written diary of everything they are doing as part of their job, as they do it. “Even if you do it monthly rather than weekly. The course requires you to have an annual work record, and it’s really hard to think back over the year at the end of it, and remember what you’ve done.

“It might seem frustrating and hard to find the time to do it, but you’ll be grateful you did.”

Has Gemma’s story inspired you to check out a career in infrastructure? Girls with Hi-Vis is running across the country this month, find out more and register your interest in attending here

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

The post Not your everyday electrician appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

For Cathrynn Schwalger (Pictured above second from left, top row), a 28-year-old, HV trainee electrician for Omexom, the Connexis Outward Bound scholarship offered the opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and push herself to achieve new things.

Cathrynn, who has been training through Connexis with Omexom for the past two years, first heard about the Outward Bound scholarship through another trainee. “I remember students from when I was in high school doing this course and they said they really enjoyed it.

Before I went I thought it involved a lot of physical activity, like a sports camp. That was partly why I wanted to apply for the scholarship, so I can have some fun playing some sports but I also wanted to apply because I saw the course was based around leadership and that is something I really wanted to grow strong in, especially in an industry dominated by males. I wanted to make sure I had the ability to be heard in a room full of experienced workers.”

Cathrynn says her time at the five-day Outward Bound Professional programme helped her find that confidence she wanted.

“Firstly, I learned that Outward Bound was more than a sports camp! The programme taught me the importance of taking risks and seizing opportunities to challenge myself.

“I am a very quiet, observant person which was noticed by the instructors. They gave me advice on how I can enhance my skills to grow my leadership. They are all things I would love to apply in my work life like speaking up and challenging myself.”

The biggest challenge of the course for Cathrynn came in the middle of the course.

“That was the self-reflection challenge. Being in a space with no distraction and  no way to tell time. It made me think deeply and actually focus on myself. But getting through that was also a highlight of the course.

“I felt I overcame all my doubts and fears once I had completed it. Another highlight I enjoyed was meeting the others in my group. We all held different types of leadership skills but all had a way of communicating smoothly with each other.”

Cathrynn says she loves working in her trade, because it’s hands-on and allows her to actively engage with her work. She also values the opportunities, like the Connexis Outward Bound scholarship, to grow.

“ I value the abundant opportunities there are to upskill, learn something new, and continuously expand my knowledge in a field that is both challenging and rewarding.”

She also highly recommends the Outward Bound Professional programme. “Definitely take up the opportunity to do the Outward Bound course, it can change you for the better.”

• For the past three years Connexis has offered scholarships each year to learners to take part in the five-day Outward Bound Professional course. The aim of these scholarships is to help grow an infrastructure workforce in New Zealand that has strong, visionary leadership for the future. The Outward Bound course is structured for current and aspiring leaders of any industry by testing resilience, adaptability, confidence and self-awareness through a series of activities. These scholarships have been possible through a grant to Connexis from the Infrastructure Education and Training Charitable Trust.
• Keep an eye out for more information on upcoming scholarship opportunities for 2026 at www.connexis.org.nz/scholarships.

The post Bound for leadership appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Every year at the Connexis Energy Trainee Excellence Awards we celebrate those trainees working in the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) around the country who demonstrate great willingness to learn, and who are working hard to build themselves a successful career.

Finalises are chosen in five trainee categories, based on nominations from employers. Winners are then chosen in each category, with one winner then named Overall Trainee of the Year.

This year’s Overall Trainee winner was Hugh Thomson, from Counties Energy, who also won Distribution Trainee of the Year.

As well as celebrating the winners of The Connexis Energy Trainee Excellence Awards we’d also like to shine a light on all the finalists, who were nominated by trainers, supervisors and senior executives in their companies for their hard work and commitment – to both their training and their jobs. We look forward to seeing how all of them progress in their ESI careers.

2025 Connexis Energy Trainee Excellence Awards finalists:

Transmission Trainee of the Year

Callum Fowden, Transmission Line Mechanic and Utility Arborist, Ventia

Winner

“I wanted to pursue this career as I love getting outdoors and this job has so many opportunities for seeing new parts of the country. All the opportunities this career comes with were right up my alley.

