Plumber shortage: Not enough people in the pipeline to fill the gaps

New Zealand faces an impending plumber shortage as fewer than 20% of businesses hire new apprentices and experienced tradespeople move to Australia. Infometrics predicts 1,450 plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying jobs will need to be filled within the next year due to an aging workforce and industry growth. However, the industry realizes there aren't enough people to fill these positions, particularly after a long recession.

Chief executive Greg Wallace of Master Plumbers attributes the issue to a lack of apprenticeship opportunities, with only 17% of the industry taking on apprentices, compared to 10-15% across the entire construction industry. The primary challenge lies in the first year to 18 months of apprenticeships, which are difficult to make money from due to extensive initial training.

Colleen Upton from Hutt Plumbing and Gas highlights that it takes five years to fully benefit from an apprentice, and she has paused hiring new apprentices due to the tough market. Australia is luring many away after completing their apprenticeships, offering higher wages. Ryan Wilson quit in 2024 after completing his final course, citing better opportunities and pay.

Women also face underrepresentation, with only 120 out of 14,000 in the trades being female, despite many expressing interest. The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board notes that the average age of qualified plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers is 49, with 1,000 nearing retirement. The shortage will likely impact upcoming construction projects, which require plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying for essential infrastructure and public health.