“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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Abbey, who has been a trainee electrical fitter with Connetics in Christchurch since the start of 2022, has been named overall Trainee of the year at the annual Connexis | Te Pūkenga Excellence Awards. She was also named Distribution Trainee of the Year.

Each year, the Excellence Awards recognise the best and brightest trainees working in electrical supply and telecommunications infrastructure roles.

In nominating Abbey for the Excellence Awards, Connetics General Manager – Canterbury Operations Graham Fairbrass described Abbey as “an exceptional young woman with a passion for the electrical industry rarely seen in someone so young”.

Fairbrass said Abbey’s intellectual abilities in maths and the sciences were a perfect match for her chosen field, and her natural leadership skills were already having a positive impact across her team.

“When working with other, more junior apprentices, Abbey is quick to share her learned knowledge and assist wherever possible. Abbey’s enthusiasm, maturity, and commitment to continuous growth make her an asset to the electrical supply industry.

“Despite being in the early stages of her apprenticeship, Abbey has already made a remarkable impact, both within Connetics and in inspiring the next generation of electrical professionals,” Fairbrass said.

The Connexis Excellence Awards are a high point of Annual Connection, a three-day celebration of the skills and capability found in New Zealand’s Electricity Supply Industry workforce. Annual Connections, took place this year in Invercargill, run by Connexis I Te Pūkenga, with 2023 event sponsor PowerNet.

Another highlight of the event are the skills-based competitions between line mechanic crews and cable jointers from around the country. Crews and individuals pit their skills against each other, displaying the latest industry best practice and technological innovation.

Alex Chandler from Connetics was named top cable jointer, while the crew from The Lines Company took out the top spot in the line mechanic competition. Delta from Dunedin placed second and NetCon from Timaru placed third.

Other winners included: Generation Trainee of the Year Ela Jones, from Genesis Energy Lake Tekapo; Transmission Trainee of the Year Joshua Cox from Omexom in Otemata; and Telecommunications Trainee of the Year, Valantina Adam from Downer in Wellington. The award for Contribution to Investing in Youth Trainees went to Robbie Skerten from MainPower Rangiora.

Connexis l Te Pūkenga executive director Kaarin Gaukrodger says between the awards and the competitions, Annual Connection offers a chance to show off industry best practice as well as celebrate the skills and talent of the future leaders of New Zealand’s infrastructure workforce.

“It’s important to showcase the skills and success of these trainees. It not only recognises the effort and commitment they’ve put in, it helps shine a light on the importance of vocational training and what the infrastructure sector can offer in terms of a successful career path.”

Recognising the skills and commitment of infrastructure trainees and crews feels particularly important in a year when they have often been on the frontlines of keeping communities connected through devastating weather events.

“Typically, the kind of work they’re doing is often in the backcountry, and at odd hours, therefore a lot of their vital work goes unseen so Annual Connection gives them an amazing opportunity to demonstrate what they know.”

Gaukrodger adds Connexis is thrilled to have Southland’s PowerNet on board as sponsor this year. “We love taking Annual Connection to the regions and having the event in Invercargill this year has been a fantastic opportunity to take a closer look at the industry in Southland and understand it’s unique challenges and opportunities.”

PowerNet CEO Jason Franklin says the company is thrilled with the success of this year’s Annual Connection.

“It’s been our privilege to host this year’s event and be a part of shining a light on the incredible skill represented in our industry.

“Hosting a national event like Annual Connection has also been a perfect opportunity to showcase Southland, our fantastic lifestyle and the important part our electrical supply industry plays in keeping the region connected.”

The post <strong>Country’s top electrical supply trainees celebrated</strong> appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

The best of New Zealand’s line mechanics and cable jointers will be going head-to-head in Invercargill in September, showing off the skills that keep the country’s electricity connected.

Annual Connection 2023, proudly hosted by Southland’s electricity management company, PowerNet in conjunction with Connexis | Te Pūkenga will see line mechanic crews and cable jointers compete in events that put their workplace skills to the test.

This year’s event will be held September 19-21 at Donovan Park in Invercargill with electrical supply crews travelling from different companies around the country to participate.

Annual Connection is also an opportunity for school students to see energy supply workers in action and get a feel for what a career in the industry looks like. A supplier expo will showcase new technologies and the three-day event will close with the Connexis Excellence Awards, recognising the country’s top energy and telecommunications trainees.

PowerNet CEO Jason Franklin says Annual Connection is an opportunity for the wider community to better understand the electrical supply industry and the company is looking forward to bringing a “Southern flavour” to the event.

“We have been involved in Annual Connection for a number of years and wanted to step up to host to give something back to the industry. The event is an opportunity to showcase the skills and experience we have in the sector right across New Zealand, as well as to share best practices and attract new people to the industry,” Franklin says.

“It’s also an excellent chance for industry people from all over the country to experience Invercargill and Southland hospitality.

“Our team members are very excited to be involved and have the first opportunity to represent PowerNet at home.”

“The competitions are a real thrill for spectators and give the public a chance to see the incredible skills and training these energy supply workers have up close.

