May 29, 2018
Jobs challenge in infrastructure spend
Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones is warning companies they need to show more commitment to training if they want to participate in infrastructure projects or KiwiBuild.
Mr Jones is scouring the country for projects suitable for the Labour-New Zealand First Government's $1 billion a year provincial growth fund.
He says that means working with local government leaders who know their regions, and also business investors who may need some help from government to get deals over the line.
While firms are pushing for visas for builders and skilled tradespeople, he doesn't believe it is appropriate for providers to get large state contracts if they won't take on apprentices.
"What's the point of bringing in young immigrants to do the work if we are not training our own people at the same time. This is what the National Party failed to do in Christchurch. I have been insistent with every industry group I have met with, start investing in the young people, don't expect to get a free pass with the crown chequebook to build either infrastructure or housing if you are not putting the putea into the lives of the next generation of tradesmen," Mr Jones says.
He says successive governments haven't done enought to get young Maori into the job market.
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