Building industry planning to add new apprentices to meet demand

An expected rise in building activity has almost a quarter of construction industry employers planning to increase their number of apprentices over the next 12 months.

In a recent survey, the Building and Construction Training Industry Organisation (BCITO) asked 618 construction employers for feedback on the sector and the BCITO’s performance.

BCITO Chief Executive Ruma Karaitiana said the industry was looking forward to increased activity as leaky home repairs, the Christchurch rebuild, and the need to address Auckland’s pending housing shortage came into effect.

This was reflected in the survey with South Island building companies the most optimistic about staffing needs – 33 percent expecting to hire new apprentices.

Mr Karaitiana said upcoming demand meant it was crucial that the industry supported apprentices and their skill development.

“The key reason for this survey is to gain industry feedback on how the BCITO performs in its training capacity, and to ensure the New Zealand building industry is looking after its future.”

The survey showed the BCITO at the forefront of nearly 90 percent of employers’ minds when they consider industry training, with 92 percent backing BCITO as an organisation, which is “good for New Zealand’s building industry”.

“Particularly reassuring was that 84 percent of employers felt it was essential for continual professional development in the industry. This commitment to skills development bodes very well for the industry, as the introduction of the DBH’s Licensed Builder Practitioner scheme comes into effect,” he said.

To find out about the BCITO, BCITO training courses or how to train or find an apprentice please visit www.bcito.co.nz, contact 0800 4 BCITO or search on Facebook.

Notes to the editor

The BCITO is the organisation appointed by Government to develop and implement industry qualifications for the building and construction sector.

The BCITO is the standard-setting body for the following sectors within the building and construction industry.
The BCITO has offices throughout the country grouped into 4 Area teams.

·         The Northern Area has an office in Whangarei, North Shore and Auckland.

·         The Midlands Area has an office in Hamilton, Taupo and Mt Maunganui.

·         The Central Area has an office in Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson and Blenheim and The Southern Area has an office in Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill.

·         The National office is located in Wellington.