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	<title>Civil Archives &#187; Connexis | Infrastructure Training</title>
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	<description>Connexis is the infrastructure business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology</description>
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	<title>Civil Archives &#187; Connexis | Infrastructure Training</title>
	<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/tag/civil/</link>
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		<title>Apprenticeship opens news doors for Simon </title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/apprenticeship-opens-news-doors-for-simon/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agate]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:49:53 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Civil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Learner Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NZ Apprenticeships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Infrastructure Apprenticeships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NZ apprenticeships]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://connexis.org.nz/?p=37917</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When electrical technician Simon Bunyan, 40, was offered an NZC Pipeline Construction and Maintenance, Drinking Water Standard (Level 4) apprenticeship with Connexis through his employer, Think Water Gisborne, he saw it as a unique learning experience. “Think Water has always been supportive of ongoing training and development, so when the chance came up to complete an apprenticeship, I jumped at ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/apprenticeship-opens-news-doors-for-simon/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/apprenticeship-opens-news-doors-for-simon/">Apprenticeship opens news doors for Simon </a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When electrical technician Simon Bunyan, 40, was offered an NZC Pipeline Construction and Maintenance, Drinking Water Standard (Level 4) apprenticeship with Connexis through his employer, Think Water Gisborne, he saw it as a unique learning experience.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Think Water has always been supportive of ongoing training and development, so when the chance came up to complete an apprenticeship, I jumped at it,” Simon says. “It was an opportunity to grow my skills and challenge myself in a new area.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When he first joined Think Water in 2021 as a qualified electrical technician the company wasn’t yet working on civil infrastructure projects, but owner, and Simon’s supervisor, Michael Stevens was working hard to expand into new areas, creating opportunities to grow the businesses.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Over the last few years, we&#8217;ve secured council work and developed strong relationships with companies such as Fulton Hogan and Downer. Through those relationships, I&#8217;ve had the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the civil industry,” he says.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I&#8217;m proud of myself for keeping an open mind and giving it a go. It would have been easy to stay within my comfort zone as an electrician, but taking on this apprenticeship has challenged me and helped me grow both personally and professionally. I also hope it sets a good example for my kids, showing them that it&#8217;s important to take opportunities, keep learning, and give things a go even when they&#8217;re outside your normal comfort zone.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Simon’s hard work and commitment to training has paid off. As well as loving his job, he was recently named the inaugural Connexis Apprentice of the Year in the Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Awards. Simon was also previously awarded a Connexis Outward Bound scholarship, given to those recognised as future leaders of the infrastructure sectors in which Connexis offers training.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“All those Wednesday nights spent attending study classes have paid off! I knew I was up against some strong competition in the awards and the other finalists were all very deserving, so I’m really proud of the achievement.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It was awesome to come back to the team and celebrate the win with them. I&#8217;m grateful for the support I&#8217;ve received from my team at work and from my wife and kids at home. Without that support, I wouldn&#8217;t have been able to achieve what I have.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Simon says the biggest lesson he’s learned through the apprenticeship is that there is always more to learn. “It has reinforced that learning doesn&#8217;t stop once you achieve a qualification. Connexis offers further opportunities to continue developing your skills, and that&#8217;s something that really appeals to me. Once I complete this Level 4 apprenticeship, I already know the learning won&#8217;t stop there.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When it comes to staying on track with his training, learning from past mistakes has been a big motivator for Simon. “Earlier in my career, if I made a mistake, I sometimes tried to fix it before anyone found out. I&#8217;ve learned that this approach rarely ends well. These days, I believe honesty and accountability are far more important than trying to be perfect. I try to be open when things go wrong and focus on continuous improvement.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Being honest about challenges helps build trust, and that’s something I value highly. I also take pride in completing work to a high standard and knowing that people can rely on the quality of what I&#8217;ve done.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Simon says he has also had great support from his Connexis Customer Service Account Manager, Tessa Williams, throughout his training. “She&#8217;s dedicated her time to attend our Wednesday night study sessions and has been incredibly supportive. I wouldn&#8217;t have entered the Apprentice of the Year Awards without her encouragement, and she pushed me to apply for the Outward Bound course, which turned out to be an amazing opportunity that I&#8217;m incredibly grateful to have experienced.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Tessa has always gone above and beyond to support her apprentices, and I&#8217;m very thankful for everything she&#8217;s done for us at Think Water along the way.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some of the things Simon took away from his stint at Outward Bound were the strength of teamwork and the importance of approaching others with openness and respect.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“An important lesson was recognising that people should be treated the way they want to be treated, not necessarily how you would treat them. Everyone has their own way of working, and understanding that helps build stronger teams. The course reinforced the value of working together by using our complementary strengths,” he says.