Electricians claim tradies' bills will balloon
July 15, 2019
Electricians claim tradies' bills will balloon
An electrician could cost as much as trip to the dentist if the Government's proposed changes to apprentice training go ahead, industry leaders say.
This week is the last opportunity to make a submission on proposals to merge industry training organisations and regional polytechnics under a new national tertiary training organisation – the NZ Institute of Skills and Technology.
Ross Beal, chairman of Master Electricians, said the changes could lead to shortages that would boost electrician charge out rates to about the same as a visit to the dentist.
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This week is the last opportunity to make a submission on proposals to merge industry training organisations and regional polytechnics under a new national tertiary training organisation – the NZ Institute of Skills and Technology.
Ross Beal, chairman of Master Electricians, said the changes could lead to shortages that would boost electrician charge out rates to about the same as a visit to the dentist.
He said the proposal for amalgamation was heavily flawed and likely to have "horrific" consequences for the stability of the industry.
He estimated consumers would pay 65 per cent more for electricians.
Beal based his predictions on the number of baby boomer electricians who would be leaving the industry in coming years, and the increased demand this would create.
Beal based his predictions on the number of baby boomer electricians who would be leaving the industry in coming years, and the increased demand this would create.
Standard practice" for sparkies is about to face 194 changes. Changes to The Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000) will be released in March and are expected to become part of the code in early 2019. Master Electricians says the onus is on individual electricians, not employers, to get up-to-date with changes to avoid fines, or having to rectify work done after March that doesn't comply with the new rules. The professional trade organisation is running a series of roadshows over the next few weeks to help all electrical workers across the country. "A member of the public is going to die through non-compliant work, and that's what really scares me," CEO Bernie McLaughlin told Newshub. The purpose of the changes is to keep pace with technology like LED lighting, solar panels, home automation and electric vehicles. "There have probably been more changes in the last five years than there have in the last 30," Mr McLaughlin said.
