To support learner success, Connexis developed a tailored learning plan that recognised both the learners’ workplace context and their limited prior experience with online learning. The programme included fortnightly online tutorials led by Connexis Water Treatment Consultant Martyn Simpson, who provided encouragement, structure, and motivation to help learners stay on track with workbooks and agreed timelines. 

“This collaborative approach aligned well with the learners’ strengths, as they were accustomed to working together as a group,” says Kate Wallace Quality Assurance Manager. “One learner naturally stepped into a mentoring role, helping others link their learning to practical workplace experience.” 

Regular engagement with To Tatou Vai Ltd was a key contributor to the programme’s success. Connexis worked closely with the learners’ manager, with monthly progress meetings involving the Connexis Quality Assurance Manager and a Customer Service Account Manager. These conversations reinforced the importance of giving learners dedicated time and resources to study while learning on the job. 

After completing their online learning, the learners travelled to Wellington to attend a four-day block course. Connexis worked to provide pastoral care, ensuring learners were well supported during their stay, including accommodation. In partnership with Wellington Water, Connexis also arranged a site visit so learners could complete one of their compulsory Level 4 assessments at a working water treatment facility. 

In June 2025, Connexis Water Treatment Consultant Martyn Simpson travelled to the Rarotonga to conduct onsite assessments of all five learners. Every learner successfully completed their assessment and attained the qualification, a testament to their commitment and the strength of the support around them. 

“We are grateful for all the assistance and support we have received in enabling our learners to complete and attain this qualification.”- Ringi Tumutoa, HR Admin, To Tatou Vai Ltd. 

This initiative reflects Connexis’ commitment to high-quality pastoral care and inclusive learning pathways for all learners. As part of its Code of Pastoral Care, Connexis continues to develop and strengthen opportunities that support diverse learners. 

* The Cook Islands is a self-governing state in ‘free association’ with New Zealand, with a population of around 25,900.

Images: Learners Patricia Taea and Wilson Rau at the Greytown Water Treatment plant working on their Chlorine Assessment with one of our contracted onsite Water Treatment Assessors, Nick Hewer-Hewitt.

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Over the last three months, Te Ara Tautoko Support Pathway trainee support workshops have been running across the country, offering mentoring and practical support to help trainees progress in their apprenticeships.

Connexis CSAM Amy Young has worked closely with Rotorua Lakes District Council, arranging workshops for their trainees and opening them to other local companies.

Two successful workshops have been delivered so far. The sessions were led by mentor Mark Baldock, who helped make the learning accessible and practical.

Trainees shared how valuable the workshops were:
● “Having a few more courses during the year will be beneficial for everyone – I was able to complete multiple units in one day.”
● “The tutor made every question easy to understand, which made each workbook easy to complete.”
● “The workshops helped me understand the requirements and shorten my answers – I feel more confident moving forward.”

These workshops are part of our ongoing commitment to supporting trainees to succeed, gain skills, and achieve their goals. We look forward to continuing these sessions throughout the year to benefit even more trainees.

For more information on the workshops, including how you or your trainees can get involved, please contact your local CSAM.

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A new initiative at Whanganui Prison hopes to help change that and make it easier for some prisoners to navigate the change to life on the outside and create safer communities by helping offenders gain employment after release.

Through the combined efforts of Connexis, a work-based training provider for infrastructure industries, and the Department of Corrections, selected prisoners have been working toward the NZ Certificate of Infrastructure Works (level 3) while in custody at Whanganui Prison.

Connexis trainer Graham Wharepapa visited the prisoners at the Corrections facility regularly to take them through the required training modules. The prisoners had to complete the practical requirements of the course while working within the grounds of the Corrections facility.

The initial pilot course, which finished earlier in 2025, involved five prisoners as well as Principal Industry Instructor, Richie Campbell who went through the training alongside the prisoners and will help lead similar future programmes within the Corrections facility with Graham’s support.

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the organisation is extremely proud of being a part of the Whanganui programme and how well the pilot programme has gone.

“We see first-hand how powerful a tool training and education can be in providing people a sense of achievement and direction,” Gaukrodger says. “It’s been gratifying to see how well the work-based training model has been transported into the prison environment, thanks to the commitment of the Corrections and Connexis staff involved.

“We hope that holding a qualification provides these newly qualified graduates a step-up to getting a job and making a positive new start once they leave the prison.”

Corrections Principal Industry Instructor, Richie Campbell describes the pilot programme as a huge success. He says it coincides well with the facility’s approach of providing programmes that help give the prisoners a strong foundation for safely settling back into the community upon release.

Campbell says the graduating prisoners have all enjoyed the challenge of completing their qualification. “When they’re in the prison’s concrete yard they’re looking at some of the potholes around the yard asking if they can repair the potholes. It’s great to see that the prisoners now have the knowledge of how to repair them.”

