August 27, 2014
Trades training falling short
The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation is warning that even though 9000 building apprentices are in training, that's still not enough to meet growing demand.
Chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says at current recruitment and training rates the pressure on all trades from carpentry to painting and brick & block laying will continue into the 2020s.
He says the construction is in competition with the engineering, farming and technology sectors for suitable trainees.
The 9000th apprentice signed up by the ITO was Deniro Larsen-Marsters of Auckland, a graduate of Te Puni Kokiri’s Maori Cadetship Programme.
Labour's employment and training spokesperson Grant Robertson says the shortage of skilled tradespeople is a result of National’s failure to plan and develop the workforce.
Labour is promising more money for apprentice training as well as returning to Industry Training Organisations the responsibilty for skills leadership.
The Maori Party says it wants to double the number of Maori and Pasifika Trade Training placements 3000 to 6000 a year.
Internet Mana sees digital technology as a key element in its plan to create 100,000 new jobs over the next five years.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd