WEL Networks and Connexis join forces to build future Power Technician workforce
WEL Networks and Connexis have today shared details for an Advanced PowerTech Apprenticeship Pathway, a new collaborative initiative to develop a structured apprenticeship pathway for Power Technicians. This initiative combines industry expertise and work-based training to address a critical skills shortage in New Zealand’s electricity sector.
This collaboration will develop and launch a new delivery model for the combined Electrical Trade Level 4 apprenticeship and Level 5 Powertech programmes. The cohort-based approach will improve the learner experience and outcomes, increase completion rates, encourage peer learning, and develop strong professional networks. It will also strengthen employer and apprentice engagement and lay the foundation for the future Power Technician workforce.
The new pathway provides a formalised path through an electrical trade apprenticeship, into becoming a qualified Power Technician. Through the design of the on job, off-job and online training components, the Advanced Apprenticeship Pathway reduces the timeframe for someone newly commencing an electrical trade qualification to becoming a qualified Power Technician, without reducing the required skill training.
The Advanced Apprenticeship Pathway initiative was formally released for wider industry engagement on Wednesday, 21 October at Annual Connection 2026, the electricity supply industry’s flagship event.
The initiative directly responds to the Re-Energise 26 report, which identified Power Technicians as one of the electricity and energy workforce’s most critical skills shortage areas.
“We’ve championed this initiative and we’re delighted to be working with Connexis on an advanced apprenticeship pathway that provides structured progression into Power Technician roles and meets the needs of Electricity Distribution Businesses (EDBs) as we transition to an increasingly electrified future,” says WEL Networks Chief Executive Garth Dibley.
“Building the specialist technical workforce we need moving forward is a challenge best addressed collectively by industry,” he says.
Today’s announcement of this new Apprenticeship PowerTech pathway, shared with industry leaders, encourages other EDBs to engage with Connexis on the possibilities of a wider rollout across the country.
It comes as Connexis prepares to transition on 1 November into an industry-owned and led Private Training Establishment, following Tertiary Education Commission approval. The change will return Connexis to industry ownership while maintaining continuity of training and services for employers and learners.
“This collaboration shows what an industry-owned Connexis is all about: listening to industry, understanding employers’ skills challenges and priorities, and working together on practical, streamlined training solutions,” says Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger.
“This PowerTech pathway is an opportunity to work directly with the wider electricity distribution sector to build the specialist capability industry needs for the future,” she says.
While WEL Networks has championed the initiative, the workforce challenge is shared across the energy sector. The launch aims to build momentum and encourage other industry organisations to engage and participate.
Connexis is now seeking expressions of interest from employers, with the first Hamilton-based cohort expected to kick off early 2027.
Express your interest here.
Pictured: (L) Connexis Director, Kaarin Gaukrodger, (R) WEL CE, Garth Dibley.
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About Connexis
Connexis is New Zealand’s infrastructure training provider, supporting work-based training across the civil, energy, telecommunications and water industries. Connexis works with employers, learners and industry partners to deliver nationally recognised training that helps build a skilled and sustainable infrastructure workforce. www.connexis.org.nz