Established in 1973, Calcon has grown to become one of Canterbury’s leading road construction companies.
The Calcon team prides itself on its commitment to quality and service, reputation for high quality work and timely delivery. These values were recognised by the Contractors’ Federation at the Canterbury Contractor of the Year Awards, held in November, where Calcon won awards in three categories, including the InfraTrain Training Award and the prestigious Hirepool Supreme Award.
Also, Calcon employees Brendan Hills, Hamish Waddell and Simon Currie (pictured) took out the top three places in the Canterbury regional excavator operator competition late last year.
Contracts manager Nicholas Tyler says that a strategic approach to training is one of a number of factors behind the company’s success.
“Early in 2009 InfraTrain worked with us to conduct a training needs analysis. This allowed us to identify development areas for individual staff members, and align these to our business objectives,” says Nicholas.
“Calcon understands the value of industry-recognised qualifications, and three staff are currently enrolled in National Certificates. This number is set to increase to nine during 2010.”
InfraTrain regional manager Fiona Malloch says Calcon has really embraced industry training.
“They are organised, methodical, and a pleasure to work with. Calcon has implemented a number of successful training initiatives during 2009 and are deserving winners of the InfraTrain Training Award,” says Fiona.
One of these initiatives is the development of in-house training programmes around base skills and operating tools and equipment.
“Many off-job courses aren’t geared specifically towards civil contracting, which means they don’t cover some of the skills we need. It’s important that training is meaningful and motivating, otherwise we run the risk of turning the guys off,” she says.
“This year we developed a confined spaces training programme, which covers specific skills for drainlayers working in drainage manholes. We also developed a chainsaw and grinders course which covers maintenance and operation, use of materials and emergency procedures. Our next project is to develop an in-house First Aid course.”
A priority for the year will be a strategy for filling skills gaps for middle tier staff working as plant operators. At present, work crews include an experienced operator, an emerging operator and assistant. The next step is to identify “tomorrow’s operators” who have shown potential, and train them up to a higher level.
“We have some of the finest plant operators in Canterbury, and want to harness their skills by getting them involved in our on-site training,” says Nicholas. “Our guys cleaned up at the National Excavator Operator Competition regional heat this year. Hamish Waddell was the winner, Simon Currie came second, and Brendan Hills third – they did us proud!”
Calcon is also harnessing the skills of project manager Robert Harris, who has recently become an InfraTrain registered assessor. Many unit standards can now be assessed in-house, meaning that Calcon now has a complete ‘one stop shop’ for their training needs.
Nicholas says that although the benefits of training are difficult to quantify, Calcon is seeing some positive results.
“Training is a great motivator. As our staff develop their skills they can contribute at a higher level and take greater ownership. Calcon prides itself on providing opportunities and career pathways for our staff – we want them to reach their full potential and be the best that they can be.”
Adam Teale
Civil Construction Worker
Qualifications currently being studied for:
National Certificate in Civil Infrastructure – General Introductory Skills
National Certificate in Civil Plant Operation
Why are you studying?
I wanted to get some qualifications behind me, and Calcon encouraged me. The qualifications are going well. I’ve almost completed the General Introductory Skills, and I’ll be starting the Civil Plant Operation next.
How long have you been working for Calcon and what do you like best about the company?
I’ve been with Calcon for 15 months. It’s a great place to work. The best thing about being here is the people. The managers are all approachable and easy to deal with, and the guys I work with are really good. I also like the fact that Calcon does things properly – it don’t take shortcuts. We take pride in our work.
How did you get into the civil construction industry?
Before I worked for Calcon I worked for a small landscape construction company. I joined Calcon because I was interested in machinery, and wanted to join a larger company with more opportunities. In landscaping I worked on small sections and did a lot of handwork. The sites and machines I’m working on now are a lot bigger.
What do you enjoy most about the industry?
I enjoy using the machinery. I’ve learned lots of new skills since I joined Calcon. It’s been good to get out of my comfort zone and try different things.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I’d like to be with Calcon, working as a construction foreman.
Kevin Keen
Project Manager
Qualifications recently completed:
National Certificate in Civil Construction Supervision
Why did you decide to study?
