Building sector in safe hands with Gen-Y apprentices

New research released by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) shows the next generation of New Zealand builders are technology savvy, professional and passionate about their industry.

The BCITO research asked over 600 building apprentices for feedback on job and training satisfaction, internet habits and factors that influenced their career decisions.

According to the survey, 92 percent of apprentices believe they are learning the right skills for successful career development.

BCITO Chief Executive Ruma Karaitiana believes the building sector is in safe hands and says BCITO managed apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to go straight into training from school, enabling them to fast track their careers from an early age.

“We are seeing a new trend emerging with 89 percent of apprentices use the internet, and 59% of these apprentices use it on a daily basis, which can be useful for accessing resources to help them with their careers. They are utilising everything from social media sites to industry publications, and a quarter are doing it via smart phones.”

“With the new licensing legislation now in effect it is even more important that young tradesmen undergo formal apprenticeships, so it is great to see the level of proactive internet usage by these young men in their own career development. This is exactly the type of approach our industry needs in order to lift standards and give New Zealand confidence in their building industry”.

Ryan Keogh, Registered Master Builders Carters 2011 Apprentice of the Year, says he is a frequent internet user and believes it is a great way to keep on top of international building trends.

”I am not surprised to see so many apprentices using the internet. A number of young people use it for furthering study and accessing trade material, not to mention networking sites.

“As part of the new licensing laws, we are required to keep up with changing legislation and research trends, so the internet will serve as a powerful tool”.

The research also found that most current apprentices decided to become builders at around 16 years old, which Ruma believes shows that the next generation of builders has an early passion for the industry.

“There are a number of apprentices entering the construction sector because of its career development opportunities, which shows the professionalism and foresight of these young people.”

“BCITO managed apprenticeships also enable these young people to earn a wage whilst training, thus staying out of debt, often giving our young builders an edge over more academic pathways. And of course, many builders these days end up doing diploma or degree-level study down the track anyway.

“It is now up to employers to help train them and develop their skill sets. As the industry picks up, employers will be vying for accomplished practitioners,” Mr Karaitiana says.

To find out about the BCITO and their managed apprenticeship programmes, please visit www.bcito.co.nz, contact 0800 4 BCITO or search on Facebook.