Mitre 10 Trade Quarterly by Mitre 10 Trade

AU T U M N 2016

Y L R E T R A U Q

TAUPO BUILDER’S SECRETS TO SUCCESS WHY YOU NEED AN APPRENTICE NOW GET ONSIDE! 2016 TRADE RUGBY PICKS

www.mitre10.co.nz/trade

WIN A HARLEY

TIME TO SKILL: KEEP UP WITH LBP SKILLS MAINTENANCE CHANGES

DAVIDSON

facebook.com/Mitre10Trade

STRAPLINE GET ONSIDE

RUGBY PICKS CHALLENGE FOR THE TRADES With the 2015 Rugby World Cup safely locked up in the NZRU trophy cabinet for another four years, sports fansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attention now turns to 2016 Super Rugby. This tournament promises to be a real cracker, with Super Rugby expanded to 18 teams, including sides from Japan, Argentina, and a sixth franchise from South Africa. The team from Mitre 10 Trade is excited to announce the launch of the Mitre 10 Trade Rugby Picks* for 2016, kicking off with Investec Super Rugby in February. This online results tipping competition is the official tipping game of New Zealand Rugby and is brought to you exclusively by Mitre 10 Trade.

*Conditions apply - this challenge is only open to building and construction trade professionals.

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STRAPLINE OVER $40,000 WORTH OF PRIZES TO BE WON! THE CHALLENGE LAUNCHES in mid-February. Look out for an invite or contact the trade department at your local Mitre 10. This challenge is open to all building and construction trade professionals – pass this info on to your trade contacts so they don’t miss out.

Quick overview ■■ ■■ ■■

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Complete a brief online registration. Select the team you want to support. Make weekly selections of winners for each match along with the winning margin. Double points are awarded if you pick the correct result of the match featuring your favourite team. Don’t worry if you’re not a rugby expert – use the quick reference guide for team competition rankings and match results. An auto-updated leader board will show each player’s points and ranking throughout the competition.

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Players receive an email each Monday providing them with points updates and spot prize announcements for the previous weekend – what a way to start the week! You’ll also receive a gentle reminder every Friday to make your picks. These emails also feature exclusive offers to Mitre 10 Trade customers.

WIN GREAT PRIZES!

Oh, yes, there are prizes... Really good ones! There are weekly prizes and challenges, as well at the main prizes at the end of the challenge.

SET UP YOUR OWN GROUPS TO CHALLENGE AND SLEDGE YOUR MATES ■■

PLAY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME ON ANY DEVICE

Mitre 10 Trade Rugby Picks can be played on any device, including PCs, tablets, and smartphones (both iOS and Android), which means you can make your picks anywhere, anytime for each match, up to an hour prior to kickoff. If you forget, we’ll make your picks for you. The game’s “Auto-Picks” feature will make random picks for you for up to four rounds, if you forget to make your picks during the competition.

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All players will feature on the overall competition leader board. Additionally, you may set up your own sub-groups by inviting your tradie mates to join your groups. Within your groups, you will have your own mini leader board. You can also issue head-to-head challenges for each round and crack into some good old-fashioned sledging. This can be a lot of fun and we’ve had reports of victorious challengers scoring Friday drinks, team BBQs, and even getting their lawns mown by their defeated mates.

To register for the challenge go to mitre10.goteamgo.co Look forward to seeing you there!

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THE QUARTER UPFRONT AS SUMMER DRAWS to a close and the highlights, successes, and challenges of 2015 are mostly behind us, we feel well and truly on track for an outstanding 2016. Along with this comes our revamped magazine: Mitre 10 Trade Quarterly. The change from a monthly to a quarterly publication reflects the changing needs of our tradies. Our new magazine provides a nice wrap-up of the previous quarter’s industry news, events, and customer activity. This is supplemented by our monthly trade offers and a new fortnightly website blog, bringing up-to-date and relevant information to you almost immediately. Thank you very much for your support in 2015 – we know you have a choice of supplier, and we appreciate the business you do with us. I am delighted to be on board and look forward to working with our teams across New Zealand to make your experience with us even better. Derek Heard General Manager Trade

Super Rugby 2016 kicks off in Auckland with the Blues vs Highlanders. For some competitive fun and great prizes, get into the Mitre 10 Trade Rugby Picks challenge. We look forward to seeing you on the leaderboard! PAGE 2