“Some of the prisoners have worked in the Civil Industry before, but what this programme does, is it gives them that piece of paper that tells an employer what they can do. It also gives them an understanding of how to safely operate within the Civil Industry and programme which is a priority in all the programmes we offer”.

“Having that qualification should give them a bit of a step up in setting them up for employment on release from prison. Employment can really support people to live crime free by providing them with income, purpose, and community networks.”

One prisoner who graduated said: “What I liked about this course (IWL3) is the variety of skills I have learnt, and the self-confidence I gained from in doing the work in the Civil Construction area. Doing this course has given me a better chance of Release to Work (RTW) and gaining employment once released.”

Another graduate wrote “What I liked about it, was the fact that the tutor had worked in the field most of his life. He was patient and very thorough in his teachings. Also very understanding in our lack of spelling skills. He made sure that before we moved onto another subject that we understood what we had previously learnt.

“What was particularly challenging, was the spelling, and for me, personally, I had done a lot of this work before as a construction labourer. What this course did for me was put things in context and explained to me why I was doing those jobs. Also, although I did a lot of work and had skills in different work areas, I never had the right qualifications for what I was doing – but now I have.”

He added: “I felt good (after completion) because I want to skill myself up for when I get released, so I can give myself a better chance of getting employment on the outside. I now have three different qualifications in different fields of work. So, I have more chances to get employed. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in this course. I very much appreciated it.”

Connexis Area Manager Central Jason Belcher says it’s pleasing to see the success of the pilot programme in Whanganui and how it’s been supported by different parties.

“It’s been great to see the support the programme has had, and to see these guys graduate with their certificates.”

Campbell says the graduation ceremony is a special moment for all those involved in training programmes. “Seeing these guys receive the first qualification they’ve achieved is special.”

www.connexis.org.nz

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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 winners will be announced at the Connexis Excellence Awards Dinner, being held on 23 October at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. Who will take out the top accolade of Trainee of the Year?

Good luck to all the finalists who are:

Transmission Trainee category:
Dylan Watson, Omexom, Otematata
Callum Fowden, Ventia, Upper Hutt
Dylan Ngahooro, Ventia, Upper Hutt

Generation Trainee category:
Caitlin Manickum, Mercury Ltd, Taupo
Callum Bryant, Genesis Energy Ltd, Tekapo
Fiona Glennie, Meridian Energy, Twizel

Advanced Trainee category:
Gemma Rose, Empowered Technical Services, Ngaruawahia
Mitch van Waelsden, MainPower NZ Ltd, Kaiapoi

Distribution Trainee Category:
Harley Farnham, Buller Networks, Westport
Harvey Mitchell, Ventia NZ Ltd, Hamilton
Hugh Thomson, Counties Energy, Manukau
Tom Anderson, ElectroNet, Greymouth

Traction Line Mechanic category:
Robert Ngawharau, KiwiRail, Auckland.

Contribution to training and development:
Andree Curly James, Ventia NZ Ltd, Auckland
David Haydock, Genesis Energy Ltd, Huntly
Paul Bryant, Genesis Energy, Tekapo

What is Annual Connection?
Annual Connection, managed by Connexis, is an annual three-day competition showcasing and celebrating the skills and expertise of New Zealand’s Electricity Supply Industry (ESI). It sees line mechanic crews and cable jointers from around the country compete in a series of challenges that put their workplace skills to the test.

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the training provider is thrilled to be bringing Annual Connection back to Christchurch, which last hosted the event in 2018.

“Bringing Annual Connection to Christchurch creates a fantastic opportunity to gather our ESI companies centrally in the South Island. There is nothing quite like this event to showcase the skill in our ESI workforce, while demonstrating to the community how rewarding and varied careers in the energy sector can be.

“It will be great to see the different teams, as well as suppliers and supporters, from all over New Zealand gather in Christchurch to test their skills against each other over the three-day competition.”

Annual Connection makes its return to the South Island this year with help from three host companies: Orion, EA Networks, and Connetics Ltd.

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“When many people enter this industry, becoming a labourer might not be their first job choice. Our approach is to work with them, to help them on their way towards the getting into the roles they aspire to and that will also benefit the business,” says HEB Construction Training Manager, David Hall.

David believes the training and pastoral support for learners and apprentices at the company is among the best in the country. HEB Construction won the National Connexis Civil Training and Development Award for its staff development programmes in 2023 and 2024.

HEB National Talent Development Manager Amy Baars and her team support and train more than 100 apprentices at HEB sites all across New Zealand, working with Connexis customer service account managers (CSAMs).

