Training bright sparks in the Energy Industry

Downer New Zealand Utilities prides itself on providing its people with industry-leading training and development so they can bring their best to work every day. 
 
A great example is its energy team at its Whanganui Depot, who partner with accredited training provider iskills to train and assess new people coming into the industry as distribution line mechanics, electricians and technicians. 

It currently has a group of trainees completing their fourth block out of a five-block course. The blocks are run in six-month intervals over 2.5-3 years and give trainees technical, practical and hands-on experience working in line gangs while completing their qualification. 

Technical services manager Graeme Jackson says: “As part of block 4, the trainees have to demonstrate everything they have learnt so far in one final practical assessment, as well as hazard identification and risk control, signing a job off and testing. The practical component of block 4 involves building a powerline, starting with planning the build, installing 3, 11-metre concrete poles, erecting an air brake switch (ABS) and distribution transformer, and running a low voltage circuit under a high voltage line. 

“Once they’ve completed the initial build, the trainees take everything down and build it again using a different configuration and doing a different role. That way, they’ve all had a go as a team leader, ABS installer and a crane operator and are cross-skilled to complete any job within a gang. This helps them future proof their workforce.” 

The focus of the course is assessment. The trainees come to the course with the experience and training they have received from their team leaders and teammates in their own regions. The objective of the course is to assess their current levels of competency that will allow them to move onto the next level of training and ultimately become qualified. 

Trainee line mechanic Joshua Wirihana-Tawake says what he likes most about the course is the way the training is conducted. 

“They are placed in real-life scenarios by the trainers and given sole responsibility to run and complete the job. This means that when they get out into the real world, they are well prepared for whatever task they need to get on with on any given day.” 

The final block before the trainees qualify is theory-based, which focuses on electrical and mechanical theory, regulations and standards. 

Downer offers a full variety of services and solutions for the utilities sector, ranging from Power and Gas to Telecommunications and Water.

Visit www.downergroup.co.nz/utilities to learn more.