For most jobs, onboarding means paperwork and a couple of Teams calls. But before heading to Antarctica’s Scott Base for a year to maintain Antarctica New Zealand’s communication network – think VHF walkie talkie radios, landline telephones, paging networks and satellite technologies – Downer's latest Telecommunications service technician to take up this unique role, Alex Sewell, had to train for survival—literally. 

Alex said it started in Warkworth, a small town north of Auckland, where he learned the satellite systems that keep Scott Base connected to the world.   “Then in Auckland, I trained on the Spark-owned comms gear, which is now managed by Antarctica New Zealand.” 

From there, he flew to Christchurch to begin Antarctica New Zealand’s introduction program (ANZAP), which included team building, safety briefings, and a reality check about what living down there really means. It was also where he was issued his cold-weather gear. “That moment hit hard. You realise this isn’t just a job—it’s a test of endurance”, says Alex. 

Next came fire training with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) in Woolston. “Everyone at Scott Base is part of the fire crew,” he says. “We spent a week learning how to handle fire hoses, breathing apparatus, and simulated chemical fires. You’re not just the Telco guy down there—you’re also the firefighter.” 

Once at Scott Base, there was still more to learn. “You get a handover from your predecessor, then do Antarctic Field Training. That means spending a night camping on the ice to see what gear works and how to survive out there.” 

He also trained on vehicles like the Land Cruiser 4WD and Hägglund, and took part in on-site fire drills. “The FENZ team comes down and puts you through full simulations. It’s about muscle memory—because if there’s a fire, no one else is coming.”  

After months of preparation across New Zealand and Antarctica, he finally settled into his role—fully trained, fully aware of what was at stake. “The training made it real. You’re on your own down there, but you’re ready.”