HEB Construction also provides support for those with learning or literacy challenges and while there is a dedicated training team, the whole company is involved in the success of learners.

David says, “Everyone is involved in supporting trainees, from senior management to engineers early in their careers. It’s all about building mutually beneficial relationships.”

Amy was impressed by the company’s commitment to and investment in learning when she started in her role in late 2024.

“We’re fortunate at HEB to have a dedicated team that supports apprentices and trainees through their professional development, backed by significant investment in both training and pastoral care.

“This support ensures that our team members are well-equipped to succeed, not just in their roles but also in their personal growth,” she says, adding that HEB operates the 70-20-10 model in how it supports its trainees, with 70% learning derived from on-the-job experiences, 20% through social interactions with peers and mentors, and 10% through formal training or education programs.

“Not all learning is in a classroom or from a book. Learning from others and through experience is crucial, and our people are open and real, sharing knowledge to help each other do their jobs and to grow their skills. There is a healthy and proactive learning culture across our projects, sites and offices.

“Our approach to training and development contributes to our strong staff retention. We’re able to develop career pathways that people might not have considered before, keeping people engaged and motivated.”

David adds that celebrating wins is another important part of developing a successful learning culture.

“In recent years some of our apprentices have won apprentice of the year in their regions. It’s amazing to see people who may not have had an opportunity for formal learning, thrive in these training contexts and even be in the limelight for their achievements.

“We make sure they’re recognised at HEB and everyone from their peers and managers across the business join in to celebrate them. This culture which values our people encourages and motivates others to take up further training or just be open to learning from one another.”

Amy adds, “That’s the beauty of qualifications.  Training, whether on the job or in the classroom, leads to recognition and ignites a passion for learning.

“Ultimately, good training support translates to more success for the business,” David says. 

“Training makes people feel more confident and valued, contributing to our high staff retention. Our employees become more agile and adaptable to client needs and are able to deliver great outcomes for our customers.”

Check out the HEB website for more information.

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What was meant to be a temporary job has turned into a fulfilling career path for Kaitlyn Newsome.

Kaitlyn’s civil construction career began when she was working for a labour hire company supplying staff to HEB Construction. She decided she’d like to give the trade a go herself.

Kaitlyn, who has also worked as a prison officer, has been with HEB Construction in Waikato since August 2019, working in several different roles. She completed her New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Level 3) and, without hesitation, enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate – New Zealand Apprenticeship in Infrastructure Works (Civil) (Level 4) – Road Maintenance Strand, which she completed in December 2024.

But Kaitlyn, who won the Waikato region CCNZ Apprentice of the Year last year, isn’t done with her training yet. She has now enrolled in the New Zealand Diploma in Civil Engineering.

That’s quite a shift in thinking from when she started at HEB. “When I first started, I didn’t see myself in the job for more than six months. I intended to use this industry as a stepping stone until I secured another job in an entirely different line of work.

“That has changed massively. I’m still here six years later and have achieved way more than I thought I ever could. I’ve become really passionate about my career within HEB.

“When I started, I expected to find it hard coming into such a male-dominated field, but I quickly realised it didn’t matter if I was female. I was given the same opportunities as everyone else and was 100% supported when I showed interest in becoming a machine operator.

“I’m now a full-time grader driver, and I’m studying for my diploma in Civil engineering.”

Two of the things Kaitlyn enjoys most about her work are the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a job and working in a close-knit team. “It’s extremely fulfilling knowing each day that my workmates have my back and that we’re there to support one another, day in, day out.

“I also love that there are opportunities for career progression, which can lead you to a whole bunch of different avenues within the industry.”

Kaitlyn also manages to balance her ongoing learning with being a mum of two and a manager of a local children’s hockey team.

To other young women who might be considering a career in civil construction, she says: “Go for it!
“There are so many opportunities out there. It’s a field that can challenge you, but it can also bring out the best in you and make you realise you’re capable of skills you never thought you would have.
“Don’t be discouraged by stereotypes or doubts. The good days definitely outweigh the bad in this industry.”

HEB Training Manager – Learning and Development, David Hall, says, “Kaitlyn worked hard to achieve her Level 3 qualification and Level 4 apprenticeship through Connexis, and it’s amazing to see her go on to enrol in the Civil Engineering Diploma.

“She has worked hard with her studies and has found time to help her workmates with their own studies. Kaitlyn truly is an inspiration to all women in the civil industry who are looking to further their career through the HEB apprentice programme.

Well done, Kaitlyn—a deserving winner of Apprentice of the Year.”

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Attending a Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis® (GWHV) event in 2022 opened Natalee Hughes’s eyes to a new world of career possibilities.

After attending a GWHV hosted by Horizon Networks in Whakatane, Natalee completed a Gateway programme with Horizon while she was still a student at Trident High School. It just cemented the idea that a career as a line mechanic was for her.