It’s great to feature our customers from around the country. Check out one of our Central North Island Trade customers with this article on Bayline Construction, Taupo. PAGE 6

For all you one-armed paper hangers, one of your best business decisions of the year could be to take on an apprentice. BCITO have the resources available to help you to make this happen and train the builders of the future. PAGE 14

Late 2016 brought about changes to the LBP skills maintenance programme. PAGE 10

Are you ready for the new health and safety legislation due this year? Mitre 10 Trade is working closely with Site Safe and other key industry organisations to help you better understand what these changes mean for you. PAGE 12 An integral part of the culture at Mitre 10 is acknowledging our customers for their support through an array of great events and hosting opportunities. Check out our 2015 highlights. PAGE 22

WIN

A HARLEY DAVIDSON SEE PAGE 23

Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts has a long history of supplying the New Zealand construction sector. Have a browse through this article for insights into one of our trusted supply partners. PAGE 8

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AU T U M N 2016

CONTENTS

y QUARTERL

TAUPO BUILDERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SECRETS TO SUCCESS Why yoU Need AN AppreNTice NoW GeT oNside! 2016 TrAde rUGby picks

wIn

A hArley dAvidsoN

TiMe To skill: keep Up WiTh lbp skills MAiNTeNANce chANGes

www.mitre10.co.nz/trade

facebook.com/Mitre10Trade

Cover: Forward-thinking builder Mike Darvill of Bayline Construction, flanked by Mitre 10 MEGA Taupo trade staff, on-site at a recently completed house in the popular lakeside suburb of Wharewaka, Taupo. Read more on page 6.

Mitre 10 Trade Quarterly is published four times a year in association with Mitre 10. Managing Editor Adele Thurlow Art Director Marc Backwell Contributors Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment Site Safe NZ BCITO WorkSafe New Zealand Andy Burrows, Trades Coach Print and distribution PMP Limited Editorial enquiries Chocolate Fish Media adele@chocolatefishmedia.co.nz 027 454 2131 Advertising enquiries Roz Harvey roz.harvey@mitre10.co.nz 09 442 2797 Private Bag 102-925, North Shore City, Auckland 0745 www.mitre10.co.nz/trade

Mitre 10 Trade Quarterly is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved in material accepted for publication unless initially specified otherwise. Opinions expressed in Mitre 10 Trade Quarterly are not necessarily those of Mitre 10 nor the publisher. No responsibility is accepted for the suggestions of the contributors or the conclusions that may be drawn from them. Although the publisher has made every effort to ensure accuracy, the reader remains responsible for the correct use and selection of any tools, materials and systems followed, as well as the following of any laws or codes that may apply.

2 RUGBY PICKS CHALLENGE FOR THE TRADES

10 SKILLS MAINTENANCE CHANGES

Get competitive, challenge your workmates, and win great prizes with Mitre 10 Trade Rugby Picks for 2016.

6 RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

A Taupo builder shares the secrets behind his business success.

The low-down on changes to the national Skills Maintenance Scheme.

12 BACK TO WORK Six top tips to take the sting out of returning to work.

8 INDUSTRY INNOVATOR

14 NEW YEAR, NEW PLAN, NEW PEOPLE

An insight into a stalwart in the Kiwi construction industry.

THIS PUBLICATION IS RECOGNISED BY THE BUILDING AND HOUSING GROUP AS CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS THE SKILLS MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LICENSED BUILDING PRACTITIONER SCHEME. If you are a licensed building practitioner, cut out and safely retain this panel with your skills maintenance literature for future reference and audit confirmation.

17 NEW RULES FOR ASBESTOS REMOVAL

The latest info on the revised asbestos regulations.

21 MAKE 2016 DIFFERENT

Smart tactics for big results at work.

22 OFF-SITE HIGHLIGHTS

Ref. Trade Quarterly Autumn 2016

Great reasons to take on an apprentice in 2016.

A wrap-up of Mitre 10 Trade customer hosting events in New Zealand and abroad. M I T R E 10

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TAUPO GOOD STAFF AND good communication are the cornerstones of a healthy business, and nowhere is this more evident than in Taupo company Bayline Construction.

