Best skills in electrical supply industry on show in WaikatoSponsored
The best of New Zealand’s line mechanics and cable jointers will be going head-to-head in the Waikato, showing off the skills that keep our communities connected right around the country.
Annual Connection 2024, held in conjunction with Connexis, is a prestigious three-day competition that attracts national interest. It sees line mechanic crews and cable jointers from around New Zealand compete in a series of challenges that put their workplace skills to the test.
Annual Connection is also an opportunity for school students to see energy supply workers in action and get a feel for what a career in the industry looks like.
This year’s event will be held at Te Awamutu’s Castleton Park on 22-24 October, hosted by Waipā Networks and The Lines Company.
Connexis executive director Kaarin Gaukrodger says it is always exciting to be able to take Annual Connection into regional New Zealand, where cable jointers and line crews play such an important role in keeping communities connected.
“Typically, the kind of work they’re doing is often in the backcountry, and at odd hours, therefore a lot of their vital work goes unseen, so Annual Connection gives them an amazing opportunity to demonstrate what they know and showcase these careers to the future workforce.”
Annual Connection goes from strength to strength every year, Gaukrodger says, with the 2024 event shaping up as another epic competition between teams and companies from around the country.
“The competitions are a real thrill for spectators and give the public a chance to see the incredible skills and training these energy supply workers have right up close.”
Gaukrodger adds Connexis is thrilled to have both Waipā Networks and The Lines Company on board as sponsors this year. “This will be an excellent chance to shine a spotlight on the ESI in central Waikato, to see some of the challenges and opportunities within the industry there.”
TLC chief executive Mike Fox says Annual Connection is a fantastic opportunity for people to see energy supply workers in action, explore career options and learn what goes into keeping the lights on for New Zealanders throughout the country.
“Supporting our communities extends further than power lines and cables. As key members of our community, we are constantly looking for ways to support those living on the network,” Fox says.
“As network operators, we play a vital role in powering our communities. Often this means operating in challenging conditions at odd hours.”
Waipā Networks chief executive Sean Horgan says the competition is an excellent way to introduce people to the industry.
“We’re really excited to have the opportunity to showcase the mahi our teams put into keeping the lights on and enabling our region to decarbonise,” Horgan says.
A supplier expo will showcase new technologies and the three-day event will close with the Connexis Excellence Awards, recognising the country’s top energy and telecommunications trainees.
Gaukrodger says the Excellence Awards are an incredible way to close Annual Connection each year.
“The Excellence Awards are an important opportunity to recognise the effort and achievement of the best trainees within the energy and telecommunications sectors. The winners and the finalists have all put in an incredible amount of work to become qualified and set themselves up for success.”
Award categories include Traction Line Mechanic Trainee of the Year, Distribution Trainee of the Year, Transmission Trainee of the Year, Advanced Trainee of the Year, Investing in Youth Development and Training and Overall Trainee of the Year.
The Traction Line Mechanic Trainee of the Year Award is new this year and represents the development of the new Level 4 qualification for traction line mechanics.
“Between the awards and the competitions, Annual Connection offers a chance to show off best practice as well as the skills and talent embedded in our infrastructure workforce, while showcasing career opportunities to newcomers and the next generation,” Gaukrodger says.
The bigger picture
As well as Annual Connection, Connexis supports a wide range of initiatives to ensure the ESI is supported with high quality, consistent training that meets the needs of employers and allows employees to track a secure, rewarding and lifelong career path.
Connexis provides training programmes, learner support services and assessment support at all stages of an ESI trade career, from school Gateway programmes giving Year 11, 12 and 13 students the opportunity to start working with local employers while still at school, earning NCEA Credits, through NZ Certificates in all aspects of electrical supply.
Gaukrodger says when employers support their staff through training, they are not only developing individuals, they are growing the capability of their company and the wider infrastructure industry that will benefit all New Zealanders.
“With skills shortages an ongoing challenge, industry training for the ESI has never been more important,” she says.
Connexis also supports the ongoing supply of skilled talent for employers with initiatives like Girls with Hi-Vis®, aimed at showcasing the opportunities of infrastructure trades to young women.
“Connexis’s goal is to be front and centre precisely where and when the next generation, and other job seekers, are making crucial career decisions, and precisely where and when our apprentices and their employers are looking for the best fit-for-purpose training,” Gaukrodger says.
Connexis is a business division of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.