The number of Registered Building Practitioners (RBPs) registered with the Building Practitioners Board (BPB) has eased slightly over the calendar year.
At the end of 2012 there were 20,796 RBPs, 0.7 per cent less than 2011. As some practitioners are registered in more than one class, the total number of registrations was 24,919, 1 per cent fewer than 2011.
In the major categories there were registrations of 14,381 domestic builders, 4,439 commercial builders, 2,356 draftspersons, 2,071 engineers, 576 building surveyors and 575 building inspectors. Of the other RBP categories there were 286 demolishers, 113 erectors of temporary structures and 122 quantity surveyors.
In 2012, there was a 7 per cent increase in the number of building inspectors, and 6 per cent more building surveyors. Engineers increased by 4 per cent and the number of demolishers rose by 3 per cent. The number of domestic builders eased by 3 per cent and commercial builders fell 1 per cent when compared to 2011.
The RBP gender split is 98 per cent male and 2 per cent female. This gender ratio has been consistent over time. As at 2010-11, of the 2 per cent females, they were mainly draftspersons or domestic builders, with 52 per cent and 24 per cent respectively. Thirteen per cent are engineers and 5 per cent are commercial builders. These splits have also remained steady.
The average age of Registered Building Practitioners in Victoria was 49.6 years in 2010-11 of age, slightly lower than in 2009-10. The average age of RBPs in Victoria was 49.6 years in 2010-11, slightly lower than the average age of 50 years in 2009-10. Sixty-five per cent of all practitioners were aged 45 or older, 26 per cent were aged between 25 and 34 and 9 per cent were aged 34 years or younger. Average ages differed slightly by type of Practitioner. The youngest were building inspectors at 46 years of age. The average age of domestic and commercial builders was 50 years of age and that of building surveyors 49 years of age. The oldest were quantity surveyors at 54 years of age.
Building consumers continued to report high confidence in their builders. A Building Commission consumer survey in 2011 asked building consumers to rate their builders in four areas on a scale of 0 to 10 (where 10 is the highest confidence). Consumers on average reported 8.4 for their builders' technical skills and qualifications, 8.2 for their work practices and processes, 8.3 for their ethical standards and 8.0 for their communication. Most, 90 per cent, reported that they were highly confident (giving a score of 7 or more out of 10) with the technical skills and qualifications of their builder, 86 per cent were highly confident with their builders' work practices, processes and ethical standards and 81 per cent were highly confident with their builders' communication.
Building Commission research has consistently shown that the building industry is an attractive place to work and RBPs continue to be highly satisfied with their jobs. In 2011, Registered Building Practitioners (RBPs) were interviewed about their experiences working in the industry. On a scale of 0 to 10 (where 10 is the highest satisfaction) RBPs on average reported 7.8, compared to 8.0 in 2010. Most, 83 per cent reported having high job satisfaction (giving a score of 7 or more out of 10), compared to 87 per cent in 2010.
Pride in the built product, teamwork aspects and the work environment were the most important factors contributing towards job satisfaction, similar to previous years. Regulatory requirements, the ups/downs of work and number of hours worked were factors that caused job dissatisfaction.
Most, 84 per cent, of Registered Building Practitioners expect to continue working in the industry over the next five years. The same Building Commission survey in 2011 asked Registered Building Practitioners (RBPs) about their intentions over the next five years. Eighty-four per cent reported they expect to still be operating in the building industry in five years time. Twelve per cent said they did not expect to be in the industry and 4 per cent were unsure. There were more building surveyors expecting to leave the industry compared to builders.
Of those intending on leaving the industry, retirement was the most common reason (64 per cent), 15 per cent reported it was due to too many regulations or red tape, 11 per cent reported they were making a career or lifestyle choice, six per cent were concerned about the industry outlook and 5 per cent gave other reasons. (The other section on the below table combines too much red tape and other responses).
The number of employees in the building industry has increased over the past year. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show there were an estimated 193,900 people employed in the Victorian building industry, 4.4 per cent higher than in 2010. The building industry contributed 6.8 per cent of the state's employment during 2011, higher than the 6.8 per cent recorded in 2010.
General construction apprentices and trainees made up 7.7 per cent of the total number apprentices and trainees in the Victoria during 2010. There were 8723 general construction apprentices and trainees in Victorian during 2010, down 14 per cent from 2009. There were 112,920 apprentices and trainees in Victoria in 2010. This is 19 per cent higher than 2009.