We’re back after a 3 year hiatus with a new blog discussing all things related to the New Zealand construction industry from an expert quantity surveying perspective. This week, we will be focusing on the pressing issue of labor shortages, as well as some of the causes and potential solutions.
The construction industry in New Zealand is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased government investment in infrastructure projects. However, this growth has been hampered by a shortage of skilled workers, which is affecting project timelines, costs, and overall industry productivity.
One of the main causes of the labor shortage is the aging workforce, with many skilled workers retiring without enough young people entering the industry to replace them. Additionally, the industry has traditionally struggled to attract and retain a diverse range of workers, including women and members of minority communities, which has contributed to the labor shortage.
To address these challenges, the government and industry are working together to encourage more young people and underrepresented groups to enter the industry. This includes the introduction of apprenticeships, training programs, and scholarships, which provide young people with the skills and experience they need to enter the industry and progress in their careers.
Another solution is to attract more migrant workers to New Zealand, with the government introducing a new Skilled Migrant Category visa in 2020. This visa is designed to make it easier for skilled workers to enter the country, with a focus on those with experience in construction and infrastructure.
In addition to these measures, the industry is also exploring ways to improve productivity and efficiency, which can help to mitigate the impact of labor shortages. This includes the use of new technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and offsite construction methods, which can help to streamline construction processes and reduce the need for manual labor.
Furthermore, the industry is looking at ways to improve working conditions and employee satisfaction to retain workers and reduce turnover. This includes offering better pay and benefits packages, as well as investing in employee training and development and promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry.
In conclusion, labor shortages in the construction industry in New Zealand are a significant challenge that needs to be addressed urgently. The government and the industry are taking steps to encourage more young people and underrepresented groups to enter the industry, attract skilled migrant workers, improve productivity and efficiency, and create better working conditions. By working together, we can ensure that the construction industry in New Zealand remains sustainable and continues to contribute to the country's economic growth.
