Preparing for the boom

Little has changed since BCITO reported a shortage of apprentices in the construction industry three months go. With work projected to increase considerably in the near future, now is a good time to recruit apprentices – both so you can meet the growing demand now and leave the industry in good ‘hammer hands’ for years to come

BCITO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says “this is the best time anyone could hope for to enter the industry.”

A 12% increase in construction activity accounted for two thirds of the overall increase in GDP during the March 2014 quarter. This was driven by large lifts to both residential and non-residential building activity. With residential consent numbers around most of the country continuing to climb, and the non-residential rebuild in Canterbury gearing up, the construction sector will continue being a key contributor to growth throughout 2014.

Without a significant increase in trainee numbers, the construction industry won’t have enough trained professionals to cope with the increased volume in the near future.

Statistics supplied by economic analysts Infometrics show the value of commercial building work in the March quarter was up 91% from a year earlier, the strongest lift since 2004. Nationwide new dwelling consents are expected to increase by an average of 14% per annum over the three years to March 2017. This projected yearly build rate of 33,200 would be less than the 2004 peak, but is backed by projections indicating that further increases in residential construction are needed to meet underlying demand.

There was also very strong growth in office consents (112%) and retail consents (48%) from the March 2013 quarter. Infometrics predicts that growth in commercial building activity will continue at a rate of at least 2.5% per annum during the next two years.

Now is the best time to recruit new apprentices

Employers in the building and construction industries should take on apprentices now, in order to curb an imminent skilled labour shortage. There are a number of other good reasons to bring new blood into the industry:

• Does your business have an ageing staff profile? When your older employees with many years of industry knowledge exit, your business will need up-and-coming professionals in training to be able to retain those valuable skills and experience.
• Have you been thinking about a succession plan? When you wish to retire or move on, will that succession happen from within your business?
• The Government’s incentive of the Apprenticeship Reboot Scheme* offers financial assistance to trainees and employers, who sign into training agreements before 31 December 2014.

Apprentices learn from the boss or trainer on the job every day. They put in time ‘on the tools’, learn the ropes of the trade and work with clients and other tradespeople. Apprentices training through BCITO are provided with assessment and support. A designated training advisor will visit a few times a year to see how the apprentice is progressing. Some theory is required and apprentices are supported by their employer and BCITO to help them reach their goals.

After recently merging with FloorNZ/DecorateNZ and the Joinery ITO, BCITO is now the third-largest industry training organisation in New Zealand. BCITO now has coverage for apprenticeships and national qualifications in the following industries:

• Architectural Aluminium Joinery
• Glass & Glazing
• Brick and Blocklaying
• Interior Systems
• Carpentry
• Kitchen & Bathroom Design
• Concrete
• Masonry
• Exterior Plastering
• Painting & Decorating
• Flooring
• Tiling
• Frame & Truss
• Timber Joinery

*Eligibility criteria apply. Click here for full information.

About BCITO

Working closely with industries to provide support and meet training needs into the future, BCITO is geared up for an increase in trainee numbers and is eager to hear from any employers ready to begin taking on extra capacity. If you want someone young and fresh to help you out who’ll become a valuable member of your team and the industry give serious thought to hiring an apprentice now.  BCITO may even be able to help you find the most suitable candidate.

To learn more about apprenticeships and nationally recognised qualifications visit www.bcito.org.nz or phone BCITO on 0800 4 BCITO (422 486).