Teams from power companies will be demonstrating their skills and expertise in a series of fast paced line mechanic and cable jointer events at Annual Connection 2017 at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.  Events include pole top rescue, team building and first aid competitions, as well as pit rescue and a spike gun event.

Annual Connection is organised by Connexis, the Industry Training Organisation (ITO) for the Infrastructure Industry and Head of Marketing and Industry Standards Kaarin Gaukrodger says, “The annual event aims to spur competition and team work within the Electricity Supply Industry and is also a great opportunity to showcase ‘on the job action’ to the public and anyone considering a career in the industry.

“These women and men play a vital role in our community ensuring that the power supply is always up and running to businesses and homes throughout the country, often in a harsh and challenging environment such as storms and floods. We’re looking forward to some spirited competitions, showcasing outstanding teamwork, workmanship, safety practices and technical knowledge.”

Line Mechanic Samantha Maurangi, who has been in the job a couple of years, is based in Invercargill at PowerNet and is looking forward to competing next week.  “It’s a great career for women and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.”

Samantha is aspiring to become a qualified line mechanic who inspires other women to pursue opportunities in the electricity industry.

The thee-day event culminates with the Connexis Annual Connection Excellence Awards dinner on Thursday 14 September in Hamilton where winners of the Connexis Annual Connection Excellence Awards will be announced.

Thirteen of New Zealand’s top trainees and trainers in the electricity industry have been named as finalists in the awards.  They work throughout the country, from Hamilton in the north to Invercargill in the south, and are competing for honours in: Contribution to Industry Training; and Distribution, Telecommunications, Advanced and Business Support/Retail Trainee of the Year.  The winners of each section are also competing for the top award of Overall Trainee of the Year.

In addition to recognising trainees, the contribution to industry training – which is also crucial to the success of trainees – is recognised with the Contribution to Industry Training award.  This rewards those who make a significant impact through their enthusiasm and commitment to industry training.

The winners and runners up of the line mechanic and cable jointer competitions and the recipients of the Ross Archer Memorial Line Mechanic Safety Award and the Outstanding Leader Award will also be announced at the dinner.

connexis.org.nz

For more information contact:

Karen Venni
Event Manager, Annual Connection
021 451 890

Tracey Mehrtens
Accento Communications
021 430 606

The post PRESS RELEASE: Power company staff pit their skills in Hamilton appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

The 13 men and women who make up the finalists work throughout the country, from Hamilton in the north to Invercargill in the south, and are competing for honours in: Contribution to Industry Training; and Distribution, Telecommunications, Advanced and Business Support/Retail Trainee of the Year.

The winners of each section are also competing for the top award of Overall Trainee of the Year.

Connexis Head of Marketing and Industry Standards Kaarin Gaukrodger says that each year the awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of the best and brightest trainees and trainers in the industry. “These are the rising stars and they play a vital role in ensuring that the rapidly growing Industry is well served with skilled and talented staff moving forward.

“We all need energy for every day living, to drive businesses and to stay connected and without these skilled people New Zealand would come to a complete standstill. The work the crews do nationwide is crucial for the country.”

In addition to awarding trainees, the contribution to industry training – which is also crucial to the success of trainees – is recognised with the Contribution to Industry Training award. This recognises those who make a significant impact through their enthusiasm and commitment to industry training.

Kaarin adds that employers play a crucial role in the success of trainees and nominating trainees for these awards is a great way to demonstrate a company’s commitment to training.

The award winners will be announced at the Annual Connection Excellence Awards Dinner on Thursday 14 September at Mystery Creek Hamilton at the conclusion of the annual Industry event, Annual Connection 2017.

The winners and runners up of the line mechanic and cable jointer competitions and the recipients of the Ross Archer Memorial Line Mechanic Safety Award and the Outstanding Leader Award will also be announced at the dinner.