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Outward Bound was an incredible experience. It ranks as one of the best experiences I’ve had. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Simon also has some sound advice for those considering stepping into an apprenticeship or work-based training.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“When I started as an electrical apprentice, I assumed what I was learning then would be what I did for the rest of my working life. What I&#8217;ve discovered is that completing an apprenticeship and earning a trade qualification opens far more doors than you realise.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“My electrical trade has led me on a journey that has created opportunities to branch into the water and civil infrastructure sectors and continue developing new skills. I&#8217;d encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to get stuck in, complete their qualification, and use it as a stepping stone to keep learning, growing, and creating new opportunities throughout their career.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ready to skill up? Find out more about Connexis programmes developed with industry <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/qualifications/temporary-traffic-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/apprenticeship-opens-news-doors-for-simon/">Apprenticeship opens news doors for Simon </a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Prioritising the future </title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/prioritising-the-future/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agate]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 01:01:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Civil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Learner Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://connexis.org.nz/?p=37883</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Jack Roberts,&#160;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.&#160; 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 ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/prioritising-the-future/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/prioritising-the-future/">Prioritising the future </a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jack Roberts,&nbsp;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.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I did a diesel apprenticeship when I was quite young, and back then I&nbsp;prioritised&nbsp;socialising&nbsp;over studying. Not this time,” says&nbsp;Jack, who is on track to complete his qualification a year ahead of schedule.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With two kids, finding balance to study&nbsp;wasn’t&nbsp;always easy, but this time Jack found it easy to choose&nbsp;what&nbsp;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&nbsp;I’ll&nbsp;be on a call out.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jack has been helped in his training by Connexis customer service account manager Amy,&nbsp;and assessor Eric. “Eric’s been great.&nbsp;He never gives you the answer if&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;stuck, but&nbsp;he&#8217;s&nbsp;always happy to talk things through and help you work it out for yourself.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He’ll&nbsp;keep asking ‘Do you understand what I’m saying?’&nbsp;to&nbsp;make sure&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;not getting left behind.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Amy says Jack has been an exemplary trainee. “He’s&nbsp;shown amazing commitment to his development and progression through both his&nbsp;certificates&nbsp;and he always has a big smile on his face. A quiet, stand-out achiever.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jack says the support from Connexis and his&nbsp;employer&nbsp;Fulton&nbsp;Hogan&nbsp;has been&nbsp;a big factor&nbsp;in his training achievements. “When I did my diesel apprenticeship it was hard to speak up if you&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;understand something. The&nbsp;trainer&nbsp;I had would just give you four books and say these&nbsp;have to&nbsp;be done by the time I get&nbsp;back&nbsp;or&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;putting you on the recovery&nbsp;programme. This was a really&nbsp;different experience.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Though it can have its challenges, Jack’s advice for anyone considering an apprentice is to “just do it”.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“My biggest tip is to sit down and go through all the books before you start. Just take two or three days &#8211; or evenings &#8211; to go through it all.”&nbsp;That preparation means you know what evidence you’ll need to provide at different stages of the training and can plan ahead.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/prioritising-the-future/">Prioritising the future </a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>From Connexis: Connexis Awards Recognise Industry Leaders Investing in Civil Workforce Development</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/connexis-awards-recognise-industry-leaders-investing-in-civil-workforce-development/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agate]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:46:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Civil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Civil Trades]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://connexis.org.nz/?p=37854</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Connexis has celebrated employers and apprentices who are helping build the future of New Zealand's civil infrastructure workforce through training, development, and nationally recognised qualifications at the annual Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Awards, presented at the Civil Contractors Conference in Wellington recently.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/connexis-awards-recognise-industry-leaders-investing-in-civil-workforce-development/">From Connexis: Connexis Awards Recognise Industry Leaders Investing in Civil Workforce Development</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>17/08/2026</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Connexis has celebrated employers and apprentices who are helping build the future of New Zealand&#8217;s civil infrastructure workforce through training, development, and nationally recognised qualifications at the annual Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Awards, presented at the Civil Contractors Conference in Wellington recently.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">These awards recognise organisations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to growing capability within the civil infrastructure sector, while also celebrating individuals who are excelling in their apprenticeship journey.