What to expect from the building industry

What would you tell someone considering to become a builder to expect?

Firm: Todd Grey
Principal: Todd Grey Builders
Location: Mount Maunganui
Staff: 5
My first piece of advice would be to go into a pre-trade course and get a feel for the industry. You do occasionally get guys coming straight out of school, who start an apprenticeship, then decide it’s not
for them. A pre-trade course is a good way for them to not only learn basic foundation skills, but also get a taste of the industry, so they know what they’re getting into before starting an apprenticeship.

A good attitude and ability to work in a team is also important, because we don’t just deal with other builders on site; you need to be able work with all the subcontractors, too. They also need to understand they won’t always get the good jobs and, when they don’t, not complain about it, because it’s a part of the learning process.

Overall, though, it’s a fantastic industry to be in if you’re practically minded and like working with your hands. There’s generally a lot of variety in the work from day to day, which is one of the things I really enjoy about being a builder.

Firm: REBL Construction
Principal:  Roger Elliott
Location: Hamilton
Staff: 5
The biggest thing I would say is that they need to be fully aware of the new compliance and health and safety legislation, because that is what’s going to dictate the industry’s future.

It’s a brilliant industry to be in. I’ve made a lot of good friends from working in building: not only the guys I work with, but with subcontractors and designers as well. I also think it’s really important they put as many strings on their bow as possible, because when the industry hits a down cycle, it can be tough to find work if you have limited skills. I’d recommend they do their homework on any potential employers, so they can plan
a career path.

A good attitude is also very important, because you’re always working in a team environment. They need to be respectful as well; I think all of the skills you need to be a good builder flow out from that.

A good level of fitness is required as well, because it’s physical work. But again, the most important thing is having a good brain in their head. I’d describe the ideal apprentice as an 18-19 year old kid, from a good family background, who is active in sport and has a good personality.

Firm: Ken Wilson Builders 
Principal: Ken Wilson
Location: Whangaparaoa
Staff: 10

I’d tell them to expect a variety of work and be prepared for the physical side of things. It’s a really good environment to work in as well; generally the guys you work with get on well and spend time together away from work. It’s also very rewarding when you get to look at your work at the end of the day and know you’ve
built something.

Working outside is one of the things I really enjoy about the industry, so that’s something else to expect.

Today, it’s also very important to understand the legal side of it. Smarts is definitely becoming a bigger part of the trade and the ability to learn and listen is important. Not any Joe Bloggs can come in and do it; you need to be able come up with strategies to make things work.

Work ethic is also crucial; if they aren’t prepared to work hard, they just end up letting down the team. At the moment, it’s a really good industry to be in because there’s a lot of work on and I think there will be for some time to come.

On the other side of it, it’s about managing the good times so you can survive the slow times. An important part of that is keeping your client happy, because it helps build a good reputation.

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Email your answer with your full name, contact phone number, company name, number of full-time staff and the city or town in which you’re based to editor@pmundersconstruction.co.nz. All responses must be submitted by 25 July. The answers to this question will be published in Under Construction September.