The post PRESS RELEASE: Energy Industry excellence award winners to be announced appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Connexis is the Infrastructure Industry Training Organisation (ITO) and its role is vital to ensure the country’s continued growth over the coming years. The industry is predicted to require an additional 21,000 workers within Civil Construction, Electricity Supply, Telecommunications and 3Waters (water treatment, wastewater, water reticulation) over the next three years and Connexis is key to supporting the industry in providing skilled workers to fill the jobs.

Peter Benfell takes up his position early next month and says, “I’m passionate about the vital role the Infrastructure sector has in New Zealand and how important this is in building and maintaining a strong and vibrant society and economy.

“Vocational education and life-long learning are crucial to the success of the industries and we live in a fast-paced world, with exponential change. Connexis has a key leadership role in effectively dealing with and harnessing this change.”

Connexis Board Chair Frances Hague says, “Peter’s experience in the Infrastructure sector as the leader of the Research Team at Opus combined with his collaborative leadership style will bring real value to our employees, the organisation and benefits to our sector. His enthusiasm for people combined with his innovative approach will help shape our strategic direction and growth in a time of significant investment in our sector.”

Peter’s previous roles include Director of Innovation and Research at Opus International Consultants, an Infrastructure consultancy firm, for the past 6 years. Here he led Opus’ R&D team of 50 and was responsible for Opus’ research and innovation activities globally.

Prior to this Peter was General Manager, Agriculture & Environment at AgResearch, leading a nationwide team of 300 scientists and technical staff. Peter is a chemical and materials engineer with more than 30 years’ experience and has held general management roles in the private sector and government agencies.

The post PRESS RELEASE: New Chief Executive at helm of Connexis appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

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How Can I Get Civil Trade Certified?

1

A Civil Infrastructure Level 4 qualification

2

8000 hours of practical experience

This is around 4 years including 2,000 hours at Level 4 competency

3

Be assessed for a Civil Trade Certification

Level 4 qualifications eligible for Civil Trades Certification:

• Road  Construction & Maintenance
• Road Surfacing
• Road Marking (testing)
• Pipeline Construction and Maintenance
• Pipe Installation
• Piling

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4 areas you can be Civil Trades Certified in:

ROAD CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE

• Earthworks
• Road Construction
• Road Maintenance
• Non-Structural Concrete
• Forestry Earthworks

Piling

• Piling

PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE

• Trenched
• Trenchless
• Drinking-water
• Wastewater & Stormwater

ROAD SURFACING

• Bituminous Mixes
• Chip seal
• Slurry
• Binder Manufacturing
• Bituminous Mixing operation
• Bituminous Spraying Operation
• Road Marking (Testing)

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3 ways to gain your qualification

1

Option 1: Apprenticeship

• If you are relatively new to our industry, then this option will be for you.
• You could be a school leaver, someone who is changing industry or re-joining the workforce after some time away.
• It usually takes 2–3 years to complete the Apprenticeship and obtain a Civil Trades qualification.

2

Option 2: Recognition of current competence

• If you have over 5 years of experience in the Civil Infrastructure Industry you will be eligible for this option.
• You will be required to demonstrate a minimum of 5 years' experience with atleast 2 years, current and concurrent, at a high level of skill via a portfolio of evidence andprofessional discussion.

3

OPTION 3: SECTOR QUALIFICATION PATHWAY

• If you have had less than 5 years in the Civil Infrastructure Industry and have obtained some unit standards or a Level 2 or Level 3 certificate, then finishing the next qualification in your sector pathway may be the best way for you to obtain a Civil Trades qualification.

Option 1: Apprenticeship

Relatively new to the industry? Then this option will be for you.

You could be a school leaver, someone who is changing industry or re-joining the workforce after some time away. It usually takes 2–3 years to complete the Apprenticeship and obtain a Civil Trades qualification. Learn more about a Civil Infrastructure Apprenticeship here.

Option 2: Recognition of current competence

Do you have over 5 years of experience in the Civil Infrastructure Industry? Then you will be eligible for this option.

