Jack Roberts, tried his hand at other trades and careers before switching to training for a NZC in Infrastructure Works Level 3 and now Level 4 with Connexis.
That led to work as a network operator for Fulton Hogan, where he is now a leading hand. With just a couple of papers to go on his qualification Jack, 33, is excited about what the future holds and has a good perspective on the value of training.
“I did a diesel apprenticeship when I was quite young, and back then I prioritised socialising over studying. Not this time,” says Jack, who is on track to complete his qualification a year ahead of schedule.
With two kids, finding balance to study wasn’t always easy, but this time Jack found it easy to choose what had to give. “I just had to sacrifice my social life and get the training done. I work in the reactive side of the business so I might be at home at 9pm with my head in the bookwork and the next thing I’ll be on a call out.”
Jack has been helped in his training by Connexis customer service account manager Amy, and assessor Eric. “Eric’s been great. He never gives you the answer if you’re stuck, but he’s always happy to talk things through and help you work it out for yourself.
He’ll keep asking ‘Do you understand what I’m saying?’ to make sure you’re not getting left behind.
Amy says Jack has been an exemplary trainee. “He’s shown amazing commitment to his development and progression through both his certificates and he always has a big smile on his face. A quiet, stand-out achiever.”
Jack says the support from Connexis and his employer Fulton Hogan has been a big factor in his training achievements. “When I did my diesel apprenticeship it was hard to speak up if you didn’t understand something. The trainer I had would just give you four books and say these have to be done by the time I get back or I’m putting you on the recovery programme. This was a really different experience.”
Though it can have its challenges, Jack’s advice for anyone considering an apprentice is to “just do it”.
“My biggest tip is to sit down and go through all the books before you start. Just take two or three days – or evenings – to go through it all.” That preparation means you know what evidence you’ll need to provide at different stages of the training and can plan ahead.