“A highlight of my training so far has been all the great people I have met along the way and learning all about how the industry works, one of the biggest highlights would be all the great friends I’ve made along the way.

“One of the challenges of the training so far would be figuring out rigging and working out all the rigs at the yard before heading out to site for the day’s task.

“I just love getting out there and giving everything. Whenever there’s something new to try I’m always the first to put my hand up to give it a go.”

Dylan Watson, trainee electrician, Omexom

“I’ve always loved working on computers; taking old broken desktops and combining them to make something that works better than the original version. It translated well into electrical distribution, as we work on lots of protection equipment, transformer control boards, motor control boards and things like that where I get to apply my prior knowledge of fault finding, testing and unleashing my ADHD on wire looming.

“A highlight of my training is being able to see my improvements in cable management and routing on systems I wire. Looking from the first board I wired to the ones I’m wiring now the difference is clear and I’m able to take pride in the systems I wire now.

“The best part of my job is working in a field that can’t accurately be defined as domestic/industrial/distribution. Substation maintenance has us working on a 220kv disconnecter, rewiring the control board for the motor one day. The next day rewiring an office building, installing a new lvac switchboard, and the next wiring s.e.l relays into a new panel, then completing scheduled maintenance and testing on a 350kv dc filter bank.”

Dylan Ngahooro, trainee transmission line mechanic, Omexom

“I previously worked in the industry as a tower structure maintainer and decided I wanted to build my skills and learnings within the transmission industry.

“A highlight of training so far has been my work mates putting in the time to teach me and give me feedback on how to further my skills as a transmission lineman. Since we work on such a broad mix of tasks, it can be tricky to hang on to certain learnings, especially for the ones we don’t do very often but I enjoy the physically demanding and the mental aspects of it.”

Distribution Trainee of the Year

Hugh Thomson, trainee line mechanic, Counties Energy

Winner, and winner of Overall Trainee of the Year, 2025

“I was doing civil work for distribution/transmission and I thought this job looked awesome and interesting with all the climbing and building lines so I decided to give it a go and try to upskill.

“The best part of training is starting to make sense of everything like pole designs, testing and switching; putting all the training and knowledge together while on site or on a shutdown.

It can be a challenge to remember things as there’s quite a lot of different tasks that you might not do everyday, to remember; lots of plants and equipment to learn, as well as knots and rigging – all while under pressure. But I love working with good people at Counties Energy, having armour rod or knot competitions between each other and having a laugh.”

Tom Anderson, trainee line mechanic, Electronet

“I was interested in this job because it was really hands-on, and  needed different skills every day. With this job you’re never in the same place and I love it.

“That’s also been a highlight of my training so far – the diverse work; from stringing wire with a helicopter, to doing low voltage fusses and pillar boxes. I don’t think I could have one highlight the whole career path had been wicked, and I’ve loved working towards being qualified.

“The only challenges I’ve come across through my training would be the paperwork. I’m definitely a more hands on person but thankfully, I’ve been able to seek advice from others and knuckle down to achieve all the written work.

“The best part of my job is being able to wake up and not go work in a factory or McDonalds, but to be able to explore the West Coast and work in a job where you don’t know where you’re going to be the next day.”

Harvey Mitchell, trainee line mechanic, Ventia

In nominating him for the award Harvey’s employers said: “Harvey is known for his unmatched self-motivation and go-getter attitude. He is not afraid to challenge the status quo or respectfully pull up even the most experienced team members when something is not right. Whether he is talking to CEOs, customers, or members of the public, Harvey brings the same level of confidence, clarity, and professionalism.

“What truly sets him apart is his ability to connect with everyone. Harvey engages with the whole team, no matter who you are, making everyone feel heard and valued.”

Harley Farnham, electrician, Buller Networks

“I enjoy hands-on work and wanted a job where I could learn useful skills and help keep the power on. Through training I like seeing my skills improve and being trusted with more responsibility. The challenge has been getting used to the early starts and tough coastal weather, but I love the variety of jobs and locations.”

