The best electrical crews in the country plugged in to compete against each other in Invercargill this week.
Twelve crews of line mechanics and cable jointers from electrical distribution companies across the country began competing in the three-day Connexis annual connection competition on Tuesday.
The crews carried out day-to-day tasks including standing and dressing poles, cable terminations and pole rescues.
"It’s a way for them to really showcase the skills of the people they have working in their businesses.
"It is also an opportunity for suppliers to set up and show their latest tools and products."
It was a great opportunity for the industry to give suppliers feedback about their products.
The competition attracted lots of interest to the industry as well, Mr Thorburn said.
Schools around Invercargill visited, and pupils had the opportunity to see what the trade was all about.
"PowerNet currently has about 180 staff in the field and decarbonisation means we’re going to need to increase that 30% to 40% over the next decade.
"The workforce needs to grow and this is a great way to attract talent."
"The weather’s been terrible down here the last few days you know.
"[At] the weekend ... the guys were trying to fight the mud setting it up," he said.
The competition will end tonight with the Connexis Excellence Awards that recognise New Zealand’s top energy and telecommunication trainees.
