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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Kia ora koutou,
 
As of January 1, Connexis has been operating within the Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (EIISB), following the announcement of the disestablishment of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST – formerly known as Te Pūkenga). This is our temporary home as work-based training heads back to industry ownership. 

I would like to thank our employers and learners for the written support provided for Connexis to continue as your national training provider. You can be confident in continuing to enrol in our training programmes and we will be here now and, in the future, to ensure industry has the skills required to build and maintain quality infrastructure for our communities.  

At Connexis we continue with business as usual, enrolling and supporting learners and continuing to develop and improve our products and services, and behind the scenes we are working with our industry partners on the next steps in the return to industry ownership. Part of this is the establishment of a new legal entity that we can transition Connexis from the EIISB to. This new entity will be the future home for Connexis as an industry owned and led Private Training Establishment (PTE). 

Today we are excited to share that the new entity has been established – Connexis Inc, with industry partners Civil Contractors New Zealand, Electrical Engineers Association and Water New Zealand, joining as founding members. An application has also been lodged with NZQA for PTE status for Connexis Inc. There are still some key steps to undertake before we can transition into the new entity, and our aim is for Connexis to be operating as a industry owned and led PTE in 2027. If you would like to understand more about this transition, we are keeping our Vocational Education and Training page updated on our website and you can visit here. 

 
I’m sure you’ll also be pleased to hear that while there is work being undertaken on these administrative challenges, the Connexis team are focused on improving our training programmes and support to our employers and learners, with learner success as our key driver. 
 
Our work programme for the year is well underway, with organisation of our 2026 high-profile national initiatives and events like Girls with Hi-Vis®, due to be hosted around the country in June, and Annual Connection which will be hosted by Counties Energy in October, in motion. 
 
Registrations have now closed for our sought-after Outward Bound scholarships and we look forward to announcing this year’s recipients soon. These opportunities are another way we help support learners with leadership and personal development skills as they continue into the next stages of their career. 
 
In 2026 we will further support leadership development with a series of half day Lead Well workshops running March to May. Designed to work alongside initiatives like one-to-one mentoring and our Vitae counselling services, these workshops equip learners with practical leadership tools they can apply immediately, in their training, on the job, and in their personal lives. 

 
Finally, as we near the end of our Q1, I’d invite you to consider talking to your CSAM and local high schools about the possibility of taking on Gateway learners. Building a relationship with your local schools who hold your future workforce of motivated students is a tried and tested way to secure good apprentices and future industry stars. 

 
I wish you all the best for a successful year ahead and look forward to continuing our work with you. 

Ngā mihi

Kaarin Gaukrodger
Connexis Executive Director

The post A word from our Director – March. 2026 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.

Kia ora koutou,
 
Thank you for your continued support as we head toward the end of another big year and rapidly approaching the next stage of changes to the setup of vocational education and training (VET) within New Zealand. We are currently preparing Connexis to transition out of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST – formally known as Te Pūkenga) and into the Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (ISB) on 01 January 2026.

Like the other transitions that have occurred since 2021, our focus is on ensuring no interruption to Connexis training programmes and qualifications, and no changes to the services we provide to our learners and employers. We will continue to take new enrolments across all our training programmes in the Civil, Electricity Supply, Telco and Water industries and ensure learners are well supported through to completion of their training programme to attain their qualification.

Our ISB is one of eight being established by the Government, to be gazetted as standard setting bodies, replacing the previous Workforce Development Councils. This is a holding place for Connexis and the other work-based learning divisions exiting NZIST, providing time for industry to take back ownership and leadership of industry training.

As part of industry training returning to industry, we are working with the TEC transition team on the plan for Connexis’ move out of the ISB. As part of this, TEC wants to hear from our customers as to whether you support Connexis continuing as your national training provider and transition into an industry owned and led private training establishment (PTE). As such, we will be coming out to seek written support for this.

You can find more information on the VET Review page on our website.

While the VET changes are a distraction, we continue to deliver our industry focused activities and review and improve our training programmes and delivery.

Connexis has just wrapped up another incredibly successful Annual Connection, the iconic Electricity Supply Industry competition that spotlights the skilled workforce and rewarding careers available. The event was held in Christchurch, and while we entered a state of emergency, everyone managed to pack up safely and there was a bonus having north island line mechanic crews in the south, as some stayed back to help the local companies respond to network faults.

Connexis is also thrilled to announce a new cohort of recipients of the Connexis Outward Bound and Whenua Iti scholarships. We are incredibly proud to offer these scholarships each year, as they provide our future industry leaders with incredible skills they can carry into all areas of their life.

Finally, I’d also like to draw your attention to a life-changing pilot training programme Connexis has been running in partnership with Corrections NZ at Whanganui Prison. This programme puts prisoners through training for the NZ Certificate of Infrastructure Works (level 3). At Connexis we are strong believers in the power education and training can have in changing people’s lives. It’s about giving people from all backgrounds the opportunity to obtain a qualification, feel successful, and take with them tools that will positively impact their future.

