WEL Networks news
A team of four WEL Networks’ linesmen are gearing up to battle it out against the best in the industry at the Connexis Annual Connection Competition next week.
The event is a highlight on the energy industry calendar and features three days of intense competition with cable jointer and line mechanic teams from all around New Zealand.
Kicking off on Tuesday 2 October at Wigram Airbase in Christchurch, the competition includes a variety of events such as a pole top rescue, pole installation and first aid scenarios.
WEL’s team comprises line mechanics; Lenny Te Aho (team leader), Kasitoni Taufalele, Steve Lawson and trainee Darcy Page.
The group will be competing in the Line Mechanic category of the competition and Lenny says they are fine tuning their skills in the field to ensure they are ready.
“Events in the competition need to be completed in a much shorter time frame than usual so it can be quite a stressful environment, but we’re putting our skills to practice each day and we are looking forward to the challenge.”
Safety is a paramount component of the job and therefore the competition, and the crew have been busy ensuring all of their equipment and processes are of the highest standard.
Lenny says the competition is a worthwhile experience that can help shape the careers of those involved.
“Some of the guys that have been involved previously have gone on to really succeed in their careers, it really does help to make you a better lineman and a better technician.”
The event concludes with the Annual Connection Excellence Awards Dinner, where WEL’s Elliot McKinnon is a finalist in the Advanced Trainee of the Year Award category.