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.What makes a business good to work for? 

 

Name: Jamie

Location: Canterbury

I really like to be treated as though I have the knowledge and experience to contribute to the job, and to feel like I’m a valued part of the crew. 

Everyone has something to offer. You hear of sites where apprentices might be working on something and then a more experienced tradie takes over and finishes the job that they were capable of doing. That hasn’t happened to me, but I would hate to be in a situation like that. I don’t want to be working the lowest skill jobs all the time. I want to be challenged, which, in turn, helps me learn.

Having a boss that’s flexible is a big plus as well. Mine is good and understands that life happens during work hours. It’s the same with leave. As long as we’re getting the job done, they’re happy for us to take time away if we need to go to the doctors or things like that.

I wouldn’t rank money as the most important thing for me. If anything, it’s the opposite! I was working in a management position for a company that employed 5,000 people, earning good money, and left for an apprentice’s wage! For me, it’s all about enjoying what I’m doing. If someone offered me $5 more an hour but I enjoyed the work less, I’d turn it down. That would be a no-brainer!

 

Name: Geoff
Location: Dunedin

The most important thing for me is to work for someone who can provide me with stimulating, challenging and rewarding work. I don’t want to be doing repetitive tasks again and again, which makes coming to work boring. 

I know of companies that do such limited work and get subbies in to do most of the build and that’s not what I want. I like to do things that mean I need to keep learning; especially about the structural elements of building. 

I’ve been lucky that all my bosses have been very good at providing a good work/life balance and understand that things like doctor’s appointments will be during the day, so you need to miss a bit of work for them.

I’d sacrifice earning more money to keep the balance in my life. If you end up chasing the dollars, you can find yourself in situations where you get used. Some firms can promise a few extra bucks here or there if you come on board as a sub-contractor but, once work dries up, you’re the first out the door!

That said, some people want to earn as much as possible. I did an adult apprenticeship, so my perspective may be different to younger apprentices.

 

Name: Tendy
Location: Canterbury

I find that the best businesses provide flexibility for employees. As a mother, having an employer who understands that kids get sick sometimes and need looking after is really important. 

My employer has a very family-first approach, which creates a good work environment; and because my employer is flexible with me, I’m flexible with them, so I’ll work after hours if it’s required.

Another thing I look for is good company culture. In our industry, people talk and you hear about the places that have good culture versus those that have a bad one. I’d say things like how robust a company’s health and safety policy is, how quickly any instances of bullying are stamped out, and how inclusive a business is are all factors that contribute towards good culture.

While I think money is important, I’d work for less money if my other needs were met. I value peace of mind and having less stress in my job over earning a few more dollars here or there. To me, earning more but working in a place that makes you unhappy isn’t worth it.