Whakatāne District Council’s Engineering Cadet Programme

presented by Anne-Elise Reynolds, Whakatāne District Council

12 November 2025

This presentation introduces the Whakatāne District Council’s four-year Engineering Cadet Programme, which combines formal study toward a NZ Diploma in Engineering (Civil) with practical, on-the-job experience. The initiative addresses skills shortages in the civil infrastructure sector while developing capable local professionals. The presentation covers an outline of the programme’s structure, benefits for cadets, employers, and the wider industry, and highlights how local government-led training supports long-term sector sustainability and community development.

Ann-Elise Reynolds is Manager Transport at Whakatāne District Council. She’s been in the industry over 15 years, starting off in a cadetship programme, carrying on to gain her Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Highways), working as a consultant, contractor and now in local government. Ann-Elise is a passionate member of the Road Efficiency Group, and a mum of three, who enjoys time outdoors, fishing, golfing and relaxing on her lifestyle block.
 

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