Traction Trainee of the Year

Robert Ngawharau, traction line mechanic, KiwiRail

Winner

In nominating Robert for the award his employers KiwiRail said he is a mentor to other trainees and takes responsibility for his work and actions. “He communicates clearly with his team to make sure they understand their tasks and plans. He asks questions to avoid mistakes.”

Generation Trainee of the Year

Fiona Glennie, trainee power technician, Meridian Energy

Winner

“I grew up on a permaculture farm with a hybrid battery backed solar/wind set-up which my father installed, so I’ve always been surrounded by power generation, albeit on a far smaller scale.

“My first week in the job I had the chance to peek at the insides of one of the main unit transformers at Manapouri Power Station and I feel pretty lucky to be in the industry at a time when a lot of equipment is being upgraded and refurbished.

“I’ve enjoyed learning how to navigate working with colleagues across different business units. It’s been a new experience working with people I haven’t necessarily met and roles I don’t know well.

“It is pretty incredible to be in a role where my whole job is to learn. I’m very grateful to be in that position while being surrounded by so many colleagues, teams and contractors with many, many years of experience and stories that they are more than willing to share.”

Caitlin Manickum, generation electrical apprentice, Mercury Energy

“I wanted to pursue this career because the idea of electrical work sounded fulfilling and an area for me to exercise my problem solving skills while constantly learning new things.

“One of the highlights of training for me has been the opportunity to be involved in full station overhauls and one the challenges has been understanding all the different systems used in generation.

“The best part of my job is that there are new learning opportunities for me every day and I am fortunate to work with a very supportive team.”

Callum Bryant, operator/maintainer, Genesis Energy

“I wanted a career path that made me think, whilst being able to work with my hands.

“One of the highlights of my training has been being able to see inside Tekapo A during a four-yearly outage. I enjoy being able to make improvements to an old plant and keep it running.”

Advanced Trainee of the Year

Gemma Rose, junior power technician, Empowered Technical Services

Winner

“I was really interested in learning more of the technical side to this industry and seeing where it would take me. A highlight has been the variety of work and the fact there is always something more to learn.

“I really enjoy working with the other people in my company, which has a great culture. We also have many experienced technicians who are always willing to teach and share their knowledge with you.”

Mitch van Waelsden, trainee technician, Mainpower NZ Ltd

“I pursued this role because I wanted to further my understanding and knowledge of the power system as a whole. The highlight of training is applying your new skills to the job, and a highlight of the job is the variation of work and the places you get to see.”

The post Celebrating the ESI’s top trainees 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 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.

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.”

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Thanks to friends and family already working as line mechanics, Noah Bennie was confident being a line mechanic was the job for him; a good match for his desire to work outside and his love of climbing.

It was during a Gateway programme, working one day a week for Delta in Alexandra while he was still at high school that Noah knew he was on the right path for a successful career he enjoys.

Noah now works full time for Delta as an apprentice line mechanic and credits Gateway for setting him up for success as a trainee.

“I have a cousin who’s a linesman and a friend who had already started an apprenticeship with Delta so I knew from them it was a good job but doing the work experience with Gateway really showed me what it was like.

“It lets you do all that on-the-job hands-on stuff that you can’t do in school. You’re learning things that you know are going to help you in the future.”

Noah says the transition into an apprenticeship with Delta through Connexis has been seamless thanks to his previous Gateway experience with the company.

“I’ve really just gone straight from doing one day a week to working five days a week with them. There’s some bookwork obviously but it’s been a pretty easy change to working full time.

“Knowing the company and people has made it easier, and it means they’re familiar with me too. They knew me and they knew I was going to be useful and have a bit of a clue what I’m doing.”

As well as technical skills Noah says Gateway also set him up for the reality of working full time. “The work experience, and my apprenticeship training help you develop a good work ethic; to show up wanting to do your best and enjoy the work.”

A highlight of the job so far for Noah was a snow day that meant his crew was out from 7am to 9pm fixing weather-related faults around the region. “That was pretty cool, out in the snow all day fixing faults and broken cross arms and all sorts. That was definitely a highlight.”

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