Underground Connections in Waitakere is a firm that has fully embraced industry training. As well as encouraging employees to work towards national qualifications, proprietor Greg Parkin is an InfraTrain registered assessor and was involved in the review of the National Certificate in Civil Construction Works (Horizontal Directional Drilling) last year.
Greg says that his commitment to industry training reflects a need to move with the times. He explains, “One day, sooner or later, all workers will need a qualification of some sort to be on site. We all know that it’s coming, it’s just a matter of when – but the time to get into training is now.”
A small business with just 12 staff, Underground Connections specialises in horizontal directional drilling, working primarily on contracts for Waitakere City Council and Rodney District Council.
There are currently four trainees, including Greg himself, who are working towards National Certificates in Civil Construction Works (Horizontal Directional Drilling) and Civil Infrastructure (General Introductory Skills).
Greg sees training as an important way to keep employees motivated.
“Guys in this industry have often left school early and training doesn’t come naturally to them, so they drag their feet when you first mention it. But once they get stuck in, they realise they already have a lot of the skills they need – often it’s just a case of collecting evidence. Then they start to enjoy it.
“It was important for me to do the qualifications myself, not only for securing contracts, but to set a good example to my employees. It has also helped me in my role as an assessor as I have a good understanding of the qualifications and can see things from a trainee’s perspective.”
With over 30 years in the industry, and in business as Underground Connections since 1996, Greg Parkin was identified by InfraTrain as an ideal candidate to be a registered assessor. He has established a wide assessor scope which includes unit standards for civil infrastructure, as well as more specialised ones in horizontal directional drilling.
Greg’s expertise in horizontal directional drilling also means he has been an invaluable member of the industry advisory group formed by InfraTrain. He was part of the group who initially developed the National Certificate in Horizontal Directional Drilling in 2005, and he has also been involved in the recent review of this qualification.
Amanda Smidt, InfraTrain project manager for the review, says, Greg has made “a huge contribution to the review of this qualification and has been an absolute pleasure to work with”.
“He has gone above and beyond the call of duty as an industry advisor, and provided valuable advice on everything from the qualification structure and content to the assessment and learning resources – even providing some photography for the resource material.”
Greg agrees that the time he has devoted to the advisory group has been well spent.
“Until quite recently we haven’t been able to show people a structured career pathway into the infrastructure industries – particularly into horizontal directional drilling. This has made it difficult for us to compete against other industries when trying to attract employees,” he says.
“Being able to show a career pathway through qualifications shows that infrastructure is a real career with good prospects and opportunities to learn and progress.”
Trevor Harris
Water Reticulation Supervisor
Qualifications currently studying for:
National Certificate in Road Opening Site Co-ordination
National Certificate in Civil Construction Works (Horizontal Directional Drilling)
Why did you decide to work towards qualifications?
Years ago I worked with an old boy who told me I should never pass up opportunities for training. What he said to me really stuck. Since then I’ve always made the most of the opportunities on offer. You have nothing to lose by doing qualifications and bettering yourself.
How long have you been working for Underground Connections and what do you like best about the company?
I moved to New Zealand from the UK six years ago, and joined the company soon afterwards. I enjoy the variety of work – the different sized pipes, the type of drains and the locations. Most of our work is in West Auckland. I’ve been working a fair bit at Gulf Harbour recently – that’s a beautiful place to work.
How did you get into the civil construction industry?
My first job was in the army in the UK. Then in the early 1980s I became a water maintenance engineer for a company in the South of England. I did all my water reticulation licences in the UK. After that I worked as a manager in the construction industry, including short term contracts in Holland, Germany and the States.
My wife and I wanted a lifestyle change so we moved to New Zealand. An opportunity came up at Underground Connections and I’ve been here ever since.
What do you enjoy most about the industry?
The variety – it’s a really diverse industry. Also, the familiarity – it’s what I know and what I’m good at.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Hopefully semi-retired. Perhaps working part time in the industry and running a B&B somewhere like National Park or Taupo.
Brent Thomson
Pipe Fitter
Qualification recently completed:
National Certificate in Civil Infrastructure (General Introductory Skills)
Why did you decide to gain a qualification?
I wanted to get my skills recognised, and my employer (Greg Parkin) encouraged me to go for it.
How long have you been working for Underground Connections and what do you like best about the company?
I’ve been with Underground Connections for nearly two years, and it is a good company to work for. There are always lots of different projects on the go. I’m not stuck in the same spot every day, which keeps things interesting.
How did you get into the civil construction industry?
Before I got into the industry I worked for engineering and steel fitting firms on the North Shore. A lot of the skills I learned were relevant to the work I’m doing now. When I made the change to civil construction I was set up quite well, as I already had experience of using machinery.
What do you enjoy most about the industry?
I enjoy working outdoors and machinery. I also like the variety of work. My main responsibilities are to fit pipes, put on the services and do the reinstatement afterwards. Working on different sites means no two days are the same. One day I could be working on a main pipeline, and the next on a smaller division or subdivision.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I try not to think about the future too much. Other than hoping I’ll win the lotto!
Brian McGregor
Horizontal Directional Drilling Operator
Qualifications currently studying for:
National Certificate in Road Opening Trenching
National Certificate in Civil Construction Works (Horizontal Directional Drilling)
Why did you decide to work towards qualifications?
Greg (Parkin) encouraged me, but I was keen to do them anyway. It’s useful to do some formal training so you know you’re doing things right. When you’ve been in the industry a while, you can start to do things on auto-pilot. The qualifications make you think about processes for things like health and safety – rather than just taking them for granted.
How long have you been working for Underground Connections and what do you like best about the company?
I’ve been here for about 11 years. The best things are getting to meet a wide range of people, and working in a different spot most days.
How did you get into the civil construction industry?
I used to work for Housing New Zealand doing housing maintenance. When that finished I went down to the Department of Labour and saw a job for a rod man on a drill rig. I’d seen other people doing it and decided to give it a go, and I’ve been in the industry ever since.
What do you enjoy most about the industry?
I’ve enjoyed learning to use all the different sorts of machines. It’s been loads of fun – like going back to being a kid.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Still in the industry doing something hands-on. I’d like to stay on the drill, although that depends on who’s yelling down the headphones at me!
Contractor Vol.34 No.2 March 2010
All articles on this website are copyright to Contrafed Publishing Co. Ltd.
