MEDIA RELEASE
(Attention Chief Reporters – for immediate release)
Dunedin shows leadership in promoting trades
19 February 2003
“Dunedin is showing commendable leadership in promoting trades”, said Darel Hall Executive Director of the Industry
Training Federation.
“The launch of the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs in Dunedin “Year of the Apprenticeship” is a welcome opportunity to
demystify trades as a career option and excite people about choices open to them.
“The Department of Labour’s September 2002 Skill Shortages Report shows that people with skills in all kinds of
traditional and non-traditional trades are in high demand in New Zealand. It quotes the New Zealand Institute of
Economic Research’s September Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion which found that a net 37% of firms found difficulty
getting skilled staff. More than half of firms in the building sector had difficulty and shortages continue through to
services industries such as recreation and cultural services.
“Trades have strong employment and earning prospects and provide rewarding careers. Working towards owning their own
business is a strong motivation for many, as are the OE work possibilities in many countries.
“The Industry Training Federation commends Dunedin’s leadership in promoting these choices for its people”.
ENDS