Apprenticeships grow but more trainees still needed
The number of Kiwis taking up building and construction apprenticeships has reached record high numbers, with the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) recently announcing it had reached 13,000 apprentices in active training.
BCITO chief executive Warwick Quinn says it is a positive development to have so many apprentices joining.
‘‘This demonstrates that many Kiwis are seeing the fantastic opportunities provided by a career in the trades. However, we still need more to join,’’ he says.
‘‘While our latest research shows that more parents, students and school leavers are becoming open to the trades, we’ve got a long way to go to reach the numbers required to meet skills demand.
‘‘Employment forecasts estimate 80,000 new and replacement construction jobs opening in the next five years. To fill this demand, we need more people to start formal training now. There are a vast number of roles available. It is not all about being on the tools.
‘‘Unless we shift the dial and educate people about the range of opportunities within the trades, we won’t be able to meet demand.’’
Quinn says the number of people open to a career in the trades has increased since last year’s research, particularly among women, Ma¯ori and Pasifika.
‘‘Their jobs can be just as financially rewarding as getting a university degree, you can earn while you learn, and they offer a good balance,’’ he says.
In August, the Government announced a new way to recognise and encourage trainees in a wide range of fields with the launch of the country’s first student awards for trades training.
The Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award allows high schools to apply for a prize of $2000 to be awarded to their top vocational student. Funding is available for every secondary school in the country. Applications for this year’s awards have now closed.