Tradie boom powers builds
A record number of Kiwis are in trade apprenticeships, according to industry group, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation.
BCITO, the country’s largest provider of construction sector apprenticeships, now has 10,000 apprentices actively working towards qualifications in the building and construction industry.
Chief executive Warwick Quinn said it was an extremely important milestone.
‘‘This is the first time we have ever had this many apprentices in training at one time. But we need even more if we want to meet the current and future building boom’’ he said.
‘‘As per recent Government announcements predicting an additional 50,000 construction jobs by 2021, we are expecting big growth in demand for skilled tradespeople.
‘‘However, on top of new jobs, our construction industry has an aging population. When we add new jobs to replacement jobs, the total is quite astounding.’’
BCITO estimated it was signing up around 3,000 to 4,000 new apprentices each year, but even so it would not come close to the number of skilled people industry needed by 2021.
‘‘Given the fierce demand for apprentices, the time is certainly ripe for a career in construction’’ Quinn said.
The 10,000th apprentice to sign up was Scott Fisher, who works at A J Savill in Queenstown.