The driving force behind this eightyear-old business is Mike Darvill, who has such an obvious passion for fostering good business practises that he would likely excel at the helm in any industry. Mike completed his apprenticeship in Palmerston North and gained experience in Hawke’s Bay and the UK before settling in Taupo with his wife, Kirsty (also a successful business owner). When Mike established Bayline Construction, he took on one apprentice and a carpentry student on work experience. Less than a decade later, the company employs 11 full-time employees and has completed over

R I SI N G

T H E

CHALLENGE 30 new home design-and-builds, many of them exceeding $1 million. Despite the recognised national shortage of qualified builders, Bayline is well resourced in this area thanks to investing in apprentices in previous years. “We’re reaping the rewards now,” says Mike. “I like giving young guys an opportunity. When you get a good one, it’s a buzz. They’ve got to be challenged, and I’m quick to promote the right guys.” He also describes himself as lucky to have a superb foreman – though undoubtedly this is due to Mike’s astute selection. His focus on employing a good team enables the business to take on multiple projects at once. They’re currently working on five new builds in the Taupo area, including some challenging sites with exciting designs. It’s a busy start to what Mike predicts will be their biggest year yet. M I T R E 10

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His approach to business management was partially gleaned from his old boss who Mike always enjoyed talking with. “I want the best builders and to run the best business,” he says. Mike also acknowledges the input of his wife. “I’m pretty fortunate with Kirsty. She’s in business as well – in fact, she employs more staff than I do. I bounce everything off her. She’s in a different industry, but it’s like for like,” he says, as he describes how troubleshooting can be applied across any business. The couple has four young children (four girls; “No apprentices,” he jokes), which has reduced the number of hours Mike works. “Two-and-a-half years ago, it was all day, every day. That’s changed a bit now. Family life is so important.” At any point, Mike knows exactly what is going on with each project, and is the 6

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRABB

Taupo builder Mike Darvill thrives on the challenge of growing his business in what he describes as a tough, competitive industry.

THE SERVICE FACTOR

Challenging sites and exciting designs are commonplace for Bayline Construction. Right: Mike Darvill (centre) with Mitre 10 MEGA Taupo’s trade manager Mark Tong and trade representative Mike Bailey.

immediate point-of-contact for all his clients. down, who give great customer service, and “I think that too often, building houses for who deliver on their promises.” people is underestimated. We sign some big Mike also has an appreciation of locally contracts – you can’t take it lightly,” he says. owned businesses, and this was a key factor “We don’t use project managers. Our in his decision to give his account to Craig process is old-fashioned; our customers ring Ladbrook, who opened Mitre 10 MEGA me directly.” Mike stays Taupo two years ago. in close contact with Mike gave Craig a his clients throughout long list of notes detailing MIKE ATTESTS THAT the build – a level of what he needed from MITRE 10 MEGA TAUPO accessibility which a merchant. IS DELIVERING ON wouldn’t be possible “I said, ‘This is what CRAIG’S PROMISES without key staff Mike AND PROVIDING GREAT I expect,’ and he assured can confidently entrust me all those boxes would CUSTOMER SERVICE. the day-to-day on-site be ticked.” Mike attests workload to. that Mitre 10 MEGA Taupo Bayline’s emphasis on quality means Mike is delivering on Craig’s promises and doesn’t select a product or service based on providing great customer service. price. Instead, proven performance is what Among the key things on that list were drives his purchasing decisions. a direct line of communication with the trade “I’m loyal to contractors who never let us manager and priority service for Mike’s staff. “The trade manager, Mark Tong, has attention to detail. He delivers on his word. Everything we ask for is sorted,” says Mike. “I can buy the same piece of GIB at five shops in town. What they add to that GIB – that reliability and service factor – that’s the big thing.” Again, Mike’s preference for face-to-face communication is apparent. “Some of the other outfits send a survey... Craig’s attitude is to ask how everything is going, to see if we have any issues – that makes the difference.”

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SUPPLIER FOCUS

INDUSTRY INNOVATOR

With its involvement in Kiwi construction spanning three centuries, Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts is an industry leader in innovation and service.

CHH Woodproducts has the widest range of wood-based building products in New Zealand.

THE NAME Carter Holt Harvey (CHH) has been synonymous with the New Zealand building industry since the mid-1800s. All this time, it has remained at the forefront of innovation, with a range of timber building systems and products aimed at meeting and exceeding market requirements for quality and reliability.

