Ian Barnes

With over 10 years’ experience working on major electrical projects nationally and overseas, Ian Barnes has found his calling at UCOL Whanganui by inspiring Electrical trainees and passing on his passion for the industry.

Joining UCOL in 2025 as Lecturer – Electrical Engineering for the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3) and U-Skills Academy Foundation Electrical Engineering programmes, Ian says he loves being able to help trainees become industry-ready to jump straight into an apprenticeship.

“I started my journey to become a qualified electrician by doing a pre-trade programme in Auckland - that led into an apprenticeship in commercial and high-end residential electrical work. Being able to earn while you learn is extremely helpful in becoming fully qualified. It makes the process so much more accessible and achievable.”

“Just like the trainees I teach, having the skills that employers are looking for is paramount to excel and succeed in the industry. Now that I am helping others along the same path, it's really rewarding.”

Ian’s first experience in the field was during the first year of his pre-trade programme, where he was granted a Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) scholarship that led him to work in Fiji, where he helped build homes in response to the damage caused by Cyclone Winston.

“That experience set the bar for me to pursue a career in electrical. Seeing how important electricity is to people’s lives and their living conditions really hit home. From then on, I knew I wanted to continue to work in such a vital industry that helps so many people.”

After finishing his apprenticeship, Ian and his family moved to Whanganui in 2020 to be closer to family. Here, he gained work with Downer and Summit Electrical and took on the biggest, most challenging and rewarding projects of his career.

“The electrical industry provides so many varied lines of work, which was really brought to light with the major projects I’ve been involved in. Being a part of the Whanganui Port Project and working at Tauhara Geothermal Plant in Taupo have been key highlights. Seeing such grand-scale projects through to completion has been extremely rewarding.”

The opportunities continued to grow for Ian as he took on a curriculum writer role.

“This is when all the stars realigned, and UCOL was looking for a lecturer, which was just what I was looking for! I was so happy to get the job and am really enjoying the work. Seeing trainees coming through from not knowing much at all to developing a great level of competency and understanding is brilliant.”

The support systems for trainees and staff are amazing. I felt welcome and part of the UCOL whānau as soon as I started.”

Drawing on his experience in industry and education, he is always looking for ways to further develop his resources to enhance learner engagement.

"I want to help modernise the way apprentices are supported, rather than relying only on static resources and one-size-fits-all learning."

Reflecting on why he first chose to study electrical engineering, Ian says he wanted a job that would provide security, financial gain and room for growth.

“With the rise of technology, especially with AI now, I really wanted to gain a qualification to future-proof myself and my family. Electrical has done just that. I’m comfortable with the choices I have made, as electricians will always be needed. I’m 36 years old now and feel I don’t stress as much as other career choices.”

“Electrical is far more than just commercial and residential too. There are all types of jobs for all types of people, whether you’re more hands-on, technically minded for design work, or even if you like space, you can get into that line of work!”

“For trainees coming through the UCOL Electrical Engineering programmes, I always tell them they’ve chosen wisely in futureproofing themselves in a rewarding career path. It is a great stepping stone into bigger gigs.”

Learn more about UCOL’s Electrical Engineering programmes at https://www.ucol.ac.nz/programmes/engineering