Key skill shortages in New Zealand's Construction Sector

MIKE WESTBURY • July 19, 2017

Key skill shortages in New Zealand's Construction Sector

I didn’t think I’ll ever be writing ads about the construction boom in New Zealand again like at the beginning of my career in 2005 but we aren’t far off it. To be honest with you, I think ‘boom’ is the wrong term. It comes with a negative connotation, as it also implies there will be a ‘bust’ or a downturn. Hopefully, we will have a more evenly positive next few years in the construction sector.

However, there are a few key skills shortages which are becoming very apparent as we reach the half way point of 2017:

Quantity Surveyors of any shape of size, this is something that has not changed since the heady days of 2005, but on both the contractor, sub-contractor and consultancy side we are seeing demand for qualified intermediates and senior level candidates.

Those with true pre-construction experience – most savvy main contractors have setup a team or an ability to provide pre-construction services and engage with their clients at an early stage. Candidates with actual bid management or design management experience are highly sought after. Unfortunately, just the desire to do this work is not always enough.

Good, well qualified professional project managers, this swings between needing intermediates, seniors, and project directors. Usually, we have plenty of what people don’t need at the time! But those degree qualified people who see project management as a skill and an art form in itself are in demand!

Good graduates, especially quantity surveyors, but anyone with engineering, architecture, building science or quantity surveying and ideally also with some site based experience, even just labouring, are in demand. Throw in some good communication skills and a bit of humility and you have yourself a top candidate.

Actual Site Managers, not Foreman, not Leading Hands, not glorified carpenters. I’ve found that good quality Site Managers or Senior Site Managers for decent sized projects in the commercial construction sector are hard to find. They get paid well, $120K-$130K plus ute, to drive the projects and make things happen.

There is a lack of people interested in buying into companies – we are seeing a trend of senior figures preparing themselves for exiting their businesses and there are a number of opportunities for the next generation of business owners to come in and take over. Unfortunately, not enough candidates with the commercial nous, drive, ambition or financial ability to enter into a directorship.

So, these are the pressure points I’ve noticed in the construction sector at present, but despite the demand and skill shortage, the construction industry looks set to continue to “boom”.

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