50 | Apprenticeship training pays off for business Winning ways: Above, Hugo Carey was named Industrial Apprentice of the Year at the Apprentice of the Year Awards; while, below, Andy Cowan took out Domestic/Commercial. Nairn Electrical T T Kelly Deeks “Our apprentices help on every job, and the team really enjoy working with keen, interested young people. The tradesmen are happy to share their expertise, and inhouse training gets everyone up to speed quickly,” CONTRACTING Nairn Electrical capped a milestone year with double wins at the 2025 Master Electricians Apprentice Awards, reinforcing the North Canterbury company’s reputation for skilled training and industry excellence. Director and North Canterbury manager, Simon Francis, says the awards are a reflection of the company’s long-term approach to staff development. “In 2025, we had Hugo Carey and Andy Cowan winning at the Apprentice of the Year Awards. Hugo was named Industrial Apprentice of the Year, and Andy took out Domestic/Commercial. We couldn’t have done any better, especially given that’s exactly our marketplace.” Hugo began his apprenticeship with Nairn Electrical, while Andy joined the company in 2025 from Aotea Electric to complete his training. “Our apprentices help on every job, and the team really enjoy working with keen, interested young people. The tradesmen are happy to share their expertise, and in-house training gets everyone up to speed quickly,” says Simon. Established in 1975, Nairn Electrical has grown from its Leeston base into a North Canterbury network that includes branches in Rangiora and Culverden. The company has a strong focus on agriculture, specialising in irrigation and dairy installations, as well as municipal pumping controls for local councils. Over the past five decades, word of mouth from farmers and reliability in service has underpinned the business’s growth. “Our apprentices are the future of the business,” Simon says. “Over five decades in business, we’ve learned that investing time and effort in people pays off. Nine out of 10 stay or return after their overseas experience, bringing back valuable skills and contributing to our growth.” Nairn Electrical now employs a team of 45, including seven apprentices, and prides itself on remaining local. Nairn Electrical has developed a reputation for innovation and technology, delivering design-build projects and specialist agricultural products. Simon says the sector is evolving, with technology and electrification shaping the future of the trade. “Old-school skills aren’t being lost, but there’s a shift towards more technology, robotics, and electrification, which is where the future of our industry is heading.” The Apprentice Challenge continues to grow in size and significance. With new technologies reshaping how we live and work, the role of electricians is becoming more creative, sustainable, and essential than ever. Apprentices are powering communities, enabling innovation, and building a smarter, more sustainable future. The Master Electricians Apprentice Awards 2025 were held at the NZ Electrical Conference 2025, themed Be Future Ready, and marking 100 years of Master Electricians supporting electrical contractors across New Zealand. Competitors faced hands-on challenges including motor starter wiring, fault diagnostics, and PLC programming, reflecting the demands of modern electrical work. Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction, praised the apprentices for their professionalism, skill, and dedication, saying the experience they have gained will serve them well as they take the next steps in their careers. Simon Francis says Nairn Electrical’s double win is a reminder of the company’s values and commitment to the trade. “Our team has been part of the community for decades, and it’s rewarding to see young people stepping up, gaining recognition, and helping shape the future of our industry.” •Rural Industrial •Irrigation Specialists •Municipal Pumping OUR SERVICES; Proudly supporting rural Canterbury since 1975 North Canterbury: 03 313 6104 Leeston: 03 324 3752 www.nairnelectrical.co.nz •Lifestyle Blocks •Heat Pumps & Solar •Underground Cabling Your rural systems specialists with over five decades of experience in matching electrical installation & technology solutions with rural customer needs. www.telfer.co.nz Proud to be associated with Nairn Electrical
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