Timothy Sopp
Telecommunications Trainee of the Year
Timothy Sopp is proof it’s never time to stop learning.
As a fibre technician based in Wellington, Timothy is currently working towards his NZ Certificate in Telecommunications (Fibre Optics) Level 3, though he has a career in the industry spanning 50 years.
Timothy has been nominated in the Connexis-sponsored Telecommunications Trainee of the Year category of the 2021 Connexis Excellence Awards, by Anthea Mallasch, iSkills Trainee Coordinator.
Anthea says Timothy has a unique commitment to his on-going professional knowledge. Though he is eligible to complete training via the Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) pathway, he has instead chosen to complete the full qualification, attending all the block courses and completing all the assessments.
“He understands the industry is constantly changing so he wants to keep up to date and ensure he is working on jobs with the right knowledge behind him,” Anthea says. “He is always questioning how things were done previously, how much he has learnt over his block courses, and how they differ.”
Tim’s actions and attitudes are always positive, Anthea says. “His growth, knowledge and commitment to learning new things make him an exceptional trainee and an asset to the telecommunications industry.”
Though Tim often works alone, as a sole contractor and director of his own company Reflectech Ltd, Anthea says he still manages to be a team player, offering to help both his fellow trainees and co-workers. “Tim is approachable in any circumstances and is always willing to guide those around him.”
She says Tim’s Excellence Awards nomination will help him step into the role of mentor for younger technicians, adding that he gets great joy from passing on his knowledge to help others and seeing them develop.