You will be required to demonstrate a minimum of 5 years’ experience with at least 2 years, current and concurrent, at a high level of skill via a portfolio of evidence and professional discussion. Learn more about the RCC option here, or contact your local Customer Service Account Manager.

Option 3: Qualification pathway

Do you have less than 5 years in the Civil Infrastructure Industry and have obtained some unit standards or a Level 2 or Level 3 certificate? Then this option is for you. Finishing the next qualification in your sector pathway may be the best way for you to obtain a Civil Trades qualification.

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Interested in becoming Civil Trade Certified?

Civil Contractors New Zealand Incorporated

Contact the Civil Trades Coordinator:

Email: info@civiltrades.co.nz
Phone: 0800 692 376
Mobile: 027 209 7222

Or head to the CCNZ Civil Trades website for more information:

Civil Trades Website

The post Civil Trades appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

‘Girls with Hi-Vis’ campaign aims to recruit more women

The Infrastructure Industry is in dire need of more quality staff with a predicted 25,000 more workers required to meet industry demand over the next 3 years and Connexis sees women as the answer.

Connexis – the Infrastructure Industry Training Organisation (ITO) – is working to fill this void by attracting women to the Industry via its annual ‘Girls with Hi-Vis®’ initiative, which sees high school students and the sisters, daughters, friends, cousins and wives of staff already working in the Infrastructure Industry invited to work for a day for a ‘hands on experience’ to showcase the many career options.

Girls with Hi-Vis® runs throughout June and yesterday a group of Franklin women sampled a day’s work in the electricity supply industry at Counties Power.

Connexis Interim-Chief Executive David Worsnop says, “Franklin like many regions around the country will struggle to staff its infrastructure developments over the coming years unless the workforce grows.  It’s a real issue, because as we all know maintaining and growing our infrastructure is vital to keep the country moving efficiently and growing our economy.

The initiative is very timely following the Government’s recent announcement of an $11 billion investment into infrastructure, which highlights the need to recruit more quality workers.  “Connexis sees diversity as key to filling these roles and Girls with Hi-Vis is one of our key strategies to increase diversity by encouraging women to consider a career in the Infrastructure Industry,” David says.

“While women make up 50 percent of the country’s population, less than 4 percent of women are trade and technical trainees with Connexis.  A ‘hands on’ taste of the job and hearing from women who have successful infrastructure careers is a perfect way to show women exactly what a usual day’s work entails and hopefully it will inspire them to join a growing infrastructure industry that offers a wide variety of roles with good pay and a new career.”

Counties Power Chief Executive Sheridan Broadbent says the company strongly supports encouraging more women into infrastructure roles and on their own team.

“Diversity and equality is an area Counties Power takes seriously, and one I’m proud we have extended through our active promotion of women in our workforce and through our community involvement with our new sponsorship of the Counties Manukau women’s representative rugby team – now known as the Counties Power Heat.

“It’s exciting to see so many of the Counties Power Heat players and students from local high schools and learning institutions here today at our Girls with Hi – Vis event, learning more about working in Infrastructure roles and for Counties Power in particular.  We would love to see more women actively engaging in this industry.

“From my own experience as a female leader in the energy and infrastructure sectors, the environment is supportive of talent regardless of gender, the sector full of opportunity and I encourage women to get involved and seek employment in this growth area.  Those considering a career or study change and who want to work for an innovative, growing local company with a diverse range of roles should keep an eye on the Counties Power website for future roles.”

Girls with Hi-Vis® is lead by Connexis, the Infrastructure Industry Training Organization in partnership with Civil, Energy, 3Waters and Telecommunications companies.

Industry partners for Girls with Hi-Vis® 2017 are Visionstream, Auckland; WaterCare, Auckland; Counties Power, Pukekohe; Horizon Energy Group, Whakatane; Mainpower, Rangiora; Meridian, Wellington, Twizel and Manapouri; Genesis Energy, Turangi and Vector, Taranaki.  They will all be welcoming women to experience their company and industry during the month of June.