Once she left school, Natalee joined Horizon full time as an apprentice line mechanic and is due to complete her apprenticeship later in 2025. She’s also gone on to help encourage other young women into similar apprenticeships by helping out at recent GWHV events.

“I really enjoyed the day when I visited through Girls with Hi-Vis®. As a student I really enjoyed being a bucket operator and controlling a crane, but the best thing was pole top rescue and I really enjoyed the hands-on nature of the work.

“GWHV is important because it gives girls a chance to try things you wouldn’t usually expect girls to do,” she says. “If you’re thinking about a trade, just go for it. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by — you might regret it.”

Natalee’s own successes are proof of where trades training can take you. After seeing her speak confidently and passionately to other young women at GWHV about the opportunities open to them, Natalee was selected by Horizon and Connexis for a Connexis Outward Bound scholarship in 2024 in recognition of her leadership skills.

“I wanted to do Outward Bound because I wanted to try something I’d never tried before and I wanted to gain confidence in my own abilities,” Natalee says, adding that one of the most rewarding parts of the experience was working with the team of people on her Outward Bound course.

“They were non-judgemental and they were all amazing people who really encouraged me to never give up on myself or my teammates. I was nervous about the 5km run we had to do, because of an injury, but I managed it and didn’t give up. I felt amazing afterwards. I had a real sense of accomplishment,” Natalee says.

“I also learned to always have the courage to speak up for yourself. In this job it’s really important as if you ever feel unsafe you need to speak up, and if I have a question I need to have the courage to ask.”

Back on the job with Horizon, Natalee says the thing she loves most about her job is the people she works with out in the field. “They push me past boundaries that I never thought I could cross. They make me feel a part of the line mechanic whānau.”

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Connexis, training provider for infrastructure industries such as civil, energy, telecommunications and water, hosts Girls with Hi-Vis^® (GWHV) events around the country each June with the goal of attracting more women into careers in the sector and helping ease serious skills shortages.

GWHV sees employers invite female secondary school students onsite at some of the country’s key infrastructure assets, sites, and projects for hands-on experience of the skills and experiences on offer when training for an infrastructure trade. A key component of Connexis training is that it’s on-the-job, with apprentices working and getting paid as they study for their qualifications.

Connexis executive director Kaarin Gaukrodger says GWHV offers a unique opportunity for “real world” experience for young women who may not have considered the opportunities available to them as an infrastructure trade apprentice.

“Our industries are keen to draw the attention of women toward infrastructure careers, as women have shown to add real value into the crews and teams they work with,” Gaukrodger says.

“Women can bring a different approach to jobs which can benefit everyone. For example, they might adapt physically demanding tasks to find a new way of doing them. That can reduce fatigue and improve safety onsite for everyone. Other valuable skill sets they might bring are attention to detail and good communication skills.”

Gaukrodger says most of the infrastructure industries Connexis works with are facing severe skills shortages so they are reaching out to everyone in their local communities to make them aware of the career opportunities available.

“Infrastructure apprentices and trainees have the chance to work on huge projects, operating impressive machinery with lots of opportunities to grow, while keeping our communities connected, healthy and safe.

“The employers understand the opportunity that comes with bringing more females into their workforce, which is why so many of them have long supported GWHV. Our job is to make sure infrastructure trades are front of mind for the next generation of young women when they’re making decisions about their future careers. GWHV is a really effective way to do that.”

As well as showcasing the skills and offering the potential to work in some amazing locations, GWHV introduces the students to potential employers and other women already working in the industry who share their own experiences and the career pathways that can open up through work-based learning and apprenticeship training.

“They see first-hand how the work they’re doing benefits their own local communities as well as the whole country,” Gaukrodger says. “With 43 of the Government Fast Track projects announced last year designated as infrastructure, it is an exciting time to be starting a career in these trades. There is the potential to be working on projects that will have a huge impact on the country.”

While onsite at one of the 30 events being held around New Zealand in major infrastructure sites such as wind farms, hydro power stations, highway construction projects and water treatment plants, several hundred students will don hi-vis gear to try tasks such as installing a water meter, working in confined spaces, driving diggers and trucks, climbing power poles, and jointing cables.

For a full list of Girls with Hi-Vis® events, inspirational work stories and information, check out our Girls with Hi-Vis page. 

About Connexis: Connexis (infrastructure) is a national industry training provider and business division of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

Connexis develops programmes, arranges training, undertakes quality management for consistency and quality outcomes, provides industry promotion, supports employers in growing capability and learners to obtain nationally-recognised (NZQA) micro-credentials and qualifications through apprenticeships and traineeships in civil infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and water.

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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

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