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger said the calibre of this year&#8217;s entrants reflected an industry that understands the critical role staff development plays in creating a strong and sustainable workforce.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>&#8220;The organisations recognised all understand that the infrastructure New Zealand needs tomorrow depends on the people we develop today,&#8221; </em>said Gaukrodger.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>&#8220;These awards celebrate the commitment that makes our industry stronger, safer and more inclusive. It&#8217;s inspiring to see employers investing in training and creating meaningful career pathways that support both their people and the wider industry.&#8221;</em></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Grounded HQ recognised for developing local talent:</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whanganui based company, Grounded HQ, received the Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Award for organisations with an annual turnover of up to $10 million.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Judges Fiona Malloch and Mark Borland praised the company&#8217;s commitment to developing local talent and creating opportunities for people who are not in employment, education or training.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>&#8220;Grounded HQ&#8217;s commitment to investing in every individual ensures that as the business grows, its people grow with it,&#8221;</em> the judges said.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-6-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-37858" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-6-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-6-768x511.jpg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-6-391x260.jpg 391w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-6-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-6-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-6-100x67.jpg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-6-862x574.jpg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-6-1200x798.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: L-R: Sue Roberts (Connexis), award recipient Carol Loader for Grounded HQ, Jeremy Dixon (CCNZ Vice President).</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Quality Roading and Services strengthens regional capability:</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Connexis award for organisations with turnover between $10 million and $100 million was presented to Quality Roading and Services, recognising its long-term commitment to workforce development and Civil Trades certification.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Wairoa-based company has spent seven years championing nationally recognised qualifications and competency certification for its employees.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>&#8220;Quality Roading and Services exemplifies how local employers can play a vital role in strengthening regional workforce capability,&#8221;</em> the judges said.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-8-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-37859" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-8-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-8-768x511.jpg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-8-391x260.jpg 391w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-8-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-8-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-8-100x67.jpg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-8-862x574.jpg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-8-1200x798.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: L-R Sue Roberts (Connexis), Nadia White with Jeremy Harker (QRS), with Jeremy Dixon (CCNZ Vice President).</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Fulton Hogan recognised for structured career pathways:</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Fulton Hogan won the award for organisations with turnover over $100 million and alliances, reflecting its comprehensive and personalised approach to employee development.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Through initiatives including its Infrastructure Skills Centre, graduate programme, and Road to Growth, and Road to Success programmes, Fulton Hogan has established clear pathways that support employees at every stage of their careers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>&#8220;Through its innovative and individualised approach to development, Fulton Hogan continues to demonstrate leadership in growing both its people and the infrastructure industry&#8217;s future capability,&#8221;</em> the judges noted.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-10-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-37860" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-10-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-10-300x200.jpg 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-10-768x511.jpg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-10-391x260.jpg 391w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-10-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-10-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-10-100x67.jpg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-10-862x574.jpg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-10-1200x798.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: L-R Sue Roberts (Connexis), Alice Lane (Fulton Hogan), Karina Davison (Fulton Hogan) with Jeremy Dixon (CCNZ Vice President).</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Apprentice of the Year honours excellence in the field:</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The inaugural Connexis Apprentice of the Year Award was presented to Simon Bunyan of Think Water Gisborne.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Judges highlighted Simon&#8217;s exceptional work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes, noting the respect he has earned from both colleagues and clients.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>&#8220;Simon&#8217;s outstanding achievements, reliability, and passion for excellence make him a truly deserving winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award,&#8221;</em> the judges said.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Gaukrodger said recognising excellence through the Connexis Awards was an important way of showcasing the value of training and development across the civil infrastructure industry.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>&#8220;Our award winners are setting the benchmark for workforce development and demonstrating what can be achieved when employers invest in their people. Their success is helping build a stronger pipeline of skilled workers for New Zealand&#8217;s infrastructure sector.