BUSINESS is booming for tradies across the Gold Coast but while that is good news for those in demand, the bad news is locals can expect to wait weeks and even months for their services.
Experts warn the demand is fuelled by a critical shortage of apprentices and tradies, coupled with a building boom, particularly in the northern corridor.
Residents desperate to get work done say they have been told by some tradies that they may have to wait up to two months, with tilers among the most in-demand-professions.
Electrician Pete Bird has been working on the Gold Coast for the past 10 years and started his own business four years ago.
“We have been flat out lately and there’s plenty of work around,” he said.
His clients have to wait at least 10 days to get their electrical work done but not as long as those looking for tilers, who are hot property at the moment.
Many are easily charging $60 a sqm or more than $60 an hour — compared to a qualified builder’s hourly rate of $55.
Frank Milla, of Northbound Construction, has been working on the Coast for 25 years and he said it was unusually busy for this time of the year.
“I don’t really know why but our clients are all doing up their bathrooms at the moment. The demand is for renovations and not necessarily for new homes,” he said.
“We’re lucky because we’ve been using the same guys for a long time but I know a lot of builders are having major problems finding tradies.”
Gold Coast North Chamber of Commerce secretary Gary Mays and a plumber himself, said there was a serious shortage of tradies on the Coast.
“For example, we have been advertising to fill for two plumbers’ positions for two months and we are struggling,” he said.
Mr Mays said the tradie shortage was a result of a drop in apprenticeships in recent years.
“Apprentice numbers are 45 per cent down on where they were seven years ago and I don’t see this problem being alleviated in the short term,” he warned.
“It’s a huge problem, it’s getting worse and it’s become a major issue now that the Gold Coast is so busy.”
He said tradies were busy on housing projects on the northern Gold Coast and major projects such as the Coomera Town Centre, The Star casino and a number of high-rise projects.
“For example, Jewell has seven high rises. Can you imagine how many guys are working on that?”
Coomera MP Michael Crandon confirmed the boom for tradies and said his electorate had a very low unemployment rate.
“This is home to many of those busy tradies, who are also working on new houses here,” he said.
“According to the Queensland Treasury, there will be more than 10 per cent year-on-year growth in the northern corridor between 2016 and 2026. Between 2008 and 2017, we have had 10 new schools built here.
“So, tradies are moving in and working in the area,” Mr Crandon said.
Originally Published: www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au