Timaru local Sam Burleigh has been named Canterbury Westland’s top excavator operator, taking out first place at the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice Excavator Competition held at Road Metals Quarry in Rolleston on 4 October. 

The Thompson Engineering 2002 foreman conquered a series of gruelling challenges designed to test precision, skill, and technical know-how – from truck loading to the crowd-favourite egg and spoon challenge, where operators must lift an egg into a cup using their excavator without breaking it. 

Burleigh, who has competed in the event since 2022, said this year’s victory was his first after several close calls. 

“Last year I dropped the egg – this year I picked it up and popped it straight in the cup,” he laughed. “I just went into cruise mode today and did my jam, pretending no one was watching.” 

The 36-year-old credits his years on the tools, operating excavators since age 18, for helping him stay calm under pressure. His win over 28 other elite operators earned him a place at the national finals in Feilding next March, along with more than $3,000 in prizes. 

Other highlights included a giant game of excavator golf, a tricky log swing balance test, and theory-based challenges covering safety and machine checks. 

Competition organiser James Flower said the record number of entrants reflected the region’s strong talent and enthusiasm for the event. “It went like a dream, despite a deluge of rain,” he said. “There was a real carnival atmosphere – great to see families out supporting the operators and learning about the industry.” 

Rounding out the podium were Aidan Te Pakeke Palmer (second, Thompson Engineering 2002) and Jomar Clavo (third, Isaac Construction). 

The novice category went to Alex Waller from Smith Crane and Construction. 

The event was proudly supported by CablePrice, Attach2 Equipment, Connexis, and a host of other industry sponsors. 

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“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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The changes to the training programme see an increase in the size of the programme to provide more focus on quality outcomes for your worksite in a real-world environment and we are taking enrolments from Monday 24 March.

Apprentices in the current version will have until the end of 2026 to complete, however, there may be an opportunity for them to transition into the updated programme. Any transition will be carefully managed by the Connexis Customer Service Account Manager to ensure that no apprentice is disadvantaged. 

This programme is part of a broader suite of programmes designed specifically for the Civil Construction industry so for more information reach out to either your Connexis Customer Services Account Manager or contact us at askus@connexis.org.nz

The post Updated NZ Apprenticeship in Infrastructure Works (Civil), (Level 4) appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Josh, who received a $500 voucher for a Connexis civil training programme, was praised by judges for his attention to detail during the challenge which involved excavating a swimming pool and completing an ‘Under the Wire Challenge’. The event is designed to test competitors’ knowledge as well as practical skills.

The Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition was held over 14-15 March 2025 at Feilding’s Manfeild Park, as part of Central District Field Days.

Twelve excavator operators competed in a series of challenges over the two-day competition with Northland’s Steven George taking top spot. Steven receives a $1000 voucher for a Connexis civil training programme.

John Rohloff of Fulton Hogan in Bay of Plenty was second, while last year’s runner-up Michael Brown, also of Fulton Hogan, took third place.

This year’s event marked the 31st anniversary of the excavator competition and for the first time featured three female regional champions: Georgia Lyford from Canterbury Westland, Lydia Hill from Nelson Marlborough and Tanya Claxton from Hawke’s Bay East Coast.

Competition challenges included the ‘Over the Wire Challenge’, where operators had to construct ramps of earth to navigate over a wire, and the ‘Connect Challenge’, a jumbo recreation of the classic Connect Four game.

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says Connexis was thrilled to support the excavator competitions and the One-Day Job Challenge.

“The excavator competition is a really effective and entertaining way to showcase the skills, knowledge and career opportunities within New Zealand’s civil workforce.

“The skills required to effectively operate an excavator can often be taken for granted so it’s incredible to see the deftness and precision among the competitors as they complete some fun and difficult challenges through the competition.

“Congratulations to Steven, Josh and all the competitors, as well as CCNZ for another brilliant, entertaining and educational event.”

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard congratulated all the competitors for their dazzling skills, and Steven on his victory.

“Steven delivered a remarkable performance from start to finish, conquering a formidable course with some tricky new challenges thrown in the mix and a very strong line-up of opposition – it was a real masterclass in precision operating.”

Mr Pollard said the competitors represented the best of the civil construction industry, and their efforts in front of a throng of spectators at Central Districts Field Days helped inspire the next generation to take up the tools to meet the country’s infrastructure needs. 

“The skill on display highlighted why excavator operators are so critical to New Zealand’s development. These men and women do more than just operate machines – they’re skilled professionals whose expertise transforms ideas into the roads, water networks and other vital infrastructure that support the daily lives of Kiwi communities.”

See the full list of winners at www.civilcontractors.co.nz/news

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