Analysis of skill shortages in prefabricated residential construction: A case for New Zealand

In New Zealand, the demand for affordable housing and concerns about the performance of residential buildings provide a strong case for using prefabrication technologies. However, the New Zealand construction sector suffers from severe labour and skill shortages, preventing widespread adoption. The overarching aim of this study is to identify the major constraints affecting the uptake of prefabrication in New Zealand residential construction, and the barriers to meeting essential skill requirements for prefabrication. To achieve this, an online questionnaire was administered to construction stakeholders within the residential construction sector; this semi-structured survey contained closed- and open-ended questions. It found four major barriers to prefabrication uptake: a lack of research and development; a scarcity of skilled workers; a lack of previous work experience; and complexity and fragmentation in New Zealand's prefabricated construction supply chain. The industry must work on training and recruiting workers with skills relevant to the design, manufacture and installation of prefabricated elements, to promote prefabrication in New Zealand residential construction.