As the year comes to a close, I wish you all a safe and happy summer and look forward to working closely with you all in 2026.

Ngā mihi

Kaarin Gaukrodger
Connexis Executive Director

The post A word from our Director – Nov. 2025 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.

Kia ora koutou,
 
I hope 2025 is off to a great start for you and your team.
 
At Connexis we start the year strong thanks to the positive feedback we received from you with our employer satisfaction rating for 2024 at 96%, and our trainee survey showing 95% satisfaction. While we continue to operate with an uncertain future as we await further government announcements on the future structure of vocational education and training (VET), I’d like to press home the important point that, through this period of ongoing change and consultation, you can rest assured Connexis will continue to provide support to you, your trainees and the wider infrastructure industry.

The latest round of industry consultation on government proposals for the delivery of VET closed on 21 February and is now being reviewed and considered by the Government as it progresses the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga. Connexis has made a submission to the Minister on the options being considered for Work-based Learning (WBL) and we will ensure you are kept up to date with any future developments or announcement. In the meantime, you can find out more about VET proposals on the Connexis website here.
 
Another important change came into effect as of 1 January 2025, which is that the Apprenticeship Boost is no longer available for our Civil and Water apprenticeship programmes. We are continuing to lobby the Government on behalf of those of you in these industries as we know this is crucial support as you gear up to meet the Government’s Fast-track infrastructure project plans. Please do share with us any impact this will have on the number of apprentices you enrol, and we will pass this to officials.
 
The final change to be aware of is that as of 1 January 2025, the Fees Free programme switched from being available to first-year trainees, to now being available to final-year trainees (covering the final two years for work-based training or up to $12,000). The way this will be processed is once a trainee has completed their training they can apply for the refund. The refunds will be provided directly to trainees who will need to apply through myIR on Inland Revenue’s website. For our infrastructure employers who pay the training fees, we encourage you to discuss this arrangement with your employee at the time of enrolment. There is an article within the eNews with more details.
 
Finally, a huge thank you from myself and the team at Connexis for your continued support and engagement. We will keep you updated on any future VET developments and look forward to continuing our work with you through what I hope will be a prosperous, successful 2025.

Read the Connexis eNews – March 2025

Ngā mihi

Kaarin Gaukrodger
Executive Director

The post A word from our Director – March 2025 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.”

The post A man of many hats appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

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.”

The post <strong>Gateway opens career choices for Noah</strong> appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Throughout another year of change and uncertainty within the Vocational Education sector, we at Connexis are proud to have continued our focus on growing a skilled, local workforce for a sustainable and resilient infrastructure industry.

As part of the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga, an update from the Government is due shortly on its future plans for the delivery of Vocational Education and Training (VET). These decisions will mean system changes for 2025 that will be reflected in new entities encompassing standard setting, industry training and polytechnics. We will continue to provide updates as information is released and as we step through the required changes next year. It is important that your voice, as employers and industry stakeholders, continues to be heard as the redesigned VET system is stepped up. Industry training is focused on training those who are employed and in work and has always been, and should continue to be, industry-led.

While the VET system redesign was consulted on this year, Connexis remained focused on delivering infrastructure training programmes and initiatives to support employers in growing the capability and capacity of their organisation, through upskilling their team members.

This includes:

Our work in growing a diverse workforce through Ultimit – Women in Infrastructure. This year reaching the largest number of female school students to date, with over 750 female school students from across New Zealand connected to infrastructure employers through Girls with Hi-Vis® events. The depth of females within the sector is growing and was evident at our iconic 2024 Electricity Supply event, Annual Connection, with two females leading Line Mechanic crews.

Some of the new and improved training programmes, delivery and initiatives throughout the year included:
• The new Temporary Traffic Management Risk Assessment (Level 4) and Temporary Traffic Management Design (Level 4) micro-credentials, the first of a new suite of micro-credentials to be rolled out in the coming months.
• Reviewed programmes for Infrastructure Works (Level 2) and Infrastructure Works (Level 3) ensuring a pathway for learners coming into the infrastructure industry.
• A new micro-credential for Gateway students interested in electricity supply – Introduction to the Electricity Supply Industry (Level 2).
• Updated programme and delivery of the Apprenticeship in Electrical Trade (Level 4), ensuring it remains current with the Electrical Workers Registration Board requirements.
• Release of a Learner Handbook to help learners understand how industry training works and what support Connexis can offer them during their learning journey.
• Outward Bound Scholarships for learners to help grow our future leaders.
• Increased learner support with VITAE Service; literacy and numeracy support; and hardship grants.

