Maximise Your Potential

Chris Hurrell, Managing Director

At Rigg Zschokke we pride ourselves on developing our 70 plus staff to help them achieve their maximum potential. From apprentice trainees to project management we have training systems and mentor programs that ensure all staff get the best opportunity to progress through the organisation. We also expect our staff to help their own development by having a healthy, balanced lifestyle outside of work while bringing focus and commitment during their working week. Career pathways include the following:

Apprentice Trainees

39 theory and 32 practical Unit Standards with Theory and practical elements to be completed within 4-year frame. Polytech block courses to be completed over a 4-year period comprising 2×2 weeks year one, 2×2 weeks year two, 1×3 weeks year three.The object of integrating Polytech training with on-site training is to achieve a national benchmark of skill level for tradesmen coming into the industry.

Tradesmen Carpenter/Joiner

All carpenters having completed their apprenticeships will be encouraged to sit the next level of achievement offered and wages will (should) be structured as an incentive for this to happen. Employers should (will) endeavour to give new tradesmen the opportunities to experience all facets of the industry in which they operate, with the objective of having tradesmen with as broad a skill base as possible, perhaps employers such as Master Builders should seek to interchange employees at apprenticeship level and early tradesmen level to help achieve this objective.

Charge Hand/Sub Foreman

A tradesman who has shown the ability and willingness to take responsibility. Works under supervision of the Site Foreman and could be responsible for 2-6 men, would be encouraged to take training courses in man management skills, dispute resolution, basic planning and programming skills. Wage incentives to be based on level of ability and achievement.

Contract Foreman

A tradesman who has proven ability and skill at working to deadlines and construction programmes, liaising with and organising sub-contractors, problem solving and decision making. Could be in charge of 3-12 men sometimes more and should be able to work with Contract Supervisors or Managers, taking responsibility for ordering all materials required for contracts and be prepared to upskill to improve knowledge and skill base. This will help prepare him for the next step in his career path.

Contracts Supervisor

A person who has moved through the early stages of the industry career path successfully, who is comfortable working with contract architects and engineers and take on the responsibility of multi contracts. A person who has the respect and confidence of his Contract Foreman and who will programme the construction aspects of projects under his control. Would work closely with the Project Managers and Contracts Managers to ensure a satisfactory financial outcome for projects, upskilling for future advancement would be encouraged.

Project Management

This position requires a person who is multi-skilled and especially good at organising and co-ordinating all activities involved in a project’s early proposal stages through to its successful commissioning and completion. Team management and planning translated through to programming are other key elements of this role. The Project Manager usually if not always represents the client’s interests and has a direct working relationship with the Contracts Supervisor.

Estimating

This area of the industry is more likely to be an option during or after experiencing the position of Contracts Supervisor and can often be combined with the role of Contract Management. It could be entered as early in the career path as Charge Hand and/or Foreman level if the intention was to become self employed. Although it is not entirely necessary to have trained as a tradesman to perform as an Estimator, it is a position that often an experienced tradesman will find his practical knowledge of the industry is of great benefit.

Quantity Surveying

This is a profession that can be attained at any time after leaving College by successfully completing a Degree over a four year full time course at University or Open Polytechnic. Registration as a Quantity Surveyor on completion and entry into the building industry as a Registered Quantity Surveyor is dependent upon the current demands of the industry for people to fill that position. Some companies might encourage employees to become qualified and support them by way of part time employment over the tertiary education period. A Registered Q.S. may become, a self-employed professional working for individual clients, be employed by a building firm, or be a teacher within the profession. Skills gained are computer and analytical, negotiation, arbitration and mediation skills. Has the opportunity to become a senior executive or manager in a variety of organisations. A Diploma in Quantity Surveying can be gained after a 3-year period of tertiary education. Alternatively a Certificate in Quantity Surveying can be gained after at least 2 years full time study ~ most Polytechnics have these programmes available