CHH Woodproducts manufactures and supplies a range of wood-based building products including timber, plywood, and laminated veneer lumber (LVL). It is the largest producer of wood products in the country and employs around 1,200 people. CHH Woodproducts’ capacity is one of its key strengths. “Our size affords us the luxury of an extensive technical division,” says National Sales Manager David Christensen. “The team works on new product development, product compliance, and making sure we stay ahead of improvements in the New Zealand building standards, along with providing technical assistance to builders, engineers, architects, and designers.” As a result, the business has developed an extensive range of distinctive product offerings, including Laserframe® structural M I T R E 10

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timber, Ecoply® structural plywood, Shadowclad® plywood cladding, and hySPAN® LVL. CHH Woodproducts has the widest range of products, backed by New Zealand’s most comprehensive and reliable technical literature and local support team. The Futurebuild® Residential Design Service is a free service created to help minimise the pressures and risks involved with the design of complex mid-floors and roofs in residential applications. This service takes traditional timber floor plans and redesigns them using Futurebuild LVL to create a lightweight and cost effective mid-floor or roof 8

solution that’s then delivered by Mitre 10 as a kitset ready for installation on site. Carter Holt Harvey works closely with architects and engineers during design to ensure they find a product that meets the project’s needs. Recently, an opportunity for a rigid air barrier for the New Zealand market was identified, and this resulted in the development of the Ecoply Barrier System. CHH Woodproducts’ technical team has worked for several years with a number of partners, including Climate Coatings and ProClima, to refine the Ecoply Barrier system to the integrated system it is today.

WOOD YOU KNOW The Ecoply® Barrier System offers a weathertight and rigid air barrier for drained and vented cavity systems outside the building frame. This effectively replaces traditional building wrap in the cavity, while providing superior structural bracing and forming a strong secondary line of defence against moisture penetration into the building envelope. It can also change the critical path of a building, speeding up construction and avoiding traditional cladding bottlenecks. This focus on product development and responsiveness to industry requirements has ensured that CHH Woodproducts continues to be the leading supplier of timber-based building products in New Zealand. With five mills situated throughout the country, along with distribution hubs in Auckland and Christchurch,

THE TEAM WORKS ON NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCT COMPLIANCE, AND MAKING SURE WE STAY AHEAD OF IMPROVEMENTS IN THE NEW ZEALAND BUILDING STANDARDS, ALONG WITH PROVIDING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO BUILDERS, ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, AND DESIGNERS.”

CHH Woodproducts is well-positioned to meet the demand of the growing construction industry. “We’re at the forefront of measuring our delivery,” says Christensen. “We set targets and measure ourselves to those targets, we pride ourselves on having the right products available when our customers need them” Coupled with that, the business has account managers spread nationwide who tailor their service depending on the level of representation each merchant requires. Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts can be relied on to supply all timberbased building products with the support and confidence a large-scale manufacturer offers. 9

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LBP UPDATE

SKILLS MAINTENANCE CHANGES Changes to the national Skills Maintenance Scheme have been made to ensure LBPs keep up-to-date with regulatory changes and technical practices which are more relevant to each licence class.

CHANGES HAVE BEEN made to the Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP) Skills Maintenance Scheme to make skills maintenance more relevant and meaningful to each of the seven LBP license classes. The changes, introduced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment late last year, will roll out as each current skills maintenance two-year cycle comes to an end. There is a mix of activities in the revised scheme, with half compulsory and half elective, to be undertaken for each skills maintenance cycle.

LBP SKILLS MAINTENANCE SCHEME Growing your skills visit us at www.lbp.govt.nz

COMPULSORY ACTIVITIES

MB13251 v1

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Read Codewords/LBP Knowledge Link articles and complete a short online quiz. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On-the-job learningsâ&#x20AC;? will need to show at least two examples of something new learned on the job, relevant to your licence class.

LICENCE TO SKILL UNDER THE NEW SKILLS MAINTENANCE SCHEME, LBPS WILL NEED TO COMPLETE BOTH COMPULSORY AND ELECTIVE ACTIVITIES. COMPULSORY ACTIVITIES CODEWORDS/LBP KNOWLEDGE LBPs will be required to read Codewords/LBP Knowledge Link articles and complete a short quiz. The articles will cover changes to the law and technology that LBPs need to be aware of.

