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Concerns raised over apprenticeship scheme
12 Feb, 2021 08:00 PM
8 minutes to read
Apprenticeship numbers have climbed but still aren t where they need to be experts say. Photo / Getty Images
Apprenticeship numbers have climbed but still aren t where they need to be experts say. Photo / Getty Images
Heavyweights in the trades say a broad-brush approach to the Government s apprenticeship scheme is draining funds that should go to sectors hardest hit by the skilled labour shortage. Plumbers, electricians and building representatives were also concerned people were training for the wrong reasons or employers were using them as cheap labour.
But others say Government funding had helped build business confidence and more apprentices gaining qualifications was a win-win.
People wanting a specific builder or a refurbishment to their home are being told they may have to wait one to two years due to a lack of skilled tradies.
New Zealand Certified Builders chief executive Grant Florence says there s a great flow of new and eager tradies coming into the sector - but still a major shortage of skilled tradespeople.
Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The housing boom and an ageing work-force has been exacerbated by a lack of international labour due to border closures.
Last month the Building and Construction Industry said the number of apprentices was at an all time high - 16,000 people are currently training for one of the trades.