DoL, Scaffolding & Rigging NZ working together

Find below a joint press release from Immigration New Zealand and Scaffolding and Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ).

MEDIA RESPONSE
21 September 2009
Department of Labour, Scaffolding & Rigging New Zealand working together to overcome issues

The Department of Labour and Scaffolding and Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ) are working together to help employers in the scaffolding industry.

Immigration New Zealand has offered to advise SARNZ, the voice of the scaffolding industry, on what information to provide in its Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) submission, and assistance for employers to utilise immigration policy most appropriate to their needs.

The move follows talks between SARNZ and officials from the Department of Labour and the Ministry of Social Development.

“We have had constructive talks with the Department of Labour, which appreciates the level of skill required for an advanced scaffolder,” said Graham Burke, president of SARNZ.

“The Department reviews the ISSL twice a year and has offered to work with us ahead of the next ISSL review in 2010.

“This assistance, along with our ongoing recruitment and training programmes, will help to build a broader industry base with higher overall skill levels.

“We can now concentrate on supporting the industry as it looks to lead an economic upturn in New Zealand.”

Group Manager Service Delivery Steve Cantlon said SARNZ had explained the level of training and experience required for advanced scaffolder positions.

“As with any occupation not listed on the essential skills lists, if the labour market check confirms there are no suitably qualified and/or experienced New Zealanders available, approval of a work permit can be considered. “

“Having said that, given our discussions on experience levels, INZ has taken steps to ensure that when its case officers contact Work and Income to carry out labour market checks for scaffolders, they specify the experience and qualifications required by each employer for each role.

“To assist in the labour market check process, it is important that when employers advertise scaffolding positions they include information on the experience and qualifications required of suitable candidates.

“INZ looks forward to continuing to work with SARNZ to ensure the immigration application process is as smooth as possible for employers. “

INZ will provide advice to SARNZ regarding the information required for a submission to be made to the next review of the essential skills lists, in early 2010.

Graham Burke said the acute shortage of up to 200 skilled scaffolders has forced companies to enlist labourers to assist with scaffolding tasks, meaning greater supervision, lower productivity and ultimately higher costs.

“There remains a critical shortage of skilled scaffolders with sufficient experience and advanced qualifications to run a crew or a project.”

The industry is in desperate need of scaffolders with minimum practical experience of between five and 10 years in the industry and a breadth of experience in areas such as commercial, industrial and petro-chemical scaffolding.

ENDS

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