&#8221;</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-5-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-37861" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-5-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-5-768x511.jpg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-5-391x260.jpg 391w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-5-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-5-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-5-100x67.jpg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-5-862x574.jpg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260812_CCNZ_Award-Winners-5-1200x798.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Simon Bunyan, from Think Water Gisborne, won the inaugural Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Awards Apprentice of the Year Award. L-R: Sue Roberts (Connexis), award recipient Simon Bunyan, Jeremy Dixon (CCNZ Vice President).</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>More information:</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Winners: Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Awards 2026</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Apprentice of the Year Award Winner: Simon Bunyan – Think Water Gisborne</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition to winning this award, Simon was also a Connexis Outward Bound scholarship recipient for 2026.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Civil Industry Training and Development Award for companies with turnover up to $10 million</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Winner: Grounded HQ</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Highly commended: Draintech BOP</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Civil Industry Training and Development Award for companies between $10 million and $100 million</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Winner: Quality Roading and Services</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Highly commended: City Contractors</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Civil Industry Training and Development Award for companies with turnover over $100 million and alliances</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Winner: Fulton Hogan</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Highly commended: John Fillmore Contracting</strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/connexis-awards-recognise-industry-leaders-investing-in-civil-workforce-development/">From Connexis: Connexis Awards Recognise Industry Leaders Investing in Civil Workforce Development</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Road to Success</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/the-road-to-success/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agate]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2026 01:35:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Civil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Learner Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://connexis.org.nz/?p=37806</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>At just 25, Hawke’s Bay-based temporary traffic management supervisor,&#160;Kyla Tamati,&#160;is building an impressive career in infrastructure.&#160; When you ask her how she got there, she keeps the answer simple: show up, work hard, have a great&#160;attitude&#160;and stay open to learning.&#160; Kyla, who has been with Downer for&#160;nearly five&#160;years, began her career in temporary traffic management&#160;(TTM). Soon after, her positive attitude ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/the-road-to-success/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/the-road-to-success/">The Road to Success</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">At just 25, Hawke’s Bay-based temporary traffic management supervisor,&nbsp;Kyla Tamati,&nbsp;is building an impressive career in infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When you ask her how she got there, she keeps the answer simple: show up, work hard, have a great&nbsp;attitude&nbsp;and stay open to learning.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kyla, who has been with Downer for&nbsp;nearly five&nbsp;years, began her career in temporary traffic management&nbsp;(TTM). Soon after, her positive attitude and willingness were&nbsp;recognised&nbsp;by a Downer sealing team and she was poached.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I&nbsp;was&nbsp;actually with&nbsp;the&nbsp;sealing team for most of my time with Downers so&nbsp;far, and&nbsp;worked through getting all my different licenses; classes 2 to 4,&nbsp;dangerous goods, wheels, tracks,&nbsp;rollers –&nbsp;everything&#8221;. Kayla also completed her NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Bitumen Surfacing) (Level 3) through Connexis.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I really enjoyed sealing, especially the hands-on nature of it, but I did get to a point where I wanted something a bit more challenging and a bit more people-focused,” Kyla says. That opportunity presented itself when a more senior role&nbsp;opened up&nbsp;back in the TTM&nbsp;team&nbsp;and Kyla&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;put her hand up to try her hand at the role on a temporary basis. She&nbsp;again&nbsp;impressed with her can-do attitude and ability and was made a permanent supervisor of the TTM team in&nbsp;October&nbsp;2025.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She now manages&nbsp;the TTM for 14 different Downer work sites, planning all the daily&nbsp;activity,&nbsp;schedules&nbsp;and a team of 38 people. It’s meant stepping into a leadership role at a relatively&nbsp;young age, which has meant making a few adjustments for Kyla.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“A lot of the team are&nbsp;similar age&nbsp;to me so&nbsp;that’s&nbsp;been a bit of a challenge. I just have to remind&nbsp;myself&nbsp;I’m in charge.&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;learned to be mindful and polite in how I address and understand people.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“There are times when it’s easy for people to think they don’t need to take me seriously, but I just keep showing up, doing my job and working hard,” she says.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kyla also recently attended a Connexis Lead&nbsp;Well workshop aimed at growing leadership skills among those in the infrastructure trades.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The main thing I took away from the Connexis Lead&nbsp;Well workshop was that everyone works differently and has their own experiences. So, back at work&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;learned to be more&nbsp;understanding of my team and use&nbsp;different styles&nbsp;of communication with each person.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It’s been working well, I feel like I have developed a better relationship with some team members by using a different method of communication with them.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Meanwhile, one of the common misconceptions many people have about TTM, that Kyla is keen to change, is that&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;a simple job; just stop/go signs and a few road cones.