“It’s great to see infrastructure companies working together to increase visibility of career opportunities across our industries through this campaign and supporting women to join our workforce.  They are all very keen to recruit quality staff and view women as key to helping fill these roles moving forward and see Girls with Hi-Vis key to help achieve this,” David says.

This year Girls with Hi-Vis® has teamed up with Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) to cross promote the #BuildAKL campaign across the region.

See ultimit.co.nz for more details

The post PRESS RELEASE: Franklin women sample work in the Electricity Industry appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

The annual ‘Girls with Hi-Vis’ initiative lead by Connexis – the Infrastructure Industry Training Organisation (ITO) – sees staff already working in the Infrastructure Industry inviting sisters, daughters, friends, cousins and wives to work for a day for a ‘hands on experience’ on the job to showcase the many career options.

Connexis has partnered with Civil, Energy, 3Waters and Telecommunications companies throughout the country for a series of open days.  The first is being held at Vector in Taranaki, which is participating for the first time.

Connexis Interim-Chief Executive David Worsnop says, “Girls with Hi-Vis is one of Connexis’ key strategies to encourage women to consider a career in the Infrastructure Industry. While jobs in the electricity supply, telecommunications, civil construction and water industries traditionally employ men, there is also a great opportunity for women to have a rewarding career as well.

“While women make up 50 percent of the country’s population, less than 4 percent of women are trade and technical trainees with Connexis.  We’ve identified women as a key potential source to help staff the workforce and industry are working alongside, actively supporting to promote and increase numbers.”

David adds that the Government’s recent announcement of an $11 billion investment into infrastructure highlights the need for recruiting more quality workers, especially as it’s already short of skilled staff with a prediction of 25,000 more workers required to meet industry demand over the next 3 years. Connexis sees women as key to filling these roles.

“A ‘hands on’ taste of the job is a perfect way to show women exactly what a usual day’s work entails and hopefully it will inspire them to start a new career,” David says.

Industry partners for Girls with Hi-Vis® 2017 are Visionstream, Auckland; WaterCare Auckland; Dempsey Wood Auckland; Counties Power Manukau; Horizon Energy Group Whakatane, Mainpower, Rangiora; Meridian, Wellington, Twizel and Manapouri; Genesis Energy Turangi and Vector, Taranaki.  They will all be welcoming women to experience their company and industry during the month of June.

“It’s great to see all these companies working together to ensure that this campaign is a success.  They’re all very keen to recruit quality staff and view women as key to helping fill these roles moving forward and see Girls with Hi-Vis key to helping achieving this,” David says.

This year Girls with Hi-Vis® has teamed up with Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) to cross promote the #BuildAKL campaign across the region.

See ultimit.co.nz for more details

The post PRESS RELEASE: Girls with Hi-vis Month Underway appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

New Zealand’s infrastructure industry is already short of skilled staff with a prediction of 25,000 more workers required to meet industry demand over the next 3 years. Connexis sees women as key to filling these roles.

Connexis Interim-Chief Executive David Worsnop says, “While women make up 50 percent of the country’s population, they account for less than 4 percent of Connexis’ trade and technical trainees.  We’ve identified women as a key potential source to help staff the workforce and industry are working alongside, actively supporting to promote and increase numbers.”

One key initiative to attract women to a career in the industry is ‘Girls with Hi-Vis®’ which runs throughout the month of June.  Women around the country will don hi-vis jackets to try their hand at jobs that are traditionally more popular with men, in the Energy, Telecommunications, Civil Construction and 3Waters industries, in a bid to attract more women into the workforce.

Being held for the third year, the annual ‘Girls with Hi-Vis®’ initiative sees staff already working in the Infrastructure Industry inviting sisters, daughters, friends, cousins and wives to work for a day for a ‘hands on experience’ on the job.