ELECTIVE ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES YOU CHOOSE LBPs will need to do relevant elective activities the same way they do now, where 1 hour = 1 LBP point. The minimum number of points has been reduced to: NO. OF POINTS

LICENCE CLASS ON-THE-JOB LEARNING

LBPs will need to provide a minimum of two examples of on the job learning. An example can be a project which shows an LBP’s continued learning and practise within their licence class.

ELECTIVE ACTIVITIES The elective, self-directed learning activities will remain similar to the previous scheme, but have been reduced by half, now only making up 50% of the activities required. Under the new scheme, brick and blocklaying, carpentry, external plastering, foundations, and roofing licence holders will need 12 points from elective activities.

POINTS ACCUMULATION The way points are calculated will remain the same, with an hour of learning earning one point. A new online tool has been developed by the Ministry to assist with recording skills maintenance activity, and will be available when you complete your current two-year cycle and transition to the new scheme. For more information and to download the LBP booklet, visit www.lbp.govt.nz

Bricklaying and Blocklaying, Carpentry, External Plastering, Foundations, and Rooﬁng

Design or Site area of practice 1

Design or Site area of practice 2 and 3

BUILDING HUB ROADSHOW 2016

The Building Hub skills maintenance seminars for 2016 kick off in late February, once again supported by Mitre 10 Trade. CONTENT FOR THE SEMINARS INCLUDES: ■■ Changes to the Building

Hub website to make skills maintenance even easier. ■■ Health and Safety at Work Act going live. ■■ Changes to the Construction Contracts Act now and over the coming years. ■■ What’s in the new Acceptable Solution E3/AS2. ■■ Smartfit windows – the fastest system available.

■■ James Hardie addressing

safety with silicon dust. ■■ Genesis Energy continuing to look after tradies. ■■ GIB’s alternative bracing system. ■■ Free business and accounting consultations with RightWay. ■■ Selleys high performance sealants with an underwater demonstration. For more information or to register for your local seminar, visit www.buildinghub.co.nz

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SAFETY

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THE RIGHT START

BACK TO WORK

Make your start to 2016 easier with tips from Site Safe NZ.

COMING BACK TO work after the holiday season can be tough. After a relaxing summer break filled with barbeques and beaches, the first few weeks back at work can increase stress levels, and lead to anxiety and post-holiday blues. With that in mind, here are a few tips to make the return to work healthier, safer, and more enjoyable.

BE PREPARED FOR THE NEW LEGISLATION Are you ready for the new health and safety legislation due this year? Site Safe, WorkSafe NZ, and many other organisations can help you get your business prepared.

TIDY UP Cleaning is nobody’s favourite job, but it is a necessary evil to prevent worksite injuries. Poor housekeeping is one of the most common causes of injuries at work – and the most preventable. Start by tidying up your desk, van, workshop, or wherever else mess accumulates over the year. Get rid of last year’s junk and file away important information.

REFLECT ON LAST YEAR Stop for a minute to think about how last year went and what you’d like to improve this year. Take a look at your health and safety reporting from last year, including safe actions, near misses, incidents, and accidents. What can you do this year to make the workplace healthier and safer for you and your team?

ADJUST BACK TO WORK If you’ve had an adrenalin-filled break involving risk-taking activities, take a minute to re-adjust back to the pace of your work and familiarise yourself with your workplace’s health and safety systems.

MAKE A PRIORITY LIST OF TASKS As you review your projects and emails from the time you were away, you’ll be reminded of all the jobs you were working on before you left for holiday. Instead of working on the first item that pops up, make a conscious effort to work on the actual priorities. Make a list of the five most important priorities to focus on each day. Doing this will help increase your efficiency and productivity.

LEAVE THE OFFICE ON TIME Try not to stay late in an attempt to catch up on your workload. Making a point to leave on time reduces stress and fatigue, and will make your start to the year much happier. For more information, go to www.sitesafe.org.nz or contact 0800 SITE SAFE.

Site Safe NZ Inc is a not-for-profit, industry-led organisation that promotes a culture of health and safety in the New Zealand construction and related industries. 13

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APPRENTICES

NEW YEAR, NEW PLAN,

NEW PEOPLE

Take on an apprentice in 2016 – make that your first good business decision this year.

