CGF Monthly News | November 2026

Scholarships, wellbeing and leadership

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October brought valuable opportunities to connect with member associations and their networks at TANZ, ConcreteNZ and ADNZ events. It was encouraging to see strong attendance during a challenging period for the sector, and to spend time with the people working to strengthen our industry. 

This month, we’re asking for your support to share ConstrucTrend 2026 survey to help build a clearer picture of the skills our workforce needs. We also share the record response to CGF Scholarships and highlight paid places still available in Roar Coaching’s practical leadership workshops. 

You’ll also find guidance from the Employer Toolkit on choosing a mentor, coach or buddy, alongside an invitation to discuss project ideas for 2027. Thank you for your continued engagement and support. Please share these resources and opportunities with the people in your networks who could benefit. 

ConstrucTrend Survey 2026

ConstrucTrend 2026 is now open, asking tradespeople and employers which skills matter most, where the gaps are and what training would help. This year, painters, decorators and the concrete industry join carpenters, electricians, plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers in the national survey.

Funded by CGF and run by independent research organisation TIRIA, the survey builds on the 2025 research and will begin tracking how skill needs are changing across the construction sector.

Last year’s findings highlighted strong technical skills alongside development needs in estimating business management and financial capability. More responses this year will strengthen the evidence available to inform apprenticeships, qualifications, and future training that reflects the needs of people doing the work.

The online survey takes approximately 10 minutes and closes on 27 November 2026. Complete it to go in the draw to win one of five $500 Prezzy cards.

Please share this survey to help shape future training.

Record interest in CGF Scholarships

Taking the next step in your career takes commitment. CGF Scholarships help people across our member network invest in further education and training beyond NZQA Level 4, building leadership, capability and innovation across New Zealand’s construction industry.

Two scholarship pathways were available in 2026: General Scholarships of up to $3,000 and Impact Scholarships of up to $10,000. In the March round, 25 applications were approved, with funding awarded this year totalling $69,841.25.

The second and final round has now closed, attracting a record 88 applications: 86 for General Scholarships and two for Impact Scholarships. It is encouraging to see so many people putting themselves forward to develop their skills and contribute to the future of our industry.

The CGF approval committee will now review applications for eligibility and quality, with successful applicants notified in the coming weeks.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply. We look forward to sharing the learning and opportunities these scholarships help make possible.

Real Leadership 1-Day Course: Practical skills for stronger teams

All 60 CGF-funded places in the pilot series with Roar Coaching have now been filled. It is encouraging to see such strong interest in developing the people who lead our construction teams.

At the recent ConcreteNZ conference in Wellington, keynote speaker Brad Olsen highlighted better leadership and team management as practical ways to strengthen workforce capability and business performance during challenging economic times.

Roar Coaching’s Real Leadership for Tradies workshop puts that advice into practice. This one-day workshop gives you and your team leaders practical skills to use back on site the next day, including how to:

• Get the best out of your crew when you are not there

• Delegate confidently without stepping in to do every job yourself

• Handle tricky conversations about behaviour, workmanship and working with subcontractors

Paid places are still available at $595 + GST per person at the following workshops:

• Wellington: 9 November

• Nelson: 10 November

• Dunedin: 11 November

• Hamilton: 26 November — mixed industry event

If you or someone in your team would benefit from greater confidence in leading others, explore the workshop and book your place.

Mentor, coach or buddy? Finding the right support for your people

Whether someone is settling into a new role, developing a particular skill or planning their next career step, the right support can help them build confidence and succeed. 

This month, we’re highlighting the Employer Toolkit’s guidance on three ways to support your people: 

• A mentor supports longer-term career development and personal growth. Usually someone with more industry experience, they share insights, offer guidance and connect people with useful networks and opportunities. 

• A coach helps someone develop specific skills or achieve short-term goals. Through questioning, active listening, and regular check-ins, they encourage people to find their own solutions and grow in confidence. 

• A buddy helps a new employee feel welcome and find their feet during their first weeks or months. They answer everyday questions, introduce colleagues, and share practical tips about how the workplace operates. 

Each approach has different strengths. Understanding these can help employers, managers, and supervisors choose support that suits the person and what they need at that stage. 

Explore the Employer Toolkit for practical guidance on setting goals, listening well and encouraging independence. Please share this resource. 

CGF Project Funding: Bring your ideas forward for 2027

A shared challenge, a skills gap, or a useful new resource could be the starting point for your association’s next project. As you plan for 2027, CGF would welcome a conversation about ideas that could make a difference across the construction sector.

CGF Project Funding supports education and capability development, collaboration, research and innovation that benefit multiple organisations or the wider industry. This could include:

• Developing practical resources that can be adapted across trades

• Delivering training beyond NZQA Level 4 to strengthen supervisors’ capability

• Researching a shared industry challenge or developing tools to address it

Member associations are given priority. Projects need clear outcomes, alignment with CGF’s strategic priorities, and a realistic budget. There is no fixed funding limit, with applications assessed on merit. Applicants must also identify other funding sources, as CGF does not cover the full project cost.

If your idea is still taking shape, an early conversation can help you explore whether it is a good fit. We are keen to hear about practical initiatives that could strengthen capability, encourage collaboration, and deliver lasting value.

Please contact CGF to discuss your project before completing an application.