Vector : Electrix apprentice named trainee of the year

A successful night for Electrix at the Connexis Annual Connection Excellence Awards, which recognises and celebrates the achievements of the best and brightest trainees in the Energy and Telecommunications industries.

The week long event that was open to the public, showcased 'on-the-job action' bringing roles in the sector to life. Connexis also invited Waikato schools to the event giving students the chance to really see what a career in the electricity supply industry offers.

Article taken from Energy News - Joshua Riddiford - Fri, 15 Sep 2017

Electrix line mechanic Andre Sapiatzer has been named top trainee for the electricity supply industry.
Sapiatzer, who works at Electrix' Albany branch, won the Ross Archer memorial award, which doubles as a safety award, at a dinner last night for the Connexis Annual Connection Excellence Awards which was the culmination of this week's competition at Mystery Creek in Hamilton.

It was a successful night for Electrix with Albany staff member Ruan Naude winning the cable jointers' competition and a team from Albany winning the line mechanics competition. Electrix Invercargill staff member Glenn Earley was named the advanced trainee of the year, while Auckland staff member Darran Mumford was recognised for his contribution to industry training.

Trainees from WEL Networks, Downer, Powerco and Unison were also recognised.

Rising stars
The competition is organised by industry training organisation (ITO) Connexis. Chief executive Peter Benfell says the winning trainees were 'rising stars' and the future leaders in the industry.

Power company teams competed during the week in a series of fast-paced line mechanic and cable jointer events. Events included pole top rescue, team building and first aid competitions, as well as pit rescue and a spike gun event.

Connexis head of marketing and industry standards Kaarin Gaukrodger said the event aims to spur competition and team-work within the industry. It was also a great opportunity to showcase 'on the job action' to the public and anyone considering a career in the industry.