If there’s anybody that knows what it takes to take on the responsibility of judging the skills of line mechanic crews at Annual Connection, it’s Phil Johnson from PowerNet in Invercargill.
Phil has been a judge in almost every Annual Connection line mechanic competition since it was resurrected at the Hamilton event in 2002, stepping aside only once in 2003 to manage a competing crew for Otago Power Services Ltd. Phil was also the recipient of the 2016 Contribution to Industry Training Award at the Connexis Energy Excellence Awards, handed out at the close of the competition each year.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to be asked to judge. Being up close with the teams as they showcase their knowledge, skills and expertise is enthralling to say the least and it’s heartening to see such dedication on display from across the country.
“It’s also great to watch competitors who started as trainees in the comps come back a few years later as team leaders. It’s really good to see people grow and develop within the Industry.”
Phil says the camaraderie between the competitors and the judging team as well as organisers is another highlight of Annual Connection. “I’ve made lifelong friends that I’ll always treasure.”
When he’s on the field judging, Phil says safety is always top of the list of what he looks for in competing teams. “Are the teams consistently applying best work practices and safe techniques? How good is the team lead? How effectively do they communicate with each other? Those all go a long way in determining how successful the team will be overall.
“Problem solving and innovation that produces safe outcomes is always welcome.”
Another key factor in successful teams will be how they look after the trainee line mechanic on the crew, ensuring they’re constantly supervised and undertaking tasks within their capabilities.
“As judges, we are looking for the best of the best and scoring between the teams is always close, so it’s important that we scrutinise each team closely and consistently.”
When it comes to things that can catch even experienced teams out, Phil says it tends to be the way some pressure can make routine, everyday tasks suddenly seem more complicated than they should be.
Phil says Annual Connection is a highlight of each year for him personally, but believes it has ongoing importance for the Electricity Supply Industry.
“We provide an extremely important function of everyday life for Kiwis. So much hinges on being able to provide a safe, reliable and efficient electricity supply to our communities. Being able to showcase the talents of the people who do this work is immense. It recognises their dedication and passion as well as exemplifies what ‘good’ looks like in regards to working safely.
“On top of that, competitors are able to network with each other, see different plant and equipment in action, and talk directly with suppliers. It all creates plenty of opportunities for improvement for individuals and companies that they normally can’t easily get access to.”
Phil’s last bit of advice for 2025 competitors is pay attention to the details on competition days. “Trust your training and each other, but also, from the get-go, read the event brief carefully and thoroughly. There is more information on these sheets than most teams realise.”