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Jason Barraclough |
Building is not just about hammering in nails. "I didn't realise when I first started building that you had to build footings and lay concrete as well. It can be quite a physical job but very satisfying," Jason Barraclough says.
Jason admits that he pretty much went to school because he ...
Job Overview: Builders work on-site building, repairing and installing structures such as foundations, walls, roofs, windows and doors in large and small buildings.
ALTERNATIVE TITLES
Building Contractor
TASKS AND DUTIES
Builders may do some or all of the following:
- construct, alter and repair buildings
- discuss building plans or changes with architects and clients
- calculate the amount of materials required
- work out how much the work will cost
- oversee delivery of building materials
- hire tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers
- organise the details of contracts
- arrange building consent and notify building and plumbing inspectors of work that requires inspection
- ensure building standards and correct health and safety practices are met
TRAITS OF A GOOD BUILDER / CARPENTER
Builders need to have:
-building and carpentry skills
-good planning and organisational ability
-good communication skills
-numeracy and literacy skills
-skill in interpreting drawings
-problem solving skills
Communication skills are important to ensure client's needs are met, co-ordinate and supervise staff, and for dealing with other professionals.
As an apprentice you will learn about building methods, materials, building and safety regulations, as well as how to read architectural plans and diagrams. Therefore, a good knowledge of basic maths and trigonometry is useful. Builders will also learn how to deal with local authorities, architects and other contractors.
Personal qualities that builders need to have are:
-accuracy and an eye for detail
-safety-conscious at all times
-able to work with a range of people
-self-motivated
-good judgment
-steady hands and good hand-eye co-ordination
-be fit, healthy and strong
QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING NEEDED
There are no specific secondary educational requirements to become a builder, but three years of secondary education is preferred. Useful subjects include English, maths, woodwork and technical drawing. A National Certificate in Carpentry or a pre-apprenticeship course in building is useful for those wanting to work as a builder.
Builders are normally experienced carpenters who have progressed from an apprenticeship in carpentry to being self-employed.
Building skills are gained on the job, and building apprentices can combine this learning with classroom work. Useful work experience includes draughting, woodwork, farm work, or any work in the building industry. Depending on the person, a building apprenticeship can take between 3 and 4 years to complete.
Find Training Providers in our Education Directory:
Alpha Training & Development Centre
G & H Training
Taranaki FEATS
Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)
Local Industry Training Organisation (ITO)
Name: Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO)
Contact: Graeme Fairclough
Phone: 06 755 4390
Free Phone: 0800 4 BCITO (0800 422 486)
Email: Graeme.Fairclough@bcito.org.nz
Website: http://www.bcito.org.nz
Local Apprenticeship Co-ordinator
Name: G & H Training
Contact: Nigel Scrimshaw
Phone: 06 358 9365
Free Phone: 08008764664
Email: nigel.scrimshaw@ghtraining.co.nz
Website: http://www.ghtraining.co.nz
STUDY COSTS
The study costs for a building or carpentry apprenticeship varies considerably. In some cases the organisation you are working for will pay for all costs associated with your apprenticeship study. Other employers pay for your study notes and/or block courses. Some employers have an agreement with their apprentices where the cost of study comes out of their wage.
In some cases the apprentice will need to cover all costs associated with their apprenticeship. Costs for learning and assessment packages, containing all of the work to be done for each unit standard, can be between $2,500 and $3,000 in total. Predominately training is done on-site, however, some apprentices may do block courses, which are extra costs.
If you wish to enroll in a local pre-apprenticeship course this study will be for 1 year and cost up to $3,700.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Builders work inside and outside on small and large building sites and in all weather conditions. They also travel from one building site to another in their region. Builders use a variety of equipment including:
Power and hand tools
Precise measuring equipment
Building materials such as timber and steel
Machinery
Safety equipment, such as hard hats, steel-capped work boots, ear protection and protective wet-weather clothing
Working conditions on buildings sites may be muddy, noisy and dusty. Builders must be safety conscious at all times and should feel comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces. Builders may work regular (7am-4pm) or long hours and can do some weekend work.
An hourly rate is a matter of negotiation between the apprentice/trainee and their employer. However, as a guideline apprentices usually start out on an hourly rate between $8 and $12. As they progress building apprentices can earn up to $23 per hour. Qualified contract builders usually earn between $25 and $35 per hour. Salary for self-employed builders depends on the success of their business.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - Where can this qualification lead to in the future?
EARN AS YOU LEARN while training for a National Certificate NZQA qualification. This means that you will NOT have any student debt. If you are someone who enjoys the physical and mental challenges of working with your hands then completing a building/carpentry apprenticeship could be your ticket to an exciting and varied career. A major influence on job opportunities in this area is the state of the local economy, which is very strong at the moment in Taranaki. It is well known that Taranaki building industry is booming! New inner city apartments are being built and land on the outskirts of town is being subdivided for new houses. This has created a huge increase in the demand for builders.
There is also a shortage of skilled supervisory or project management positions. Therefore, once apprentices are qualified there are career opportunities for further development.
In addition, builders can eventually own their own business or contract themselves out on particular projects.
COMPANY PROFILES
Below is a list of Taranaki businesses that employ builders (these are only example businesses for you to research this particular career choice). In addition, write-ups featured in the Career Profiles section provide some insight into the work environment and opportunities available within the industry.
- Jones Paul Construction Ltd, New Plymouth and Hawera
- Clelands Construction, Katere Road, New Plymouth
- Buildwise Ltd, Inglewood
St Mary's Diocesan School - Academic/Music
RELEVANT CONTACTS
Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO)| Taranaki Contact: | Graeme Fairclough |
| Phone: | (06) 755 4390 or 0800 4 BCITO (0800 422 486) |
| Email: | Graeme.Fairclough@bcito.org.nz |
| Website: | http://www.bcito.org.nz |
G & H Training
| Taranaki Contact: | Nigel Scrimshaw |
| Phone: | 0800 876 4664 |
| Email: | nigel.scrimshaw@ghtraining.co.nz |
| Website: | http://www.ghtraining.co.nz |
Taranaki Registered Master Builders
| Phone: | 0800 269 119 |
| Website: | http://www.masterbuilder.org.nz |
Certified Builders Association of New Zealand Inc
| Website: | http://www.certified.co.nz |
Modern Apprenticeships
| Phone: | 0800 4 Apprentice |
| Website: | http://www.modern-apprenticeships.govt.nz |
Kindly supported by Career Services Rapuara
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