Congratulations to New Zealand’s first fourteen Certified Civil Tradespeople, who were honoured at the Civil Trades national launch at Parliament last night.
The newly certified group come from throughout the country, working for industry stalwarts like Fulton Hogan, Fletchers, Downer NZ, City Care, Andrew Haulage and Higgins Contractors on projects including Auckland's Waterview Connection.
Their achievement signifies the beginning of a new era for the Civil Industry. The establishment of a formal certification recognising people working at tradesperson level that are both qualified and highly skilled in civil constructing, and maintaining civil infrastructure, is a significant step forward for the industry.
Up until now - unlike building, plumbing and electrical workers - workers in civil infrastructure, in jobs such as road construction and pipe installation, have had no industry wide, transferrable trade qualification. Now civil workers effectively have an apprenticeship available that allows them to study and work at the same time, while accumulating hours towards their trade certification.
Civil Infrastructure is one of the largest industries in the country encompassing 600 businesses and 40,000 employees nationwide, with a $20 billion annual turnover.
Earlier this year a Civil Trades Certification Board was established to oversee the initiation of the new trade regime. The initiative has wide industry support and is being developed through Civil Contractors New Zealand in partnership with Connexis, the industry-training organisation for the infrastructure industry.
Inaugural chair of the Civil Trades Certification Board, Dave Connell, says the trade certification will fundamentally change how the civil infrastructure industry works. "A regulated trades regime sees certified tradespeople take ownership and provide the craftsmanship required for delivery of a product or construction activity. It will be game changing for the industry and the people who work in it."
Dave says the trade certification will empower workers, who will have a recognised and transferrable trade behind them. He says for employers it means more engaged workers who are more productive and safer, and with an expected streamlining of on-site work practices.
Connexis ITO chief executive Helmut Modlik says the establishment of the Trade Certification Board is a significant milestone. "This is very exciting for the industry and marks the beginning of a steady roll out of qualified workers with transferrable skills, which is of course beneficial to both workers and employees. Qualified people produce quality infrastructure.”
Helmut adds, "The new qualification will also help attract workers to the industry now that it offers a clear career path. Introducing a trade regime for civil infrastructure has been something that has been wanted by the industry for a long time and it's a significant step for both the industry and its workers.”
The first Certified Civil Tradespeople in New Zealand, pictured at the Civil Trades launch event at Parliament
Joshua Rapihana, Downer NZ, Waiheke Island; Barry Bowen, City Care, Christchurch; Wayne Smith, HEB Construction, Auckland; Hon Louise Upston MP; Kenny Brown, Fulton Hogan, Christchurch; Hon Stephen Joyce MP; Matt Paget, Higgins Contractors, Mount Maunganui; Scott McKenzie, Ching Contracting Ltd, Nelson; Robert Matete, Downer NZ, Gisborne; Billy West, Fulton Hogan, Northland; Ray Scott, McConnell Dowell, Auckland; Che Gallagher, Fletcher Construction, Christchurch; Ross McLaren, Andrew Haulage, Balclutha; Joe Fraser, Goodman Contractors Ltd, Waikanae; Wes Jefferys, City Care, Christchurch; Richard Leach, Higgins Contractors, Wellington.
www.civiltrades.co.nz
For more information contact:
Dave Connell, Chair Civil Trades Certification Board - 027 496 7851
Helmut Modlik, CEO Connexis - 04 494 1880