We already have a full work schedule for 2025 with the following planned for the first half of the year:
• The second Gateway Electricity Supply micro-credential, Working Safely in the Electricity Supply Industry. If students complete both ESI Gateway MCs as well as First Aid, they can be awarded the NZ Certificate in Electricity Supply (Introductory) (Level 2) which is seen by employers as the entry point for a career in electricity supply.
• Reviewed programme for the Apprenticeship in Civil Infrastructure (Level 4) aligning with the latest qualification version.
• Three new micro-credentials in the TTM micro-credential suite: Low-risk Low-impact Activities, Mobile Operations and TTM Assist within the Road Reserve.
• Review of the Workplace Health & Safety (Level 3) programme.
• Delivery of new eLearning method for the Infrastructure Works (Level 3) on top of the already available paper-based delivery.
• Xcelerate Your Training pack to support employers engaged in industry training.

Finally, some key dates to note:
• 23 Dec 2024 – 3 Jan 2025: Connexis is closed so our team members can step back and take a break with their family and friends before we embark on a big year of change in 2025.
• 1 Jan 2025: Fees Free changes. From this date the Government’s Fees Free initiative applies to final-year students, rather than first-year. We encourage apprentices and learners to check their eligibility at feesfree.govt.nz. The change to the scheme will mean refunds will be applied for and granted to learners who have completed the programme within duration.

We understand that some essential worker teams will continue to work over the Christmas and New Year period to ensure New Zealanders can keep connected and moving, and we thank you for this.

Industry training is not possible without the time and commitment from those working in the industry. Developing fit-for-purpose training programmes requires the input from our local workforce and we thank those individuals and companies who have provided time and resource to this. We would also like to recognise the work of our assessors who provide their expertise, time and mentorship to grow individuals and in doing so grow our workforce.

Thank you for your continued support and investment and we look forward to partnering with you in 2025.

Meri Kirihimete

Kaarin Gaukrodger 
Executive Director  

The post A word from our Director – December 2024 appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

The past few months have seen a flurry of activity from the Government with announcements of increased investment and support for New Zealand’s growing infrastructure needs.

This includes: consenting changes to remove barriers for the development of renewable energy sources to deliver to the Electrify NZ plan; the delivery of water services back to local councils who are now responsible for the development of Water Services Delivery Plans under the new approach of Local Water Done Well; and the announcement of 149 Fast Track Projects including 43 transport projects and 22 renewable electricity projects.

Changes to the Vocational Education and Training system
Infrastructure investment will require increased investment in growing our infrastructure workforce, at a time when New Zealand’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system is under redesign. Public consultation on that redesign closed 12 September 2024 with decisions on the future set up of VET expected in early December 2024. The disestablishment of Te Pūkenga will continue in 2025, with the establishment of new entities for industry training and polytechnics. The current direction is that these be operational 1 January 2026.

Connexis is committed to providing uninterrupted training services and support to the infrastructure industry through the upcoming changes. You will be able to continue to enrol employees into training programmes and our trainees and apprentices will continue to be supported through their training. We are also committed in keeping you well informed of these changes. Please visit our VET Review webpage for updates.

Apprenticeship Boost for 2025 – Civil and Water excluded
More recently the Government announced that as of 1 January 2025, the Apprenticeship Boost will be available for targeted industries. Unfortunately, the scheme will exclude our Civil and Water apprenticeship programmes. 

I have been in communication with the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, the Hon Penny Simmonds around the negative impact this decision will have on the number of infrastructure apprentices enrolled and the follow-on impact this will have on the local workforce being able to deliver those Fast Track projects identified by the Government as essential in addressing the country’s infrastructure deficit and climate goals. Please do share with your Customer Service Account Manager any impact this will have on the number of apprentices you enrol next year, and we will pass this to officials.

There is good news for our Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) customers, with the ESI apprenticeship programmes included into the Apprenticeship Boost scheme.  

Changes to Fees Free – last year and refund to learners
Another important change to be aware of for employers enrolling new learners in 2025, is the Government’s change of first-year Fees Free to final-year Fees Free. There are some critical changes to this policy that will directly impact industry training. See our eNews below for further details.

Industry promotion
A critical and rewarding role we play is in collaborating with our industry partners to attract our future workforce and celebrate the skills of our workforce. Just two successful examples of this are Girls with Hi-Vis® held earlier this year, and Annual Connection, held 22-24 October. 

We were also excited to celebrate our Civil companies that invest in training at the CCNZ Training Awards and our outstanding Energy trainees at the Excellence Awards held in Te Awamutu, following Annual Connection.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Annual Connection, and special thanks to Waipā Networks and The Lines Company for co-hosting this year and providing a warm welcome. It’s always a highlight to see the fierce competition mixed with industry camaraderie as New Zealand’s top lineys and jointers compete for bragging rights.

As we approach the end of 2024, there is a lot going on and we will continue to communicate important developments as they arise. Please don’t hesitate to reach out or contact your Connexis Customer Service Account Manager if you have questions.

Read the Connexis eNews – November 2024.

Take care

Kaarin Gaukrodger 
Executive Director  

The post A word from our Director – November 2024 appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.