Jono Ackroyd, Cable Jointer Competition Manager
When Jono Ackroyd entered the electrical supply industry (ESI) 24 years ago, he was entering the family business.
“I was employed in 2000 by a community owned co-op company called Electricity Ashburton, now trading as EA Networks. My father had worked there for nearly three decades as a civil construction cable jointer. Like many in this industry, I am second generation.”
Jono began his career as a labourer in technical maintenance department, before becoming qualified as a line mechanic, and a cable jointer, then workplace trainer and assessor. Since 2018 Jono has been self-employed as an independent consultant delivering his services to Connexis as an independent workplace Capstone assessor.
Having been involved with Annual Connection for the past 13 years, first as a competitor and more recently as a judge and committee member, Jono is a big fan of the event and the platform it provides.
“It is an amazing industry event that showcases talented tradies from within the industry; from the competitors that enter, the managers and companies that support them, to the trade exhibitors and all the people behind the scenes. This event exists because of like-minded people who are passionate about our distribution industry,” he says.
“For me it is about the competitors showcasing their pride, talent, skills and passion for this industry and their trade.
“The friendships, connections and camaraderie you make with people from all over New Zealand are also a big part of it; sharing working techniques and ideas, looking at different tools and equipment, not to mention the light-hearted banter between the lineys and jointers.
“It is an amazing industry to be a part of and this iconic Annual Connection event showcases people’s passion to keep the lights on for all of New Zealand no matter the weather conditions.”