Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) this month published the Developing a Skilled Civil Construction Workforce report. The report maps out the challenges and opportunities in onboarding new entrant workers and helping them upskill. It is the first project from CCNZ’s Civil Workforce Forum.
The report highlights the role of training and says embedding worker development into day-to-day business, backed by government contracts that reward training outcomes, will help fill the skills gap.
CCNZ Chief Executive Alan Pollard says the report sets a path to tackle longstanding workforce challenges in civil construction. He says “the time is now” for partnerships between industry, government and education that onboard, support and develop new workers to the civil trades.
“We need a paradigm shift to an environment where training prepares people to enter work with the practical skills they need to have successful and rewarding careers. To do this, we need clearer entry points to work, consistent funding of training delivery, and a mature apprenticeship system that supports and develops our civil tradespeople.”
Access the full report here or read this RNZ article which includes comment from Connexis Director Kaarin Gaukrodger.