“These are the workers who have kept the country connected through some of the recent damaging weather events. Typically, the kind of work they’re doing is often in the backcountry, and at odd hours, therefore a lot of their vital work goes unseen so Annual Connection gives them an amazing opportunity to demonstrate what they know,” Gaukrodger says.

“Between the competitions and Excellence Awards, Annual Connection is an important celebration of New Zealand’s energy supply and telecommunications sectors.”

“Between the awards and the competitions, Annual Connection offers a chance to show off best practice as well as the skills and talent embedded in our infrastructure workforce, while showcasing career opportunities to newcomers and the next generation.”

Gaukrodger adds Connexis is thrilled to have Southland’s PowerNet on board as sponsor this year. “We love taking Annual Connection to the regions and having the event in Invercargill this year, will be a fantastic opportunity to take a closer look at the industry in Southland and understand it’s unique challenges and opportunities.”

About PowerNet:

PowerNet Limited is a network management company delivering power to Invercargill City, Southland, West Otago, parts of Central Otago and Stewart Island.

PowerNet manages the electricity networks of The Power Company Limited, Electricity Invercargill Limited, OtagoNet Joint Venture and Lakeland Network Ltd (in parts of Frankton, Wanaka and Cromwell). Based on the regulatory value of the networks it manages, PowerNet is the equivalent of the fourth largest network company in New Zealand, delivering electricity to over 74,400 consumers.

The post Electrical supply crews amped up for Annual Connection 2023 appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

“Being a line mechanic is not a simple 9-5 job. You could get called to a job at any time of the night because people’s houses have no power. But seeing their power restored is pretty rewarding, so there is a balance.”

Aiverson is a line mechanic with Waikato’s WEL Networks, and was a member of the company’s winning line mechanic team at the 2022 Annual Connection competitions in Levin. He’s returning to the 2023 competition with a new WEL Networks team at Annual Connection in Invercargill on September 19-21.

Aiverson says the skills competitions at Annual Connection are a great opportunity to connect with others working in the energy sector.

“You get to meet a lot of other people in the industry and really get to experience the line mechanic community. Even though we were all competing against one another, at the end of the day everyone would just get together and chat it up.”

The team is about to begin training for this year’s competition and Aiverson says time together as a team before the competition is crucial to success. “Whether it was training or just a normal work day, I think that time really allowed us to get to know each other and how we work. It builds trust.

“The support from our co-workers who came to support us was a huge boost as well.”

When it comes to his day-to-day work, as well as being useful to the local community, Aiverson loves that being a line mechanic means he’s able to work outside and work with his hands. “But, most importantly, I’m able to follow in the footsteps of family members who came before me, who are, or were, line mechanics.”

He adds that the team dynamic is just as important on the job every day  as it is in a competition.

“You might not always have an answer for the task or problem you are trying to solve, and you are always learning everyday, but that’s OK because while you may not have the answer, the person next to you just might.”

Aiverson recommends a career as a line mechanic for those who like helping others, being hands-on with their work, and being outdoors. “Line mechanics are always going to be needed as long as people need electricity.”

The post Team work, makes the dream work appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Justin, a cable jointer with WEL Networks in Waikato, believes the secret to his success at the event in Levin last year was “trying to take a laid-back approach”.

“I was just keen to see how I would go because I’d only been qualified for a year. I was quite surprised at placing first. I’d definitely say it’s worth giving it a try.”

Justin has been with WEL Networks for about nine years, starting out in civil works before moving into cable jointing.

“I decided I’d had enough of digging holes and thought about what else I’d be interested in doing. Jointing seemed like a good fit for me.

He says the biggest challenges of being a cable jointer range from understanding testing to problem solving and working with customers who’ve lost power, but he finds it satisfying work.

“I like running jobs and seeing the end product, and I like the challenge of learning new things.

“It’s always going to be an in-demand trade.”

The post The art of winning appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

With the Infrastructure Education and Training Charitable Trust grant awarded to Connexis, we were able to create a scholarship with Outward Bound to provide the necessary experience for our aspiring leaders.

The Professional course offered by Outward Bound is a five-day programme structured for aspiring leaders, offering trials and workshops testing their resilience, adaptability and confidence throughout the Marlborough Sounds. Successful applicants can select between the Professional or Women in Leadership course.

We are calling on employers to nominate their learners. If you have any learners who display exceptional leadership skills within the workplace, we want to hear from you!

Successful applicants will have their course fees covered and will receive a contribution to travel. For more info on the course, visit: https://www.outwardbound.co.nz/courses/professional/

For applications and more information, visit: https://connexis.org.nz/obscholarship/

Applications close 23 May 2023

The post Introducing the Connexis Outward Bound Scholarship appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Almost four years ago, Henare was working towards joining the police when he was offered an internship with Link Alliance to work on Auckland’s City Rail Link. As a health and safety advisor for the CRL, Henare has found a role that not only allows him to help people, but that he finds both challenging and very rewarding.