DURING THE PAST two years, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) has experienced unprecedented growth in new apprenticeships, yet the construction industry still remains woefully short of skilled tradespeople. With around 9,600 apprentices currently in training – having enlisted an average of almost 90 new sign-ups per week in 2015 – BCITO Chief Executive Ruma Karaitiana says it’s still not enough to meet growing demand. “All of the construction trades across the board, from carpentry and painting to brick and block laying, are under huge amounts of pressure, and all the data says this will continue into the 2020s,” he explains. Taking on an apprentice in 2016 could be just the ticket to help your business grow and to help industry keep up with demand.

GREAT REASONS TO TAKE ON A NEW APPRENTICE IN 2016

Demand for new houses in 2017 is forecast at 28,000. With our current workforce, we can only build 15,000.

The average age of people in the construction industry is 42, and this workforce is ageing about 50% faster than the rest of the population.

Do you have a succession plan in place for your business? Take on a young person now and teach them all you know so they can step into your role in the future when necessary.

Taking on an apprentice allows you to develop your workers’ skills according to your standards; it’s an investment in growing both your business and the industry.

Training motivates employees to achieve because they feel more invested in the work they’re doing. It’s great for your business because it encourages your staff to stick around and creates a positive organisational culture.

You have the opportunity, as an employer, to give back to the industry and do your bit to make sure the demand for skilled tradies is met as industry grows.

You invest a fair bit of money and time in apprentices, but this is such a worthwhile cost, as having skilled workers improves your reputation – which benefits your business financially.” R O S S FAU L K N E R , FAU L K N E R CO N S T R U C T I O N M I T R E 10

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A lot of carpentry guys are getting on now, so we have to bring the young ones through so that knowledge and skills are not lost.” DANNY SPOONER , P R E C I S I O N CO N S T R U C T I O N

HOW DO I FIND AN APPRENTICE? Finding the right apprentice isn’t always easy, especially given the demand for the diminishing volume of school-leavers. Look for someone you can get along well with, who is eager to learn, and who isn’t afraid of a hard day’s work. BCITO may be able to help you find an apprentice through its dedicated jobmatching service. Call BCITO on 0800 422 486 and let us know what type of person you’re looking for; we’ll see if we can put you in touch with a suitable career seeker.

WHAT’S REQUIRED OF AN EMPLOYER TRAINING AN APPRENTICE? Your role will be that of an evaluator to your apprentice. You’ll make sure your apprentice gains the knowledge and skills required for their qualification by providing: ■■ Adequate training and supervision. ■■ A suitable range of work so your apprentice can meet the qualification requirements. ■■ Accurate information regarding the skills and knowledge demonstrated by your apprentice. ■■ Time for BCITO representatives to meet with your apprentice. ■■ Some of your own time to discuss your apprentice’s progress with BCITO representatives. At the beginning, it’s all about investing

SOLID START your time, skills, and energy. Being a good mentor means giving your apprentice a chance to excel and pushing them to do their best. Seeing potential isn’t enough; you have to provide the opportunities for your apprentice to reach that potential. There aren’t any downsides to supporting an apprentice to be their best. When your apprentice succeeds, so does your business.

WHAT IS BCITO’S ROLE? Your apprentice will be assigned a dedicated BCITO training advisor who will be their professional assessor in the workplace. The training advisor’s role is to gather and consider evidence, and to assess your apprentice’s skills and knowledge. Training advisors also assist employers to help apprentices learn, and mentor apprentices to help them progress to professional tradespeople. The training advisor will visit at least four times a year to assess your apprentice’s progress. All assessment is managed by BCITO – you don’t need to mark any bookwork. Once your apprentice has achieved all unit standards within the qualification, they will be awarded an NZQA qualification. To skills-proof your business, get on board with industry training and upskill your existing staff now, or contact BCITO, who may be able to help you find the right person to take on as a new apprentice.

Call now on 0800 422 486 and have a chat about BCITO’s job-matching service.

