First quarter sees record number of new building apprenticeships

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The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) has seen a massive 22% increase in new building 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 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,” Mr Karaitiana 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 towards tools and training costs, and their employers will receive the same amount.
“Our initial estimates show that more than 90% of BCITO apprentices who have signed up since March 6, 2013, are eligible for the Government’s Reboot grant.”

Auckland has seen a massive 42% increase in apprenticeship sign-ups, closely followed by a 38% increase in Christchurch. This reinforces that Auckland is going to 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’s going to be guaranteed work in the building and construction industry for a long time.
“We encourage people considering their career options to visit GETREAL.co.nz to learn more about how being an apprentice gives you a real lifestyle, real training and a real career.”

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