Building apprenticeships take off as industry flourishes
Auckland has seen a 42% rise in sign-ups, closely followed by a 38% increase in Christchurch.
The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation has seen a massive 22% increase in new apprenticeships as a result of New Zealand’s rebounding building industry.
There have been 1520 sign-ups in the first quarter of 2013 compared to 1250 in the same quarter in 2012, which BCITO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana attributes to both the demand for apprentices and the success of the government’s Reboot grant initiative.
“The building and construction industry is flourishing at the moment, and there is a real need for apprentices. In some areas, demand for apprentices is outstripping supply,” he says.
“Building consents for new houses hit a five-year high last month, with 1755 new houses consented in April 2013. Career seekers are recognising the potential of this industry and the exciting projects that lie ahead in the wake of the Christchurch rebuild and in other parts of the country.”
Earlier this year the government announced it would invest up to $40 million in incentives for trade apprentices and their employers, which has encouraged more apprentices to sign up, Mr Karaitiana says.
“Eligible new apprentices signing up with the BCITO after April 1, 2013, can receive $2000 toward tools and training costs, and their employers will receive the same amount.
Auckland has seen a 42% increase in apprenticeship sign-ups, closely followed by a 38% rise in Christchurch. This reinforces that Auckland will contribute to the coming boom just as much as Christchurch, Mr Karaitiana says.
“Demand for apprentices is so high that the BCITO is launching a recruitment campaign to get more people into the industry.
“We’ve launched our ‘Get Real’ recruitment campaign because the industry is booming and we need more talent."
With Canterbury and Auckland driving a $46 billion building boom over the next five years, there is going to be guaranteed work in the building and construction industry for some time, he says.
NBR staff
Wed, 12 Jun 2013
Wed, 12 Jun 2013
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Building apprenticeships take off as industry flourishes
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