Growth in building work means good opportunities for flooring installers
Chances of getting a job as a flooring installer are good due to:
- a regional shortage of flooring installers in Auckland, Queenstown and Waikato
- vacancies occurring when experienced flooring installers progress into sales or business ownership
- moderate growth in construction predicted to extend until at least the end of 2023, meaning more flooring installation work
- the Government’s KiwiBuild programme, involving the building of quality affordable homes over the next decade
- building work needed to upgrade leaky homes and earthquake-prone building.
The Christchurch post-earthquake rebuild is ongoing but most of the remaining work is in the non-residential (commercial) sector.
Shortage of flooring installers
Floor finisher (flooring installer) appears on Immigration New Zealand's construction and infrastructure skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled flooring installers from overseas to work in New Zealand.
However, like many building jobs, this role can be affected by economic conditions. A downturn in the economy can lower demand for flooring installers.
Decreasing number of flooring installer apprentices but strong demand
There has been a decreasing supply of new flooring installers over the last few years. There are not enough qualified flooring installers to meet demand.
You can increase your chances of getting a flooring installer apprenticeship if you have:
- a good attitude to work, good time management skills, and are willing to learn
- completed a Gateway or pre-trade programme
- experience in flooring installation
- a tertiary qualification but want to retrain in flooring installation.
Most flooring installers run their own business
Most flooring installers are self-employed contractors. Other flooring installers work for small businesses that employ only a few staff.
