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A key training provider for the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) in New Zealand is focusing its attention on programmes that meet employers' future needs, as the training sector undergoes another period of change.

Connexis, training provider for infrastructure trades including ESI, civil, telecommunications and water, has committed to working closely with employers both as an advocate for their needs as the government reviews the delivery of industry training, and to ensure the development of training programmes is consistent and relevant.

Late last year, as part of its 100-day plan, the Government announced its intention to disestablish the central education organisation Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology – in favour of regional polytechnics. Details of the future structure of industry training divisions currently sitting in Te Pūkenga is still to be determined but, in the meantime, Connexis has committed to ensuring apprentices, trainees and their employers are not impacted.

Executive director Connexis and EarnLearn Kaarin Gaukrodger says that continuity is essential to ensure the country is building a pipeline of skilled workers who can support the development and maintenance of New Zealand’s infrastructure.

“As well as helping ensure the voice of the ESI and other infrastructure industries is heard in discussions about the future structure of vocational training, we will continue to work closely with our employers and learners to ensure they have access to industry-leading, relevant training programmes and delivery.”

Wind farm maintenance programmes

Gaukrodger cites Connexis’ ground-breaking wind farm maintenance programmes as an example of how the organisation works closely with industries like the ESI to develop programmes that meet its evolving needs.

The first round of trainees, all who work at Meridian Energy, have recently completed the NZ Certificate in Wind Farm Maintenance Level 3. A Level 4 qualification is also available.

Gaukrodger says the wind farm maintenance programme pathway is a great example of developing training in partnership with industry to meet emerging skills needs.

The NZ Wind Energy Association reports that the country’s 19 onshore wind farms have a total installed capacity of 1045 MW, representing around 10 per cent of New Zealand’s total installed generation or enough to supply 450,000 Kiwi homes a year.

“Wind farm technician numbers are currently relatively low in New Zealand but the country’s growing wind farm capacity means it’s clear the demand for skilled wind farm technicians is going to increase quickly,” Gaukrodger says.

“Wind is recognised as a key source of renewable energy in New Zealand. The New Zealand qualification Level 3 to Level 4 wind farm pathway sets the standard for best practice and provides recognition of the technical skills required to meet the projected growth of the sector.

“Upskilling the ESI workforce is a critical step in the implementation of changes to New Zealand’s energy infrastructure, supporting the move toward our carbon net zero climate change targets.”

Gaukrodger expects the training to attract a growing number of interested learners as they recognise the huge potential of a career in New Zealand’s energy industry, and how in-demand those skills are likely to be from the country’s power generation companies.

“We’ll be working closely with the industry and new trainees and apprentices this year to make sure those wanting to start or divert their career into wind farm maintenance are aware of the benefits the certificate programme will offer them.”

Girls with Hi-Vis

Attracting more women into ESI, or other infrastructure trade careers, remains another important focus for Connexis in 2024, as it seeks out opportunities to address ongoing skills shortages.

A key event for the organisation each year is Girls with Hi-Vis®, a series of employer-hosted events held around the country to allow female high school students the opportunity to try first-hand some of the skills required by infrastructure jobs, such as line mechanics, or cable jointers.

The 2024 GWHV programme is shaping up as the biggest yet with more than 40 events planned around the country through May and June, expected to attract close to 1000 school students and hosted by the likes of Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, Northpower, PowerNet and Meridian among many others.

Gaukrodger says the events are a unique opportunity for both potential trainees and employers.

“Students hear directly from inspirational women already working in the sector, and are given hands-on experience at skills needed in infrastructure jobs, such as working with specialised tools and operating heavy vehicles or machinery.

“GWHV also opens their minds to the possibility of a trade and helps them build relationships with key, often large, employers in their local area.

“If we are to effectively address critical skills shortages within infrastructure industries, and meet the future needs of our communities, it is clear we must be more visible precisely where and when young people are making crucial career decisions.”

One of the biggest challenges to attracting more women into infrastructure trades such as in the ESI is that those jobs are not even on the students’ radar, unless they have a family member involved.

“When we follow up with students after they’ve attended a GWHV event, many will say jobs like becoming a technician have never been presented to them as an option before. “Many of them, particularly for those who want to find jobs with a practical element that don’t involve sitting at a desk all day, are hugely excited by the idea that these trades offer them great careers with on-job training that delivers a nationally recognised tertiary qualification without the debt and traditional academic study.”

At a glance: NZC Wind Farm Maintenance

Level 3

• focus on servicing, comprises 60 credits
• 7 unit standards for technicians involved in servicing, repairs and scheduled maintenance tasks
• approx 9 months to complete
• on-job assessment
• paper-based or online learning
• RCC available

Level 4

• focus on diagnostic and repair maintenance, comprises 80 credits
• 6 unit standards
• approx 12 months to complete
• on-job assessment
• paper-based or online learning
• RCC available

The Level 4 programme has six unit standards and will take around 12 months to complete and is achieved through on-job assessment. The learner also has an option to complete the programme through Advanced Portfolio Assessment (APA) for the more experienced tradesperson. If you have three or more years of experience working in the industry, and can provide a portfolio of evidence, then APA could be a great option for you to get qualified within a shorter timeframe.

Visit www.connexis.org.nz for more.