FROM THE GROUND UP

Our apprentice column provides an opportunity for PAC members to share their views, experiences and ideas, while providing insight for builders who employ them. This month’s question is:

 

Q. Do apprentices have trouble finding an employer to take them on?

 

Name: Iona
Location: Auckland

I don’t think I’ll have any trouble finding permanent employment when I finish my apprenticeship. I know that a lot of companies
are looking for workers and that includes my current employer, so I don’t anticipate it being too hard to find work.

I’m not sure if the Apprenticeship Boost is to credit for that, but I do know that it’s been helpful to me on a personal level. The Fees Free scheme was especially useful and it really encouraged me to take the leap into the industry, so it would be a shame if those people struggled to find work.

Despite that, I found it hard to find an apprenticeship at first, because there wasn’t a lot of information out there. I was helped by a workshop run by SENZ Training and Employment Centre, which is how I got in with my current employer. My first build was on a Kāinga Ora residential build, which I really enjoyed.

I’m glad that I found that opportunity, because I love building. It’s the perfect industry for me as I have ADHD and sitting behind a desk just wouldn’t work for me! To be honest, I would have entered the industry even if I had to pay my own way.

 

Name: Chris
Location: Otago

I’ve already had a job offer for when I’m qualified and, looking around, there seems to be plenty of work available. Additionally, I didn’t have any trouble finding an apprenticeship and we have three or four apprentices where I work, so my boss doesn’t seem to mind taking them on!

Personally, Fees Free was a help to me and it’s given me a bit more flexibility in picking an employer when I’m qualified. If my fees weren’t free, I’d have had to stay on with my current employer for a couple of years after I’ve finished – but, as my fees were covered by the scheme, that’s not the case. However, I was always going to get into construction, as I’ve always wanted to work on the tools. When I was offered the opportunity to do so, I couldn’t turn it down. I guess knowing that job prospects were good also played a part in my decision making.

I think the Boost has helped get more people into the industry, because firms could afford to take on apprentices when they weren’t going to do so previously. 

In terms of a slowdown, nobody is really talking about one, so I’m not sure what might happen if 2023 is a bit more difficult.

 

Name: Jarod
Location: Northland

The company I’m doing my apprenticeship with has said I’ll be offered full-time employment when I’m qualified. That will be soon, as I just need sign off on a few things and then I’m done! 

I think that most apprentices will be in the same position, as there’s a lot of people who need workers, especially around the Northland region, so I think most newly qualified tradies will walk into jobs once they’re finished.

I reckon the Apprentice Boost has helped a lot of employers take on apprentices because, as much of an investment in the industry it might be, it’s still a financial burden on them, as learners can only do so much while they’re training. It’s really helped get people into the trade and provide the staff that a lot
of companies really need, so it’s a win-win.

Now we’re coming to the end of the year, there has been a little chat about a potential slowdown in 2023. However, the company I work for does a lot of commercial jobs, so hopefully we’ll be fine!