For Zinzan, being a transmission line mechanic for Northpower is anything but an ordinary job. “I get to hang from helicopters; I get to ride metal go-karts for a living,” he says. The opportunity to go somewhere new every day and take on different challenges is what first attracted him to a career in the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI).
That enthusiasm has helped earn him the title of Transmission Trainee of the Year at the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards 2026, held recently.
Now a fully qualified line mechanic, Zinzan started his working life in another industry then came to the ESI following a recommendation from someone he worked with. His biggest challenge to date has been overcoming a fear of heights, which he got through by sheer force of will, and just doing what needed to be done. He completed his NZC in Electricity Supply (Transmission Line Maintenance) (Level 4) Line Mechanic qualifications through Connexis, New Zealand’s Infrastructure Training Provider.
One of the highlights of Zinzan’s apprenticeship was reaching the point where he could carry out a practical task independently, without needing someone to guide him through every step. It was a milestone that gave him confidence in his growing skills and knowledge. “It was the first time I was able to kind of do something without someone having to tell me exactly what to do,” he says.
Now fully qualified, Zinzan is continuing to build his skills through further training in areas such as condition assessment and patrols. He also has his sights set on leadership. “Most people here know I want to be a boss one day,” he says. His aim is to learn as much as possible now so he can draw on that experience when he takes on a leadership role.
He also sees setting a good example for other trainees as an important part of the job. Having started just before some of his fellow trainees, he found they often looked to him for guidance. Even when he felt unsure, he knew that showing confidence could help them believe they could do it too.
Winning the award means a great deal to him. “It shows all the hard work I put in, the fears I overcame, and also just all the personal challenges I went through,” he says.
His advice to anyone starting out is simple: “Always ask questions. Don’t be afraid to not know something you’ve never been told.”
Find out more about Connexis Energy programmes, developed with industry to help our learners skill-up and achieve nationally recognised qualifications here.