A report summarising the results of a survey conducted in the second half of 2025, and funded by ConCOVE Tūhura is now available. The survey was undertaken by the Construction Growth Foundation.
A summary and full report provide data on skill gaps, upskilling needs and emerging technologies across carpentry, electrical and plumbing/gasfitting/drainlaying sectors.
Technical skills for each specific trade are well-covered through workplace learning and off-job training. what is missing are the 'non-tool' skills exampled by costing/quoting and use of apps/software. Specific emergent technology skills around the internet of things, digital/electric vehicles, AI etc. show the need to ensure providers keep up with the rapidly changing technical expertise required.
Of note is that 24% of business owners had started their business two years after finishing a level 4 qualification and another 22% started their business between 3 - 5 years. Hence, small business skills are of importance and are not part of present trades qualifications. Granted the entry into construction trades, when compared to other disciplines like hospitality, has lower start-up costs.
Employer stakeholders have always been reluctant to include specific business skill sets (accounting) into trades qualifications. Generic skills like communications, team work, time management etc. transfer well but there is indeed a gap, with regard to costing/quoting, which needs to be addressed early on in trades careers.
Overall, an good overview of current and future skills needs for construction trades.
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