Growth in building work means good opportunities for joiners
Chances of getting a job as a joiner are good due to:
- moderate growth in construction meaning more building work
- building work needed to upgrade leaky homes and earthquake-prone buildings
- more people getting their kitchens and bathrooms renovated.
However, like many building jobs, this role can be affected by economic conditions. A downturn in the economy could lower the demand for joiners.
Joiner, and carpenter and joiner, appear on Immigration New Zealand's regional and construction and infrastructure skill shortage lists. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled joiners from overseas to work in New Zealand.
According to the Census, 3,669 joiners and carpenter and joiners worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Increasing number of joinery apprentices but demand still strong
The number of apprentice joiners is increasing, with more joinery businesses taking on apprentices due to skilled joiners retiring and leaving the workforce. However, there are still not enough qualified joiners to meet demand.
You can increase your chances of getting a joinery 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
- the ability to use hand and power tools, or operate a forklift
- woodworking or machining experience
- a tertiary qualification but want to retrain in joinery.
Most joiners work for small joinery businesses
There are some large joinery businesses but most joiners work for small firms that have between one and nine employees. About 10% of joiners are self-employed.
