People wanting a specific builder or a refurbishment to their home are being told they may have to wait one to two years due to a lack of skilled tradies. New Zealand Certified Builders chief executive Grant Florence says there's a great flow of new and eager tradies coming into the sector - but still a major shortage of skilled tradespeople. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson The housing boom and an ageing work-force has been exacerbated by a lack of international labour due to border closures. Last month the Building and Construction Industry said the number of apprentices was at an all time high - 16,000 people are currently training for one of the trades.