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“People always think traffic management is&nbsp;really basic&nbsp;and easy, but&nbsp;there’s&nbsp;a lot more to it. It&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;seem easy when you do it!&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;always busy with&nbsp;the planning&nbsp;and coordination.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“In the end the job is about people and keeping them safe, which is really important and satisfying,” she says.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I like the challenge of having to think for yourself and manage people.&nbsp;That’s&nbsp;the skill that I wanted to learn when I decided to put my hand up for the job.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kyla’s short term career plan is to complete more training, ideally TTM, though is still considering exactly what that might be. Beyond that&nbsp;she’s&nbsp;keeping her options open and is keen to keep up training as the tool for a successful career in different areas of civil construction.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I think success&nbsp;really is about showing up&nbsp;everyday&nbsp;and having a good attitude.&nbsp;That’s&nbsp;how you get the opportunities to try new things.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/the-road-to-success/">The Road to Success</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Surveying the future </title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/surveying-the-future/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agate]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Civil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Learner Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://connexis.org.nz/?p=37435</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The trick for keeping on top of training for recently qualified Survey Field Technician Rob Radu, is breaking the work up into manageable bite-size pieces.&#160; “It can be overwhelming when you get all the assessments at once but once you break this&#160;down&#160;it becomes more manageable,” Rob says. “Have a timeframe for each assessment.”&#160; Rob, 21, completed his NZ Certificate Surveying ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/surveying-the-future/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/surveying-the-future/">Surveying the future </a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The trick for keeping on top of training for recently qualified Survey Field Technician Rob Radu, is breaking the work up into manageable bite-size pieces.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It can be overwhelming when you get all the assessments at once but once you break this&nbsp;down&nbsp;it becomes more manageable,” Rob says. “Have a timeframe for each assessment.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rob, 21, completed his NZ Certificate Surveying (Level 4) ahead of schedule, which he says was made easier by the support he was given by his employer, Taupo-based Energy Surveys.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We were given time at the office and resources to get practical and&nbsp;theory&nbsp;tasks, and assessments done. They&nbsp;were open to any questions we had, and helped us understand how to use the equipment,” he says.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;know a whole lot about surveying when I first started.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;important when&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;coming into a new role to be open-minded and make the most of the opportunities that are given to you.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The ability to work outdoors and travel around the country working on key energy assets like dams and power stations was a big part of what appealed to Rob about his role.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He says the training involved in his qualification has been vital to making his days on the&nbsp;job be&nbsp;productive. “It gives you a better understanding of what and why we do what we&nbsp;do out&nbsp;in the field. It gives meaning and context to my day-to-day job.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;great to be able to do a qualification while&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;working.”&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Time management was Rob’s biggest challenge through his qualification but says having someone else on his team studying at the same time was&nbsp;a big help.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We work away a lot of the time so trying to fit in the office time and collect evidence can be difficult. Studying with someone else meant we could push each other along, and work together at the end of the day.&nbsp;I think it&nbsp;helped us both and we both really&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;want our training to&nbsp;drag on&nbsp;“&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It was&nbsp;really cool&nbsp;to see our qualification progressing quickly while we were also developing skills in our jobs.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rob says he was well supported by Connexis through his qualification with Customer Service Account Manager (CSAM)&nbsp;Amy&nbsp;Young regularly checking in to make sure he was staying on track, and assessors offering regular feedback on how assessments had gone.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“That really helps with motivation, and completing the qualification has helped me in developing confidence and good habits.” .&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rob says his positive experience gaining his Surveying LG means he is open to further study to keep his career moving forward. “I’d consider&nbsp;doing the diploma in Surveying, but at the moment I’m still looking at my options.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Find&nbsp;our&nbsp;more about Connexis Civil qualifications here:&nbsp;<a href="https://connexis.org.nz/civil-qualifications/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://connexis.org.nz/civil-qualifications/</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/surveying-the-future/">Surveying the future </a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Top apprentice has his eyes on the future</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/top-apprentice-has-his-eyes-on-the-future/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kirste Floyd]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2025 02:59:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Civil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Civil Trades]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NZ Apprenticeships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Our People]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Training]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.connexis.org.nz/?p=35849</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>“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 ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/top-apprentice-has-his-eyes-on-the-future/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/top-apprentice-has-his-eyes-on-the-future/">Top apprentice has his eyes on the future</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="35850" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35850" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-2-391x260.jpg 391w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-2-100x67.jpg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-2-862x575.jpg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-2-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-2.