Feedback sought on building sector licensing rules

Builders, designers, and others who work in the building sector have until 26 March 2007 to make submissions on the Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme.

Wednesday, February 21st 2007, 10:28AM

by The Landlord

Building and Construction Minister Clayton Cosgrove wants to hear from those in the industry who later this year will need to decide whether or not to apply for licenses on key aspects of the scheme, which is due to be introduced initially on a voluntary basis in November this year.

The scheme will create 13 occupational licenses for builders, designers and others who work in the building sector.

A consultation document outlines proposed licensing standards for designers, site leads and carpenters – these being the first licenses that will be issued.

The document also covers assessment processes and requirements for retaining a building practitioner licence over time.

Cosgrove says assessment will be based on an applicant’s work history and project records, client testimonials where possible, feedback from technical referees, and the applicant’s understanding of the responsibilities that go with the licenses being sought.

He says applicants will need to demonstrate their skills, competence and client satisfaction to be licenced.

“Skilled people already in the building sector are certainly not going to be sent back to school,” says Cosgrove. “Potential applicants will not be assessed on any rigid tick-the-box formula. Experience and a good track record will count. People in the sector who know their trade or profession and take pride in their work should not have trouble getting a licence.”

The consultation document is available on the Department of Building and Housing website at www.dbh.govt.nz or by ringing 0800 606 050.

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