Business South June 2021

70 | BUILDING Tasman - Peter Ray Homes Blenheim/Master Builders Marlborough Industry facing plenty of challenges T Richard Loader Peter Ray Homes Blenheim promotes architectural building across the board from first homes right through to the more high-end bracket. W hile Marlborough is enjoying signifi- cant growth in residential and com- mercial construction, Rowan Lee, President of Master Builders Marlborough, warns that the biggest challenge facing the industry is the supply of skilled trades people. “At the moment there isn’t sufficient capac- ity to meet the demand and we’re definitely struggling,” says Rowan, who has owned the Peter Ray Homes Blenheim franchise for the last fourteen years. “We don’t have sufficient skilled trades people in the region and I don’t think we do nationally either to be honest.” Describing the issue as a bit of a ‘chicken and egg’ situation, Rowan says while the re- gion needs to encourage skilled tradespeople to relocate to Marlborough’s sunny climes to meet the demand for new housing, those peo- ple coming into the region need to be housed. “The scarcity of the skilled resource is not just builders. It crosses all trades - plumbers, builders, electricians, roofers, brickies. “We have to take on less skilled people and train them up during projects rather than build them up slowly.” Marlborough Regional Council has engaged with business owners and industry leaders, including Master Builders Marlborough to find ways to improve the skills deficit. Rowan points to the school curriculum that has been heavily geared towards channeling kids into the universities over the years, leav- ing trades the poor cousins, seldom seen as attractive career options. To help solve the problem a mentoring programme has been developed where lead- ers from the various trades visit schools and explain the opportunities that lie within and beyond the trade certificate. For example, a plumbing qualification can lead to project management or a gas fitting — these are trades and capabilities in high demand that evolve from the core trade. “Young people think that builders are on site hammering nails all days. But we’re saying you can be an architect, construction manager “We look at ways how we can promote industry training, and mentor people once they do decide to take on a role so that they enjoy it and there are no learning issues. Young people need that support.” or quantity surveyor from the trade. Young people just don’t realize the opportunities. “We look at ways how we can promote in- dustry training, and mentor people once they do decide to take on a role so that they enjoy it and there are no learning issues. Young people need that support.” Of the kids that take on a trade, some will emerge as senior team members, leaders and successful business owners of the future. It’s not always the young people who you think are going to rise to the top in their trade either,” says Rowan. “It might not even be the highest skilled person. It’s often those people who are highly motivated to improve themselves or strive to be the best. “So it’s about trying to identify those people and support them. Sometimes that support might extend to helping them budget — do they know how to save money? It’s amazing how many have no idea. So these are things we’re trying to do to help them stay in the trade.” Rowan says Marlborough’s growth is partly because it’s a cost effective place to live with many people choosing to move from the cities to enjoy the lifestyle in the region. • Experienced, Certifying Drainlayers • Waste water treatment systems • Commercial • Residential • Subdivisions • Septic tanks For a free no obligation quotation Phone Murray. 578 4277 Cell. 027 608 8566 Marlborough • Kaikoura • Sounds 5 Pitchell St, Blenheim 7201 - PO Box 450 Blenheim 7240 Ph: 03 577 51 60 - www.zorite.co.nz - admin@zorite.co.nz 2009 LTD • Gerard roofing services • Painting services • Suspended ceilings • Gib fixing & stopping • Exterior plastering • Fibrous cornice What we can do for you RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, ARCHITECTURAL JOINERY, KITCHENS, TIMBER DOORS, WINDOWS & STAIRS, INTERIOR DOORS, CUSTOM FURNITURE & VANITIES, TIMBER MACHINING & MORE P 03 5794004 M 027 3261485 3 MURPHYS RD BLENHEIM