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="35852" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-CCNZ-Apprentice-of-the-Year-768x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-35852" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-CCNZ-Apprentice-of-the-Year-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-CCNZ-Apprentice-of-the-Year-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-CCNZ-Apprentice-of-the-Year-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-CCNZ-Apprentice-of-the-Year-100x133.jpeg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-CCNZ-Apprentice-of-the-Year-862x1149.jpeg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-CCNZ-Apprentice-of-the-Year.jpeg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" data-id="35851" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35851" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-200x300.jpg 200w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-768x1151.jpg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-100x150.jpg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-862x1292.jpg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris-1200x1799.jpg 1200w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ethan-Morris.jpg 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>
</figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ethan began his apprenticeship journey through a Gateway programme while still a student at Hamilton Boys&#8217; High School, after attending an open day at Schick and learning more about what the company did.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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”.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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&#8217;s not all about live sewage and yucky stuff!”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ethan’s own professional road map includes ongoing training and a big picture goal of eventually moving into leadership roles.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Self-development is the key to a good life. All throughout my future life I would like to be training and learning new things.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/top-apprentice-has-his-eyes-on-the-future/">Top apprentice has his eyes on the future</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Updated NZ Apprenticeship in Infrastructure Works (Civil), (Level 4)</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/updated-nz-apprenticeship-in-infrastructure-works-civil-level-4-with-strands-in-earthworks-road-construction-and-road-maintenance/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kirste Floyd]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:32:59 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Civil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Civil Trades]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Training]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.connexis.org.nz/?p=34861</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The training programme toward the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Infrastructure Works (Civil) (Level 4) with strands in Earthworks, Road Construction, and Road Maintenance qualification has been reviewed and updated. 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 ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/updated-nz-apprenticeship-in-infrastructure-works-civil-level-4-with-strands-in-earthworks-road-construction-and-road-maintenance/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/updated-nz-apprenticeship-in-infrastructure-works-civil-level-4-with-strands-in-earthworks-road-construction-and-road-maintenance/">Updated NZ Apprenticeship in Infrastructure Works (Civil), (Level 4)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The training programme toward the <strong>New Zealand Apprenticeship in Infrastructure Works (Civil) (Level 4) with strands in Earthworks, Road Construction, and Road Maintenance qualification </strong>has been reviewed and updated.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.&nbsp;Any transition will be carefully managed by the Connexis Customer Service Account Manager to ensure that no apprentice is disadvantaged.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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 <a href="askus@connexis.org.nz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">askus</a><a href="mailto:askus@connexis.org.nz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@connexis.org.nz</a></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/updated-nz-apprenticeship-in-infrastructure-works-civil-level-4-with-strands-in-earthworks-road-construction-and-road-maintenance/">Updated NZ Apprenticeship in Infrastructure Works (Civil), (Level 4)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Excavating excellence</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/excavating-excellence/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kirste Floyd]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:41:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Civil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Civil Trades]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sponsorship]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.connexis.org.nz/?p=34836</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Congratulations to Josh Keane, from McEwan Haulage in Otago, who won the Connexis-sponsored One-Day Job Challenge at the recent National Excavator Operator Competition. 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’. ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/excavating-excellence/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/excavating-excellence/">Excavating excellence</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Congratulations to Josh Keane, from McEwan Haulage in Otago, who won the Connexis-sponsored One-Day Job Challenge at the recent National Excavator Operator Competition.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Josh-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34839" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Josh-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Josh-300x200.jpg 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Josh-768x512.jpg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Josh-391x260.jpg 391w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Josh-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Josh-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Josh-100x67.jpg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Josh-862x575.jpg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Josh-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Josh Keane winner of the One-Day Job Challenge, with Fiona Malloch, Connexis National Field Team Manager.