Training apprentices gives me satisfaction that I’m passing on industry knowledge to a future generation of industry professionals.” Q U I N C Y TA N G I AU, S T R O N G H O L D B U I L D E R S

THE LABOUR MARKET IS STACKED AGAINST US IT’S ESTIMATED THAT the number of school leavers fell by about 13% in 2015. And while the number of young people entering the workforce is in decline, the number of people almost at retirement age is on the increase. A decade ago, about 8% of our workforce was aged 60plus. Today, that figure is approaching 15%. These trends are going to

make recruitment difficult in the future. The construction industry has been growing strongly over the past couple of years, predominantly due to the Canterbury rebuild. As this winds down, Auckland will take over as the major creator of construction jobs – a trend which will sustain high levels of building activity for quite a few years to come. As a consequence of this growth in New Zealand’s

construction industry, economic development agency Infometrics estimates that the employment of construction trades workers will grow by more than 5% on average each year for the next five years. Like most occupations and industries, the construction trade workforce is rapidly aging, and more than 4% of the workforce will need to be replaced each year as

people retire or move into management or other roles. If we put these two factors together, it means that for every 100 construction trades workers employed in 2014, the industry will need to find 50 new trades workers during each of the following five years. Industries will then be competing with each other for the valuable and diminishing numbers of school leavers.

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W E N

Now thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an MDF bracing system which is BRANZ Appraised to resist earthquake and wind loads on timber frame buildings. Environmentally friendly GoldenEdge Panelbrace Wall Bracing Systems are easy and quick to instal with excellent strength quality, surface smoothness and stability. Specify GoldenEdge Panelbrace Wall Bracing Systems with confidence.

For more information go to www.nelsonpine.co.nz Nelson Pine Industries Ltd, Nelson, New Zealand MS 20521 IT/2

SAFE HOUSE

NEW RULES FOR ASBESTOS REMOVAL

To minimise the risk to the health of those working around asbestos, new nationwide regulations are about to be finalised.

MORE THAN 170 New Zealanders die each year from asbestos-related diseases. In an effort to improve work practices involving asbestos, new regulations governing this area will take effect from 4 April this year. The changes include a new licensing system for asbestos-related work, to ensure people working with asbestos have the necessary skills and experience to keep themselves and others safe. The asbestos regulations form part of the Government’s Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. While the changes are yet to be finalised, WorkSafe New Zealand has advance information (based on the draft

regulations) to help give the industry time to prepare.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ■■ Licences will be issued by WorkSafe

New Zealand. ■■ There are transition periods to enable

businesses to apply for and gain a new licence. ■■ The new licences will have training requirements of a higher standard than currently stipulated in existing regulations. ■■ From 4 April 2016, removing more than 10m2 of bonded asbestos in one job will require an asbestos removal licence. 17

■■ Businesses should register for an

asbestos removal licence as soon as possible to help speed up their application. To register, go to www.worksafe.govt.nz. ■■ The new licensing scheme will replace the current Certificate of Competence, but transition arrangements mean holders of this certificate can continue working after 4 April 2016 (criteria apply). The draft regulations include a number of other requirements for those working with asbestos. All information will be fully explained and detailed in WorkSafe’s Approved Code of Practice, fact sheets, and other guidance material, expected for release shortly after the regulations are finalised. For the latest information, go to www.worksafe.govt.nz

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WHO CAN HELP ME WITH ALL THIS?

SMOKO IS ON US! If this looks familiar, how about a chat with us over smoko? We’ll listen to what’s bothering you and offer insights to help you get more shuteye. We’ve also got monthly packages, ongoing business advice and your tax sorted. Grab a free smoko with us today! Give us a bell 0800 555 024 | www.rightway.co.nz

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CONTRACTS

BEHIND EVERY GREAT PERFORMANCE…

…IS A GREAT SUPPORTING CAST The GIB® brand is built on 85 years of industry trust and a family of products and systems that spans well beyond plasterboard. All GIB® products have been developed and tested to provide a complete system. When used together the full system comes with a minimum 10 year warranty for peace of mind. From ceiling systems, fixings, compounds and adhesives to trims and coving, with the full GIB® range you’ll get the performance you need. Use the complete GIB® system in your next project. Find out more at gib.co.nz or call 0800 100 442 for more information.

SMART TACTICS

MAKE 2016

DIFFERENT

Implement a few small changes to how you do business and get big results. Trades coach Andy Burrows has all the strategies and tactics you need.

