Manufacturing new talent

For the offsite manufacturing (OSM) building industry to meet future demand, focus is needed on workforce development and recruitment. This was a key finding of the Offsite NZ’s recent industry workforce survey.

Offsite manufacturing (OSM) involves the construction of buildings and components of buildings offsite in a factory, which are then transported to the sites where they are needed.

Scott Fisher, Offsite NZ CEO says the offsite manufacturing industry has seen unprecedented growth in the past 10 years, with the value of consents doubling, from five percent to 10 percent of total consents, according to separate analysis. Huge growth opportunities face the industry, as well as career opportunities for those with the right skills, he adds.

“Overall, the survey results solidified much of what industry players already knew, but also presented some surprises.”

Scott says that survey respondents appear confident that the offsite manufacturing industry faces a bright future, but are also realistic about the challenges. These include attracting new talent to the industry, to keep pace with the increase in demand and with vacancies caused by workers retiring or leaving it.

One pleasant revelation was the higher proportion of females in the OSM workforce compared with traditional construction – 25 percent versus 13 percent.
Still, there is much room for improvement, he says.

“The OSM industry needs to be promoted as a fulfilling career option to all demographics to achieve better diversity all round.

“Without positive intervention in workforce development and recruitment, manufacturers could be left unable to fulfil orders, workers becoming overworked, and ultimately builders and consumers could lose confidence in the market,” Scott concluded.

Key findings may be found at www.offsitenz.com