</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The<a href="https://civilcontractors.co.nz/northland-operator-claims-victory-at-national-excavator-competition/10912-9fc07494-f21a-48a3-9386-f4a1e5a81b82/"> Civil Contractors New Zealand</a> CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition was held over 14-15 March 2025 at Feilding’s Manfeild Park, as part of Central District Field Days.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/steven-george-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34841" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/steven-george-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/steven-george-300x200.jpg 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/steven-george-768x512.jpg 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/steven-george-391x260.jpg 391w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/steven-george-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/steven-george-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/steven-george-100x67.jpg 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/steven-george-862x575.jpg 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/steven-george-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steven George with the National Excavator Operator Competition trophy and certificate. </figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This year&#8217;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&#8217;s Bay East Coast.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says Connexis was thrilled to support the excavator competitions and the One-Day Job Challenge.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The excavator competition is a really effective and entertaining way to showcase the skills, knowledge and career opportunities within New Zealand’s civil workforce.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Congratulations to Steven, Josh and all the competitors, as well as CCNZ for another brilliant, entertaining and educational event.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard congratulated all the competitors for their dazzling skills, and Steven on his victory.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“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.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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.&nbsp;<br><br>“The skill on display highlighted why excavator operators are so critical to New Zealand&#8217;s development. These men and women do more than just operate machines – they&#8217;re skilled professionals whose expertise transforms ideas into the roads, water networks and other vital infrastructure that support the daily lives of Kiwi communities.&#8221;<br><br>See the full list of winners at <a href="http://www.civilcontractors.co.nz/news">w</a><a href="https://civilcontractors.co.nz/northland-operator-claims-victory-at-national-excavator-competition/10912-9fc07494-f21a-48a3-9386-f4a1e5a81b82/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ww.civilcontractors.co.nz/news</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/excavating-excellence/">Excavating excellence</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>Waiotahi Construction &#8211; Building a new kind of road</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/waiotahi-construction-building-a-new-kind-of-road/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kirste Floyd]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 22:15:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Civil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NZ Apprenticeships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Training]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.connexis.org.nz/?p=34369</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When Bay of Plenty’s Waiotahi Contractors wanted to introduce a professional development plan for its people, they turned to a concept every civil construction worker knows well &#8211; building roads. Waiotahi now uses the simple imagery of building a road on its Career Progression Map to give all employers a clear visual understanding of how they can develop their career ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/waiotahi-construction-building-a-new-kind-of-road/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/waiotahi-construction-building-a-new-kind-of-road/">&lt;strong&gt;Waiotahi Construction &#8211; Building a new kind of road&lt;/strong&gt;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-23-111243-746x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-34375" width="672" height="923" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-23-111243-746x1024.png 746w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-23-111243-218x300.png 218w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-23-111243-768x1055.png 768w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-23-111243-1118x1536.png 1118w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-23-111243-100x137.png 100w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-23-111243-862x1184.png 862w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-23-111243.png 1181w" sizes="(max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px" /></figure>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When Bay of Plenty’s Waiotahi Contractors wanted to introduce a professional development plan for its people, they turned to a concept every civil construction worker knows well &#8211; building roads.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Waiotahi now uses the simple imagery of building a road on its Career Progression Map to give all employers a clear visual understanding of how they can develop their career opportunities and progress through the company by training. The map clearly tracks how an employee might go from being a labourer to a project manager by following a training path with Connexis from NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Works (level 2) through to the NZ Certificate in Project Management (Level 5) with other jobs and qualifications along the way.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Each step along the path outlines approximate pay increases, skills acquired and responsibilities undertaken.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Waiotahi Career Progression map is the brainchild of the company’s People and Capability Manager, Hollie Atarau.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We had done some staff surveys and one of the things a lot of staff said they wanted was more training and professional development, so, as part of developing a culture and wellbeing improvement strategy, we came up with the professional development career progression plan,” Hollie says.