Though he once considered becoming a police officer, Henare wants to debunk the idea that health and safety officers are like police officers on work sites.

“People misunderstand health and safety, thinking we act like police officers to get people in trouble or even fired, and that we’re there to enforce the law on individuals.”

Instead, he says, the role of today’s health and safety teams is actually all about collaborating and working together around risk management, looking at the likelihood and consequences of risks for different tasks and how to prevent them.

Henare, who is also an emergency response team lead for rescues, says his favourite part of his job is investigating incidents to find the root causes, then applying controls to prevent those incidents happening again.

“Health and safety gives me endless challenges at the worksite, investigating how we can prevent workers from getting injured,” he says. “I like figuring out what happened, where the errors are in our system and how to improve things to prevent a recurrence.”

When Henare started with Link Alliance he had little knowledge of working on construction sites, but says the organisation has been hugely supportive in regard to his professional development, with both on-the-job learning and external training.

With three years of health and safety training units under his belt, covering everything from site safety analysis to operating atmospheric testing equipment, safety for working at heights and even the impact of sleep on safe working, Henare says he is now confident about working on such a large construction site and being actively involved in keeping people safe.

He says his one piece of safety advice that everybody should keep in mind is to “Stop and take five”. “Meaning take five minutes to think about safely at their work site; is it safe to work? Do you have everything? Are you satisfied with your care?”

Henare plans to keep up his training and take his career to the next level by working toward the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health, an international safety certificate.

“Safety is a high-stress job but it is highly satisfying. You won’t achieve zero harm every day, but knowing that on Monday someone got first aid, but on Tuesday no one got hurt, is a reward on its own.”

The post The rewards of keeping people safe appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

The Level 3 certification gives learners good foundations in workplace health and safety practices, with a good understanding of legal requirements, best practice, and assessing risks.

“It also appealed to me because health and safety is one of those areas of expertise that every organisation needs,” Jason says. “It’s a qualification that you can take anywhere in your career.”

He also points out that the Level 3 course offers both fundamental knowledge in the compulsory first module as well as the ability to specialise in different health and safety topics as you progress through the course.

“I decided to specialise in the health and safety management of asbestos as it’s still quite a common problem in buildings, but you can choose from quite a wide range of specialist topics,” Jason says.

The other skill the Level 3 Certificate of Workplace Health and Safety Practice offers learners, Jason adds, is the confidence to raise health and safety concerns or report issues, even if they are relatively junior members of the team.

“It means you have a good level of knowledge, and an understanding of why health and safety is important and why the rules are in place, that’s backed up by a qualification. That can help people have the confidence to speak up if they see something.”

Having team members with health and safety qualifications also helps employers send a message that they take employee safety seriously, and helps develop a culture of problem solving any safety issues, rather than blaming individuals or ignoring problems.

“In the end we all want to go home to our families safely every night, so let’s look after each other.”

The post A deeper understanding of health and safety appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

The creation of this fund was made possible thanks to a grant from the Infrastructure Education & Training Charitable Trust (IETCT) setup by Connexis ITO on transitioning into Te Pūkenga. The Financial Assistance Fund is to support learners that are experiencing struggles in progressing through their training programme. The funds are to provide extra support to the learner and help them be successful at work, at home and in completing their training programme. This could be due to access to resources, access to learning support or the pressure of managing work, family and learning.

We understand that some of our learners are working long hours and are having to balance their learning in amongst their household commitments with no other support at home. This fund can provide support to those learners that maybe struggling to free up spare time each week to commit to their studies.

Successful applicants can receive up to $3,000 to help with their specific needs, whether that be towards study materials, home support, technology, learning support or anything that can support you through your training journey.

For more information, view the page

Applications close May 11^th, 2023

The post Applications for the Financial Assistance Fund now open appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

What’s a normal day for you?

No two days are the same, but I’ll often start with early morning visits to trainees and managers. We’ll discuss their qualifications progress, and I’ll collect completed assessments to be sent to the assessor and training/career pathways. I enjoy traveling to see different work sites in my region.

What’s the best thing about your role?

I love meeting trainees and seeing their accomplishments, both on the sites they work on and in their training. The most rewarding part of my role is seeing trainees complete their qualification and giving them their certificate. It’s awesome seeing how proud they are of their well-earned accomplishment. One particular moment comes to mind, where a trainee wanted to have a photo with his L4 Certificate and the Bitumen Truck he operated. He was proud of his accomplishments and his role in the Civil Industry. 

What’s your advice for learners juggling work and training?

Everyone has a different lifestyle and way of learning. It’s about life balance – taking a small amount of time each day to work on completing a Unit Standard (workbook) can accomplish a lot. Don’t look at the folder of books as a whole, look at one Unit Standard at a time, and watch them get marked off as completed on the Training Plan. See the progress that has been accomplished and congratulate yourself on each accomplishment. 

Images: Top – Kellie with Tony from Goodmans in Kāpiti. Gallery – PNCC Drinking Water Site and Te Ahu a Turanga Alliance, New Manawatu Gorge

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