LBP scheme moving forward

New LBP registrar determines areas of focus required to improve scheme recognition

A month into his appointment, LBP registrar Paul Hobbs is busy getting up to speed. On his appointment, he said his aim was to work with the Building Practitioners Board to help promote, recognise and support professional skills and behaviour in the building industry.

Paul is confident the scheme will continue to develop and mature over time. However, below are some of
the areas he believes require focus going forward.

Skills maintenance

A review of skills maintenance is currently underway and the MBIE has been working with LBPs and the wider sector to understand how they’re finding the current scheme, and to explore what could be improved. This includes strengthening the brand – ensuring  the LBP scheme becomes more widely recognised by consumers as a symbol of competence. A range of possible changes, which will then be consulted on, are already being developed.

The skills maintenance review is due to be completed by the end of September 2014, and will be featured in Under Construction.

Electrical and building occupational licensing

The recent formation of the electrical and building occupational licensing team (EBOLT) supports the Ministry’s aim to become a centre of excellence for occupational licensing. EBOLT brings together the former Licensed Building Practitioners Team and Electrical Workers Teams within MBIE, meaning the EBOLT team is now responsible for administering some 55,000 licence holders across the many areas of practice.

Robust complaints process

MBIE and Building Consent Authorities are actively pursuing complaints against people who choose to undertake restricted building work (RBW) without being licensed or being under supervision to do so. As a general rule, the sector appears to have come to terms with RBW requirements; however, some individuals continue to operate outside the law.

In addition to the above, MBIE continues to support the Building Practitioners Board, process new LBP applications, administer complaints and appeals for LBPs and build and enhance the LBP brand through sector engagement and advice, education and information.

Skills Maintenance Series

OCT-NOV 2014 with John Tait

PlaceMakers next round of skills maintenance seminars will focus on regulatory changes, technical guidance and business tips, ensuring you maintain the level of competence necessary to be a licensed building practitioner.