This past year has seen an increase in the number of apprentices in the building industry both nationally and locally. Building booms in the major cities have helped encourage a growth in construction activity and the Bay of Plenty is not alone in this. A surge in building work in both local commercial and residential markets has meant many local builders have been struggling to find skilled trades people.
Residential building work is increasing due to the highest amount of building consents for seven years issued in 2014. Plus there are the proposed Government driven special housing areas in the Bay and the growth in new home building or for some homeowners - renovating to beat the rising cost of buying property.
Commercial developments such as the CBD earthquake modifications and proposed demo's and rebuilds in downtown Tauranga, as well as retail developments at Papamoa, Pyes Pa and Tauriko, have created other trade work opportunities.
Despite enduring the effects of seven long years of the global financial crisis, this growth in building activity must bode well for the Bay of Plenty.
Building Apprenticeship Numbers Rise – Jarrah Construction
