The Department of Fair Trading in New South Wales has suggested that thirteen licensed categories of work in the building trade should be freed from the obligation for workers in those categories to have a valid license to work on installations. This thinking seems to revolve around the aspect of clearing away administrative burdens where the work performed is not complex and if done badly would not constitute either a safety risk or lead to significant financial detriment.
This proposal forms part of a departmental consultation paper and specifically mentions trades such as painting, glazing and the installation of shower screens and kitchen benchtops. It is being vigorously opposed by the various trade associations.
Gaining a license in these categories involves working as an employee for a licensed tradesperson for a period of four years during which time they learn the required skills. This is less than the apprenticeship requirements for trades with a danger factor, such an electrical work or plumbing, but it does ensure that the license carries a skill factor that is reassuring to the end customer.
Perhaps Fair Trading has not thought this through from all aspects. Most of the trades mentioned are concerned with the final " fitting out " of a building and that is what is most apparent when viewing the nature of the job. An unevenly installed kitchen bench would be jarring to the eye. A sloppy paint job would not enhance the impression of quality to a discerning viewer, and that raises the issue of rectification costs and responsibilities.
Having the certification of a trade license is an item of value to a tradesperson. It is presently a requirement that is necessary to gain employment and it serves as a disciplinary measure. If a tradespersons work is not up to scratch that license can be withdrawn. It serves as an important measure in maintaining building standards.
A failure of work standards can have a long term cost effect. One of the trades listed for installation by untrained people is shower screens. A badly fitted shower screen will probably leak and over time leaking water will rot timber supports and cause structural damage. If it comes into contact with electrical wiring, it can easily start a fire. That is not a trade to be taken lightly.
Opening the flood gates to unskilled workers is not likely to increase work standards. A person with a trade certificate would normally expect a better rate of pay than an unskilled person and if such licensing is abandoned they would have to compete with the unskilled in a race to the bottom.
Licensing delivers a form of quality assurance. Any householder booking a home renovation job is warned to check if the service provider is licensed. It seems a retrograde step to be talking of discontinuing licenses when this is the sole form of protection available to the public.
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