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It provides a clear pathway for our entry-level roles to progress within Waiotahi. Which helps with employee retention as well as professional growth. Employees who advance within the company from the bottom up are really valuable, because they gain that knowledge through experience and on-the-job training, while getting the qualifications. It’s great to keep that knowledge and understanding in the company.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hollie knows a thing or two about how important training and professional development can be for building a career, having started at Waiotahi as a receptionist. She developed the roadmap so everyone in the Waiotahi can see clearly and quickly where training could take them &#8211; and how it can impact what you earn.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We put the average industry pay rates in because it does inspire people to see what they can achieve financially by investing in their own training and development. That’s quite motivating.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hollie says the map is often used by managers when they’re onboarding staff, and in performance reviews, to motivate team members.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“An operator can see on the map that their journey can lead to a project manager. Waiotahi do really want their staff to succeed and they want to be part of that journey of supporting them to reach their goals.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It goes a long way to fostering a positive company culture when staff feel valued and motivated. They then want to contribute to the success of the business.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Feedback on the map from Waiotahi staff has been hugely positive, Hollie says. “A lot of feedback has been on the fact it’s a really visual tool; and it’s pretty simple without pages and pages of words about different steps and options.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Shining a light on the value of training also has a domino effect within the team, Hollie says. “One of our guys in Kawerau recently finished a qualification and one of his team mates reached out to me and wants to complete the same civil apprenticeship. Seeing people succeed encourages others.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“It makes them want to achieve more, and they enjoy their job more. It gives them a sense of produce, and a sense of loyalty to the company. That reduces our staff turnover and reduces the costs of hiring. It’s good for everybody.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-34372" width="659" height="424" srcset="https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image.png 762w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image-300x193.png 300w, https://connexis.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image-100x64.png 100w" sizes="(max-width: 659px) 100vw, 659px" /></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Waiotahi currently have 9 staff members completing training through Connexis. </em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/waiotahi-construction-building-a-new-kind-of-road/">&lt;strong&gt;Waiotahi Construction &#8211; Building a new kind of road&lt;/strong&gt;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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		<title>TTM Recognition of Prior Learning now available</title>
		<link>https://connexis.org.nz/news/ttm-recognition-of-prior-learning-now-available/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kirste Floyd]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 02:38:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Civil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Civil Trades]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Telco]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.connexis.org.nz/?p=34120</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Holders of Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) warrants can now apply through Connexis to have their previous learning recognised for Level 3 unit standards. As of 1 November 2024, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi no longer registers some TTM warrants, as part of a shift to the new risk-based approach to TTM outlined in the NZ Guide to Temporary Traffic ... </p>
<div><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/ttm-recognition-of-prior-learning-now-available/" class="more-link">Read More</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/ttm-recognition-of-prior-learning-now-available/">&lt;strong&gt;TTM Recognition of Prior Learning now available&lt;/strong&gt;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Holders of Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) warrants can now apply through Connexis to have their previous learning recognised for Level 3 unit standards.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As of 1 November 2024, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi no longer registers some TTM warrants, as part of a shift to the new risk-based approach to TTM outlined in the <a href="https://www.nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/new-zealand-guide-to-temporary-traffic-management/">NZ Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (NZGTTM).</a></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Existing TTM warrants gained up to and including 31 October 2024, remain valid and recognised and stay on the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi TTM warranted workers database.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some workers may wish to recognise their warrants against the unit standards by applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This simply recognises that the TTM specialist already has met the skills and knowledge required by the unit standards.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The new RPL process needs to be completed by an NZQA-approved provider. Connexis is encouraging assessors working with TTM specialists interested in taking up the RPL, to direct them to the <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/qualifications/temporary-traffic-management/">TTM page on the Connexis website</a> to get started.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Find out more:</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/qualifications/temporary-traffic-management/">Apply for TTM recognition of prior learning</a></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.waihangaararau.nz/for-industry/quals-work-in-progress/ttm-review/">Read more about Waihanga Ara Rau’s retirement of prerequisite unit standards</a></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/connexis-delivers-first-risk-based-ttm-micro-credential/">Read more about the new NZQA-approved changes to TTM micro-credentials</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://connexis.org.nz/news/ttm-recognition-of-prior-learning-now-available/">&lt;strong&gt;TTM Recognition of Prior Learning now available&lt;/strong&gt;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://connexis.org.nz">Connexis | Infrastructure Training</a>.</p>
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