David says, “Traditionally men are employed in these roles, but women are just as suited for the jobs and offer a different skill base, which adds value to the teams they work in.  Infrastructure companies recognise that women bring with them strong attention to detail, good safety practices and help to lift team productivity.

“We’re aiming to encourage more women to start a career in the industry and build a stronger network of women in the infrastructure industry, which in turn nurtures inclusion, success and sustainability through mentoring and support.  Girls with Hi-Vis® month is a key initiative for achieving this.”

Industry partners for Girls with Hi-Vis® 2017 are Visionstream, Auckland; WaterCare, Auckland; Counties Power, Manukau; Tauranga City Council in partnership with Downer; Mainpower, Rangiora; Contact Energy, Clyde; Meridian, Wellington, Twizel and Manapouri; Horizon Energy, Whakatane; Genesis Energy Huntly and Turangi; City Care, Auckland; First Gas, Taranaki; and Vector, Kapuni.  They will all be welcoming women to experience their company and industry during the month of June.

This year Girls with Hi-Vis® has teamed up with Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) to cross promote the #BuildAKL campaign across the region.

The post PRESS RELEASE: Women key target to boost infrastructure numbers appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

ENTRY CLOSING DATE: Monday, 5 June 2017 at 9:00pm

An amazing rollercoaster ride that has resulted in a promotion is how Natalie Thornton describes her experience of winning last year’s Hays NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) Excellence Award for the student/apprentice category.

Natalie encourages women considering entering this year’s Hays NAWIC Excellence Awards to just “go for it and be proud of your achievements”.

Entries for the 2017 Hays NAWIC Excellence Awards are open until 5 June 2017, with the awards being held at the Aotea Centre in Auckland on 18 August.

Since winning the award, Natalie has completed her apprenticeship and is now operations manager and foreman on larger construction sites.

“At times, it still doesn’t feel real. I remember finding out I was off to the awards in Wellington and feeling nerves, panic and excitement all at once.

“After winning the award I was left with an intense feeling of achievement and accomplishment.”

Megan Rule who won last year’s Helen Tippett Award for actively promoting women in construction says entering the awards helps promote diversity while improving the industry as a whole.

“For me the success of this award is about participation and the opportunities to help each other achieve our goals.

“The awards highlight a variety of role models by profiling and recognising otherwise invisible women contributing at all levels which increases the diversity of our industry and ultimately the entire New Zealand economy.”

Lynne Makepeace, joint winner of last year’s Professional Woman of the Year Award, says winning the award increased her confidence and made her realise that she is actually good at her job and well-respected in the industry.

“It reinforced what people had told me in the past but I had never really believed it as I viewed it as “just doing my job”.”

Lynne says the experience of entering the awards provides an opportunity to reflect on career highlights.

“Take the plunge and enter, it is not until you sit down to write your submission that you will realise exactly how much you have achieved in your career and how far you have come.”

The awards have six categories which cover a wide range of roles across the industry. The categories are:

• The Helen Tippett Award which celebrates achievement in advancing the interests of women in the construction industry.
• Tradeswoman of the Year which celebrates the contribution tradeswomen are making to the industry.
• Professional Woman of the Year which focuses on women who have managed a construction project or those who operate their own business in the industry.
• Rising Star which celebrates women who demonstrate future leadership potential within the industry. This category is open to women who have worked in the construction industry for less than seven years.
• Outstanding Achievement in Design which celebrates the design aspect of a construction project in engineering, architecture or urban/landscape design.
• Excellence in Construction Services which honours the contribution of women in administration, sales/marketing or operational roles within the industry.
• Student/Apprentice Excellence Award which is open to all women engaged in construction-related study or apprenticeships.

