LBP scheme looks ahead

More than 75% of carpenters entering the LBP scheme are fully qualified 

Over the past few months, LBP registrar Paul Hobbs has attended numerous sector-related events, trade gatherings and conferences, including a PlaceMakers seminar in Petone, Wellington. This has given him the opportunity to discuss builder’s concerns and answer questions about where the scheme is heading.

At CBANZ’s recent conference, he was asked when the scheme would move to a fully-fledged qualification-based one as opposed to operating under the current mix of experience and/or qualification entry requirement.

Paul says that, while no firm date has been set for this to occur, requiring those entering the scheme to be fully qualified is on the work programme, as it would align with other occupational licensing schemes in the building sector. However, for the past two years, more than 75% of carpenters entering the LBP scheme in the last two years are fully qualified.

“It is worth noting that the LBP scheme is a complex model, in so far as it has seven separate licence classes: six that are trade-related, and one which deals with the design of certain building types,” says Paul. “More carpenters by far enter the scheme via a recognised qualification than any other licence class with a recognised trade qualification.

“Moving forward, the challenge for MBIE and the sector is to lift the current levels of qualified entrants and work towards drawing a legislative ‘line in the sand’, when it will become an explicit requirement to hold a trade or design-related qualification in order to enter the scheme. This is undoubtedly an important step in the scheme’s future development and maturity.”

At the PlaceMakers seminar, Paul also sought to dispel beliefs that getting licensed was too simple.

“Contrary to some feedback we’ve received, not everyone who applies gets a licence – in 2014, we received 2,108 applications and 275 were not approved,” says Paul. “We also have a complaints process designed to weed out those who have become licensed but perhaps shouldn’t have. We are seeing some significant decisions being handed down by the Building Practitioner’s Board, and complaints are up 40% this year.”