Martin Goulden, owner of Martin Goulden Building in Wellington, will celebrate 50 years in the building industry in 2027. Over that time, his business has weathered many storms - the Global Financial Crisis, the COVID19 pandemic, major industry changes and significant government reforms. Yet, through it all, one thing has remained constant, the industry’s need for skilled, well trained tradespeople.

Martin’s own journey began with uncertainty.

“I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do when I left school. I was thinking about going to university and studying a Bachelor of Arts but I had no understanding of what that might involve. I went down to enroll and then went straight back home and realised that wasn’t going to be for me. My mother suggested that I might want to get into building. That day we started ringing around different sites in Wellington. I ended up working on the construction of St Patrick’s College in Evans Bay for two years. I had to keep that quiet for a little while though, as I was a Wellington College student...,” said Martin.

Back then, the industry looked very different. An apprentice could spend four years on a single site - something almost unheard of today. Construction has become faster and more complex, driven by offsite fabrication, pre‑built components, specialised subcontracting, and advanced project management systems that streamline the entire process.

Reflecting on his career, Martin acknowledges that he has faced his share of challenges, but he knows what it takes to overcome them and build a resilient business.

“Maintain open and honest communication with your employees and clients. Have integrity and values that align with your clients. Keep your business financially stable. Stay up to date with changes in the industry and be aware of failures so you don’t follow someone else’s pathway to the bottom.”

Training has always been an integral part of Martin’s business. His entire workforce is BCITO trained, and he’s proud of the legacy that he’s built.

“We have been very lucky to enjoy a culture of training in our business where the guys pass on their knowledge to the apprentices. To date, we have trained 31 apprentices through BCITO and an additional 11 have completed their supervisor qualification. A lot of our guys have gone on to set up their own businesses, and three have become building inspectors for the council, which is pretty cool.”

Martin believes that the biggest issue facing the industry is that not enough employers are training.

“People say they can’t find anyone with the right skills for the job. The answer is to train. Bring people through and pass on what you know. We have to keep employing apprentices so we have a workforce.”

“Look to hire good people, pay them well, look after them, and make sure you are getting the best people for your business. It’s a no-brainer. It shows when people lead from the front.”

After nearly five decades in the industry, Martin’s commitment to training continues to shape not only his own business but the wider Wellington construction community. His story is a testament to what’s possible when you invest in people and why the future of the industry depends on it.