For more information
Visit the NAWIC website for nomination/entry forms and further information: www.nawic.org.nz

For PR and media enquiries contact Gina McKenzie – NAWIC Communications Manager – email: gina@realcommunications.co.nz

The post PRESS RELEASE: Enter now for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Awards appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Brian Warren, President, Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) says that the sector has the capacity and availability to undertake the increased work that will result from the increased Government investment.

“This is helped by having a formalised Civil Trades Certification that assists Government and local councils to recognise the contractors that are skilled and competent to undertake the work when awarding construction contracts.”

Brian adds, “The industry has an ageing workforce with 37% of the Civil workforce over 50 years.  With the increased investment in infrastructure spend today, it is critical that companies utilise this opportunity to develop the future workforce through training.

“The recent introduction of the New Zealand Apprenticeship for Civil Infrastructure, that leads onto Civil Trades Certification, offers huge benefit to both companies and those new to the industry as it provides a structured pathway for career development from labourer to machine operator, and onto project management, engineering or business ownership.”

Connexis, the Civil Infrastructure Industry Training Organisation (ITO), says the industry is predicted to require 16,000 workers over the next 3 years and Connexis is well underway in supporting industry in providing the skilled workers to fill the jobs.

David Worsnop, Connexis Interim-Chief Executive says, “As the Industry Training Organisation for Infrastructure we support our customers to ensure they have a skilled workforce. It has been proven that having a qualified person undertaking the work improves the productivity, efficiency and safety of the workforce.  It is important that the increase in infrastructure investment is coupled with an investment in our people and future skilled workforce.

“While the industry requires more skilled workers, industry training allows people to gain these skills and qualifications on the job.  This is a huge benefit for those wanting to get ahead, earning a wage while investing in their future career and earnings through on-job training.”

Connexis has several initiatives to support the industry in attracting new people.  This includes a transition to work programme for those new to the Infrastructure industry, promotion of women into the trades, as well as working to promote the overall benefits of a trades careers for those people looking for a change in their career, or for school leavers.

Anyone interested in learning more about the opportunities the industry has to offer or are keen to join should fill in this form and we’ll be in touch soon.

The post PRESS RELEASE: Government funding boost welcomed by Infrastructure Industry appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Want to join our mailing list? Sign up here.

Civil & Water Industry eNews
In this issue:

• Qualifications: Civil and Water reviews, plus – new Asset Management and Surveying qualifications
• Get your entries in for the CCNZ/Connexis Company Awards 2017
• Important information re: Water block courses
• Latest Certified Civil Tradespeople announced
• New RCC assessment to Civil Trades evaluation process
• Che Gallagher of Brian Perry Civil: two Civil Trades Certifications under his belt
• Spotlight on MainPower, Rangiora: A Girls with Hi-Vis® success story
• Build your talent pipeline with Gateway
• Industry events and awards: CCNZ National Excavator Competition, WIOG Conference, 2017 NAWIC Excellence Awards

Energy & Telco Industry eNews
In this issue:

• Qualifications update: Telecommunications review
• Annual Connection 2017: Last chance to enter Line Mechanic and Cable Jointer Competitions!
• Nominations now open for the Annual Connection Trainee Excellence Awards 2017
• Spotlight on MainPower, Rangiora: A Girls with Hi-Vis® success story
• Build your talent pipeline with Gateway
• EEA Conference 2017
• Deloitte Energy Excellence Awards 2017

Trainee eNews
In this issue: 

• Enter now for the Civil Contractors New Zealand / Z Energy People Awards
• Annual Connection Line Mechanic and Cable Jointer Competitions
• Important information re: Water block courses
• Girls with Hi-Vis® class of 2016: Ellie Pugh, apprentice cable jointer/line mechanic, MainPower
• Latest Certified Civil Tradespeople announced
• Spotlight on Che Gallagher of Brian Perry Civil: two Civil Trades Certifications under his belt
• Changes to RCC Civil Trades evaluation process
• CCNZ National Excavator Competition: Steve makes it two in a row

The post April 2017 eNewsletters out now! appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.