Channelling energy into Annual Connection 2022Sponsored
Covid-19 restrictions may have led to the cancellation of Annual Connection, the electricity supply industry’s annual celebration of its skills, training and workers, but organisers continue to shine a light on the sector’s talent and opportunities.
Annual Connection was scheduled for Christchurch in November. The three-day event, a joint initiative between Connexis, the infrastructure industry training body, and industry, is the highlight of the electricity supply calendar.
Connexis Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says it was a difficult decision to cancel this year’s event. “While the cancellation is a major disappointment for all involved, to hold Annual Connection in its planned format in the current Covid climate is just not possible.”
“2021 marks the 20th year of this iconic electricity supply industry (ESI) showcase and it was shaping up to be a fitting celebration, not only of the event itself, but of the tradespeople and product innovations that keep the country switched on,” Gaukrodger says.
With skills shortages the biggest challenge facing the industry, an important part of this year’s Annual Connection was to be a workshop to capture insights, learnings and recommendations from the Kohi Whakaaro ESI Workforce Development Strategy project.
Discussions with industry on the development strategy will continue outside of Annual Connection, Gaukrodger says.
Tackling skills shortages remains top of the agenda
The Kohi Whakaaro project grew out of concerns about ongoing skills shortages in the industry, exacerbated by border closures post-Covid and new skills requirements due to climate change and the Government’s zero carbon goal. Kohi Whakaaro brings together industry and community partners to find integrated solutions to these problems now and into the future.
Kohi Whakaaro has been a partnership between Connexis, the Electricity Engineers’ Association, iwi, and representatives from the generation, distribution, and transmission sectors of ESI. It examines issues including training and career pathways, diversity and public outreach.
Looking ahead to 2022
Work on Annual Connection 2022 has already begun, with a determination to make it an exciting celebration as it returns to the annual event calendar. Some sponsors have already confirmed they are back on board and it promises to be much anticipated after a two-year hiatus (the event was also cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19).
“The Electricity Supply Industry has done a fantastic job over the past two years showing flexibility in adapting their operating practices to meet the ever-changing Covid restrictions. It has been critical in keeping the economy and our communities connected through this difficult time and deserves our admiration and thanks,” Gaukrodger says.
“We would also like to thank our stakeholders, sponsors, competitors and industry representatives who have put so much time and effort into Annual Connection 2021. We know they will be as disappointed as we are about this decision but hope to see them all back next year for an event to remember.”
Find out more about Annual Connection at www.connexis.org.nz/annual-connection/