As part of the Otago Careers Festival, Work and Income, Masterlink and the Electrotechnology Industry Training Organisation (New Zealand) held an information seminar about apprenticeships in the plumbing, gas-fitting, drainlaying and roofing industries.
Masterlink South Island manager Roger Herd told the 26 people gathered, that drainlaying would be the first trade to "really get going".
"They are starting to put that back in action in Christchurch and it's the first sign I've seen of the jobs kicking off up there.
"At the moment, it's a bit quiet, I've got to be honest [but] I can tell you that when Christchurch does kick off, we are prepared."
Several Christchurch companies had approached him about taking on drainlaying apprentices, which would be "closely followed" by plumbing placements once new homes started getting built.
"If you are prepared to travel, that is a very good opportunity at the moment."
Many apprenticeships were available on dairy farms throughout the lower South Island and Dunedin businesses were "very committed to training".
"The chances of getting a placement, if you are keen, are quite good," Mr Herd said.
Plumbing apprenticeships had become "select and sought-after".
An apprenticeship with Masterlink, which employed and trained apprentices and placed them with companies, lasted for four years, or 8000 hours, and anyone who was "fit and keen" could obtain one.
ETITO Dunedin training manager Paul Hamilton outlined the electrical apprenticeships available, including electronic security and telecommunications.
"It's a great qualification that will take you many places. As an industry it's always going to be there, it's going to be growing."