SO, HERE WE are – it’s 2016. I don’t know about you, but for me, 2015 flashed by in a blur. The construction industry was very active, especially in Auckland and Christchurch. Time, labour, and money resources were all stretched. Before you become too entrenched in the new year, take a moment to reflect. You have a chance to start fresh and to achieve better results than last year. What are you going to do differently in 2016 that will actually make a change in your situation? Having goals of how much extra profit you’ll make or how much extra time you’ll spend with the family are great, and essential to drive you forward. But that is only the start. The other essential element in your planning process is converting goals into practical action plans and tactics which

Take stock of what worked in your business and what did not. Then decide to make a fundamental change in certain areas, and reinvent parts of your business to drive change. Whatever you do in 2016, aim to do something different to what you’ve been doing for the past year (or years). If you keep doing the same stuff, you’ll only get what you’ve always got, or possibly even less as the competition passes you by. Drop what hasn’t worked and move on. Better results will come if you work at implementing new strategies and tactics consistently through the year. If you want some help to put a simple, actionfocused plan in place, or just to get business book recommendations, email andy@tradescoach.co.nz

affect your day-to-day activities. It’s what you actually do that really counts, not what you plan to do. Begin with a look back at your activities last year in various parts of your business. What marketing activities did you undertake? What generated leads, and what did not? How many leads did you convert into sales, and what techniques did you use in the sales process? Did your clients pay on time? How many delays and errors occurred on site?

HOW TO DRIVE CHANGE DELEGATION

Look at your lower-level tasks that sucked up too much of your time last year. Decide to pass these tasks to someone else – either internal staff or an outside contractor. Focus more of your time where it will pay you more. Maybe hire a part-time bookkeeper or PA.

PLAN MORE

Make planning a weekly event, either by yourself or with key staff. It is easier to make lots of small adjustments as you go through the year than it is to put up with inefficiencies and then try to make big changes once or twice a year.

LEARN MORE

Read more business books (or maybe just ONE business book!). Attend a seminar or two. Pick a topic you don’t know much about and aim to become proficient at it. Consider developing your skills outside of business as well – take up a new sport or hobby.

GET RID OF THAT FRUSTRATION

NETWORK

Maybe you have an old printer that jams all the time, or a phone system that does not work properly. Consider throwing it out and getting a new one. The new equipment will be far more efficient, will reduce everyone’s stress, and may even improve customer relations.

Join a business network group. This can be a low-cost way of making contacts and promoting your business, especially if you pick a group heavy on prospective customers and light on competitors. At worst, you’ll get to talk to other business owners and learn from others in a similar position to you.

M I T R E 10

T R A D E Q UA R T E R LY

TRADE TREATS

OFF-SITE HIGHLIGHTS

Throughout 2015, Mitre 10 Trade teams across the country relished the opportunity to host their customers and key suppliers at fun events to thank them for their ongoing support. These informal days continue to be an integral part of Mitre 10 Trade’s winning formula. Look out for our cameras at upcoming 2016 events.

BLEDISLOE CUP SYDNEY 2015 The much anticipated annual Bledisloe Cup trip to Sydney in August included a Sydney Harbour cruise, Sydney sightseeing and, of course, gold-class match tickets.

CLASSIC FIGHTERS AIRSHOW

MITRE 10 TRADE RACING

Easter 2015 brought out the flying machines at the spectacular Classic Fighters Airshow at Omaka, near Blenheim. More than 120 customers were hosted by Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson and Mitre 10 MEGA Marlborough.

Hot lap events held at major motor racing tracks around the country provided Mitre 10 Trade teams the opportunity to host more than 500 customers for a high-speed spin in a V8 race ute. Customers were also regularly invited to watch race meets featuring the Mitre 10 Trade Racing V8 race utes and sprint cars.

QUEENSTOWN WINTER FESTIVAL Queenstown’s Mitre 10 Trade team made a striking impression with their colourful “Takahe Rescue” float in the Queenstown Winter Festival parade.

M I T R E 10

T R A D E Q UA R T E R LY

Spend $250 or more on Ampelite Polycarbonate roofing products or accessories and be in to

WIN A

motorcycle plus $2,000 worth of Harley Davidson accessories

HOW TO ENTER: Fill out the entry form in store. Includes One Harley Davidson Motorcycle and One $2,000 voucher for Harley Davidson Motorcycle accessories. Promotion runs 1 February - 30 April. See back of entry form for full terms and conditions.

NAIL THE WHOLE JOB WITH US From the foundations to the fenceline you can get the whole job done with Mitre 10. We can supply and deliver your complete build, sort out any special orders, and help make the whole job go as smoothly as possible.

mitre10.co.nz/trade