Reegan Reid of Waiotahi Contractors is well on his way to being qualified through Connexis | Te Pūkenga with the NZ Certificate in Surveying Level 4, which he will complete in February 2023. As the standard-setting body for more than 140 Construction and Infrastructure qualifications, Waihanga Ara Rau are celebrating Reegan’s achievements and progress.
Taking out the title of Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Higgins, at the inaugural CCNZ Bay of Plenty Hynds Construction Awards in October, Reegan says, “It feels pretty good to know I’m doing a good job and getting recognised for it. Learning on the job while you’re working and putting the theory into practice is a fantastic way to learn. I chose this qualification because it enables me to progress my career in a field I enjoy working in. I’ve applied what I learn through the qualification to doing topographical surveys, quantifying stockpiles and setting up excavations, the qualification matches what I do on the job really well.
“I like to know how my surveying work impacts the work of the whole crew. It’s great bringing designs to life, and I know my work makes someone else’s job a little bit easier – that’s my biggest motivator every day. I started my civil career in 2016, and my first job was to remove signwriting from the gear. Then I moved into a labouring role. I completed Level 1 Traffic Control and then Level 1 STMS, and when I was given the opportunity to progress and assist the internal site surveyor, my knowledge and responsibility increased from then on. When I was given the chance to enrol in the NZ Certificate in Surveying Level 4, I jumped in and went for it.”
Hardus Coetzee, Waiotahi Contractors Whakatane Branch Manager says, “Reegan is a valued on-job surveyor who willingly shares his knowledge and skills with others. He is also a member of the 24/7 emergency response crew for state highways and local roads in the area. I’ve watched him get better and better at his job, and this award recognises his commitment. The qualification has also been great for Reegan’s growth, self-development, and problem-solving and has helped him be more self-sufficient.
“As an employer, upskilling people on the job is so beneficial. It creates confidence and competency in all areas, not just the technical aspects. It helps you understand communication in the workplace and how vital that is when you deal with clients, project managers and others on site. Supporting your people with formal qualifications is a win-win for individuals and businesses, and I encourage anyone involved in on-site GPS checks for projects to get enrolled in the NZC in Surveying Level 4. We need more skilled, qualified people. Offering formal qualifications is a great incentive to motivate your people and encourage career progression within your business. There’s no better way to learn than on the job, where you can put the theory you’re learning into practice daily as part of your learning journey.”