I had years of experience but no formal qualifications. I started the qualification using the workbooks, but got too busy to do it. Fiona Malloch at InfraTrain suggested I complete it through Recognition of Current Competency (RCC). RCC recognises previous industry experience. It’s a useful way for someone like me to achieve a qualification for the skills I’ve gained over the years.
How long have you been working for Calcon and what do you like best about the company?
I’ve been with Calcon for just over 10 years. The thing I like best is the effort the management puts into developing their staff. They’re all about helping you reach your full potential. I joined Calcon as a digger driver. Then about six years ago I became a supervisor. Now I’m a project manager. They’ve supported me as I’ve moved up the career ladder.
How did you get into the civil construction industry?
When I was a kid I lived next door to a coalmine in Southland, then I worked there when I left school. I always enjoyed operating machinery, so moving into the civil construction industry was a natural progression.
What do you enjoy most about the industry?
I love the variety of work. At the moment I’m managing 11 different projects ranging from roading and footpath reconstruction in Oxford to a full street redevelopment in Lyttleton. I also enjoy the fact that there is always something new to learn. I never get bored, even though I’ve been in the industry for 25 years. And it’s satisfying to be able to pass my knowledge on to the younger guys.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I’ll still be with Calcon, without question. There are a few more steps on the career ladder to take yet, and I’d like to work towards a management qualification.
Simon Currie
Machine Operator
Qualifications currently being studied for:
National Certificate in Civil Infrastructure – General Introductory Skills
National Certificate in Civil Plant Operation
Why are you studying?
I really wanted to get some qualifications. The national certificates cover stuff I’m doing every day, so I thought I might as well get accredited for it. Studying seemed daunting at first, but I allocated small bits of time to it so I didn’t get swamped. The next thing I knew I was halfway through my first qualification.
How long have you been working for Calcon and what do you like best about the company?
I’ve been here for four years. The two main things I enjoy are the variety of work and the guys I work with. They’re a good bunch and everyone gets on well, in and out of work.
How did you get into the civil construction industry?
I got into the industry seven years ago when I was living in Southland. I got a break with a medium-sized company in Invercargill. Before that I worked in a sawmill. I’ve always enjoyed operating machinery.
What do you enjoy most about the industry?
I enjoy the troubleshooting. It’s really rewarding to nut problems out and make things work. The wide range of projects keeps things interesting. You’re never in the same place for long – you could be in the middle of the city one day and out in the country the next. At the moment I’m based at the new international terminal development at Christchurch Airport. I’ve been there for the last seven months. It’s exciting to be working on one of the biggest contracts in the South Island and to see things taking shape.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I can see myself doing more industry training – either a supervisory or management qualification. One of my goals is to run my own sites and projects for Calcon.
Robert Harris
Project Manager and InfraTrain Registered Assessor
How long have you been working for Calcon and what do you like best about the company?
I joined Calcon as a project manager three years ago. I previously spent 32 years working for Fulton Hogan. It has been interesting to make the transition to a small company. I sit on the same floor as the three director owners, and the lines of communication are always open. They are very hands-on, and we share ideas and problem solving.
How did you get into the civil construction industry?
I got into industry over 35 years ago and have worked in a range of different of sectors. I’ve gained a lot of experience including working as a Registered Drainlayer. I hold an Open Construction Blaster’s ticket, and I’m an associate of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ). I am a Registered Engineering Associate (REA) and hold a National Certificate in adult education and teaching.
What do you enjoy most about the industry?
Definitely the variety of work. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to work on projects around New Zealand including the Manapouri underground power house, the Homer Tunnel near Milford Sound, Auckland and Dunedin international airports, and numerous blasting and trenchless technology projects. I’ve had some great opportunities.
How long have you been an InfraTrain Registered Assessor?
Since July 2009.
Why did you decide to become an assessor?
I wanted the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and to give something back to the industry. When I eventually retire I want to walk away knowing I’ve left something meaningful behind. I’m on the industry advisory group for the review of InfraTrain’s civil qualifications for the same reason. I’m also on the executive of the NZCF as well as belonging to industry civil liaison groups.
What are the benefits to Calcon of you being an assessor?
It means we now have a one-stop-shop. It has streamlined the training and assessment process. I now understand the whole qualifications process much better, which has been useful for developing and delivering our own in-house training programmes.
Contractor Vol.34 No.1 February 2010
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