New Zealand Fire Learner of the Year: Johnson Control's Double Act

Toni Couchman and Daniel Hayes’ careers are on fire. Not only are they blazing a trail at Johnson Controls (formerly Wormald) last week both apprentices were named joint Fire Learner of the Year by the Fire Protection Association of New Zealand (FPANZ).

It’s easy to see why. Since entering the sector 18 months ago, Toni-who works at Johnson Controls Hamilton-has gained a string of qualifications in lightening quick time, including a New Zealand Certificate (NZC) in Hand Operated Fire Fighting Equipment (Level 3), a NZC in Fire Protection Systems Technology (Testing) (Level 3), and a NZC in Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (Level 3). Now she’s working towards a Diploma in Fire Engineering and has set her sights on becoming a fire engineer.

“I hope my achievements inspire others, and show people that even if you didn’t have a good upbringing or finish high school you can still achieve great things,” says Toni, who jointly took out the award with Canterbury Fire Systems Surveyor and fellow Johnson Controls employee Daniel Hayes.

“This award means everything to me. I left school at a young age, I was a very lost child, and I grew into a very lost adult. I didn’t know what to do with my life, but I was determined to find something I loved. I didn’t want a job – to me that’s an acronym for ‘Just Over Broke’! I wanted a career.”

And that’s exactly what Toni has found in the fire protection industry.

“When I finally found my passion working with fire, everything just clicked. I realised where I should be, and that’s working hard physically and mentally, learning new things every day, and helping others by protecting people and property.”

Toni hopes her efforts will pave the way for other women who are keen to enter the sector.

“Many years ago, someone told me that women shouldn’t become firefighters because they’re not as strong as men. I took that as a challenge! Six years ago, I became a volunteer recruit firefighter and in March next year I’ll become a senior firefighter, pump operator and driver. I trained hard, I worked hard, I really wanted it, and I got in. Women can do whatever they want.”

Toni’s unwavering determination and passion for learning have earned her high praise in the industry, including at Johnson Controls Hamilton where she works as a Fire Alarm Service Technician.

“Adaptable and proactive, Toni embraces change and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo,” says her employer Vanessa Wilson. “As one of the few women in a predominantly male industry she demonstrates leadership potential and serves as an inspiration to others.”

Fellow award winner and Johnson Controls Christchurch employee Daniel Hayes is equally as inspirational. Last year as well as juggling his full-time job with single parenting two neurodivergent children, he completed the NZC in Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (Level 3) and NZC in Fire Protection Systems Technology (Inspections) (Level 4). He has also recently become a Competenz workplace verifier-so he can help others in his workplace who are working towards their qualifications)-and is a registered IQP (Independent Qualified Person) for the South Island.

Competenz training advisor John Terry was so impressed by Daniel’s efforts that he nominated him for the award.

“Daniel relentlessly strives to support his colleagues whilst maintaining a busy workload and personal life, and he has big aspirations to be at the top of his industry in years to come,” says John.

He’s certainly on the right track. Being jointly named Fire Learner of the Year is an outstanding achievement, and one Daniel describes as a “huge thrill” -  although he admits it hasn’t been a cakewalk.

“It took some mental fortitude to put in the hours to get the study done, and I’ll admit I was overwhelmed at times,” he says.  “But this award means so much. In fact, aside from my two wonderful children, I would say it’s one of my greatest achievements. To be recognised by people you revere in the industry is something to be proud of, and I’m very thankful.”

However, study is nothing new to the Kaiapoi local – before entering the fire protection sector he completed an electrical apprenticeship and forged a career as a sparkie.

“I fell into fire by chance. I was working as an electrician on a large site in Christchurch and we were coming to the end of the project. A colleague had a contact in the fire industry and knew I’d be looking for work. He said, ‘Hey Dan, have you ever tried working in fire?’, and the rest was history!”

It was a good move. According to employer Gary Holden, Daniel has an extremely bright future ahead.

“Daniel is eager to learn and consistently seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge,” says Gary.

“He demonstrates a strong understanding of theory, often researching ahead. Highly adaptable, Daniel embraces change and shows leadership by helping colleagues grasp complex systems. He’s dedicated to his career and continuously pursues additional training to further his development.”

It’s attributes like these that the industry is crying out for, and Daniel encourages anyone considering a career in fire protection to “go for it”.

“The industry is hungry for young, keen people to tag in and start training,” he says. “You’ll end up gaining some great skills in a unique field. It’s also very rewarding work if you keep in mind why we do it - to look after people.”

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