Qualified in first intake for civil trade regime

NEW CERTIFICATION: The launch of a New Zealand civil trade certification means Gisborne's Downer supervisor Robert Matete joins 13 other civil infrastructure workers who are now formally qualified under a new civil trade certification. Picture supplied

GISBORNE man Robert Matete is one of 14 civil infrastructure workers nationally to become formally qualified under a new Civil Trade Certification.

As a superviser at Downer, Mr Matete looks after maintenance, winter services and iwi liaison. New Zealand’s new civil infrastructure industry certification means he is now a certified civil tradesman.

Unlike building, plumbing and electrical workers, civil infrastructure employees — who work in areas such as road construction and pipe installation — have had no industry-wide, transferable trade qualification. Civil trade industry workers now have the opportunity to study and work while they accumulate hours towards their trade certification.

“A regulated trades regime sees certified tradespeople take ownership and provide the craftsmanship required for delivery of a product or construction activity,” says Civil Trades Certification Board chairman Dave Connell.

“It will be game-changing for the industry and the people who work in it.”

Growing into the jobMr Matete was drawn to the civil infrastructure industry because he wanted to be like his father; to drive trucks and operate machinery. He has been in the industry for 25 years and as he grew into his job, he took every opportunity for training that came his way.

He is now responsible for crew management, daily job record entries, network inspection, request-for-service management, monitoring the health, safety and performance of work crews, assisting with incidents and in emergency situations, and customer relations.

Establishment of the trades certification board is a significant milestone, says Connexis ITO chief executive Helmut Modlik.

“This is very exciting for the industry. It marks the beginning of a steady roll-out of qualified workers with transferable skills — which is of course beneficial to both workers and employees.

“The new qualification will also help attract workers to the industry now that it offers a clear career path.”