Future leaders to shine at energy supply industry awardsSponsored
Twenty of New Zealand's standout electricity supply industry trainees have been named as finalists in the Connexis Energy Trainee Awards for 2026.
The annual awards recognise the country's standout sector trainees across seven different categories, as nominated by their employers.
Industry trainees from some of the country's leading energy companies have been named as finalists in the categories of: Transmission Trainee of the Year; Distribution Trainee of the Year; Generation Trainee of the Year; Traction Line Mechanic Trainee of the Year; Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year; and Advanced Trainee of the Year. Of those categories, one winner will also be named Overall Trainee of the Year.
Trainee finalists are assessed on a range of qualities, including their communication and leadership skills, commitment to training and development, and the positive contribution they make to their workplace and colleagues.
Another three sector employees have also been named as finalists in the Leadership in Electricity Supply Industry Training Award, which recognises those who go above and beyond in training others and helping them succeed.
2026 has also seen the introduction of a new category in the awards. Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year recognises the vital skills of utility arborists, who keep key electricity supply assets safely clear of vegetation.
The awards were established and championed by Connexis, training provider to New Zealand's energy sector and other infrastructure industries such as civil, telecommunications and water. They are designed to shine a light on the future leaders of the electricity supply industry.
Connexis executive director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the awards offer a unique opportunity to recognise the achievements of these industry trainees and celebrate them in front of their industry peers, employers - and maybe future employers.
"Over the years we've seen dedicated and hard-working trainees celebrated at these awards who have gone on to become leaders in the industry," she says.
"We know that training can be challenging as people balance work and family commitments while meeting the requirements of their programmes. That's why it's so important to celebrate those who are succeeding, while also inspiring and motivating others on the same journey by showing them what's possible."
Last year's Overall Trainee of the Year award winner, Hugh Thomson, says the awards have had a lasting impact on his approach to work and training.
Hugh, a line mechanic with Counties Energy, also won the 2025 Distribution Trainee of the Year. He encourages employers to nominate their trainees for future Connexis Energy Trainee Awards because that recognition can have "a real impact on confidence and motivation".
"Winning the Overall Trainee of the Year Award last year was an honour, but being nominated in the first place meant just as much," Hugh says. "It showed me that the support and guidance I'd received, and the effort I'd put into my training, were valued."
Hugh will be well placed to congratulate the 2026 trainee award winners in person, as they'll be announced at an awards dinner in Pukekohe on 22 October, marking the close of another Connexis Annual Connection, the three-day industry skills competition, this year hosted by Counties Energy.
Over 20-22 October, the Connexis Annual Connection will see line mechanic crews, cable jointers and supply electricians compete in a series of competitions designed to showcase the skills and expertise they use to keep the country connected.
"It's fantastic to bring Annual Connection 2026 to the North Island again this year. We're excited to welcome crews from across the country to Pukekohe," Gaukrodger says.
"Annual Connection is a great opportunity for the electricity supply industry to demonstrate how good they are and to connect with each other in one high-voltage celebration."
Counties Energy chief executive Judy Nicholl says hosting Annual Connection for the first time is an opportunity to support the industry and showcase the work it does every day, both within local communities and across the country.
"This year feels like a true milestone. Hosting it on our own patch is our way of celebrating the skill and grit our teams bring to work every day, while helping the wider industry become stronger and more resilient together."
This year's Annual Connection once again features teams and competitors travelling from energy companies across New Zealand. Fourteen line mechanic crews will compete in Pukekohe from Waipā Networks, The Lines Company, EA Networks, WEL Networks, Omexom, Counties Energy, PowerNet, Electra, MainPower, Connetics, Downer, Northpower, Alpine Energy, and the two-time defending champs - Top Energy.
This year's 12 competing cable jointers also come from network companies across the country, including Alpine Energy, Connetics, Downer, Electra, MainPower, McKay Ltd, Ventia, Waipā Networks, WEL Networks, and Omexom.
One of the big successes of Annual Connection 2025, held in Christchurch, was the introduction of two new competitions aimed at trainees: a trainee cable jointer competition and a competition for trainee supply electricians. Both competitions are returning in 2026.
Trainee cable jointers competing are from Alpine Energy, Connetics, PowerNet and the 2025 returning champion from EA Networks, Tia Fasi. Trainee supply electricians competing are from Connetics, Ventia and Independent Line Services.
"As the leading national training provider to the electricity supply industry, it is always a privilege for Connexis to be involved in Annual Connection each year; to celebrate the skills on display and see first-hand where work-based training and apprenticeships can lead and the doors they can open," says Gaukrodger.
"We wish the best of luck to all of this year's competitors."
2026 Connexis Energy Trainee Awards finalists:
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Utility Arborist Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Treescape) |
Transmission Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Transpower) |
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Distribution Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Touchprint) |
Generation Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Cory's) |
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Traction Line Mechanic Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Kiwi Rail) |
Advanced Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by PowerNet NZ Ltd) |
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Overall Trainee of the Year (Sponsored by Connetics) |
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Leadership in Electricity Supply Industry Training (Sponsored by Omexom) |
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Image: Connexis general manager corporate services Kelvin Wong with Hugh Thomson, Overall Trainee of the Year award winner 2025.