BCITO expands learner support

BCITO is collaborating with local community initiatives to provide pathways into meaningful employment in the construction sector for second-chance learners 

Community organisations have been given access to learning resources, materials and assessment opportunities to support learners via the Building, Construction and Allied Trade Skills (BCATS) programme, which is run by BCITO Te Pūkenga.

The programmes blend theoretical learning with on-the-job practical training and can be accessed from BCITO via the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).

“BCITO then equips these initiatives with the resources that best recognise the available learning opportunities to support the learners to be able to move forward with employment,” states guidance provided by the organisation.

Second-chance saloon

An example of a community project that made the most of BCATS support is Building Futures to Aid Second Chance Learners in Napier. The programme was set up with support from MSD to support people looking for work, who have limited experience on their CVs. 

BCITO tailored NZQA-accredited unit standards for the programme. Learners were evaluated, so that unit standards would meet their needs, and the most appropriate learning approaches were considered. Six standards were developed, which included workshop-based projects that would be recognised under a formal qualification.

Paul McDowall, Māori learning advisor at BCITO, said that short-duration programmes can help people transition into a career in the construction industry.

“The collaboration between BCITO and Building Futures has been really beneficial for learners in the community, as it has provided opportunities for people who perhaps weren’t suited to the traditional school system. We are able to give them the confidence to apply themselves and learn valuable skills that lead to employment.”

BCITO’s Implementation and Transition Manager, Mark Chalmers, is enthusiastic about the initiatives and similar programmes being run around the country.

“These initiatives combine industry related learning with community programmes, to provide excellent pastoral and educational support. These opportunities improve learning outcomes; learners are equipped with skills and a pathway to gaining meaningful employment.”

Variety of support on offer

The Critical Skills Apprenticeship Programme and Building Belonging initiative are two ways apprentices and employers can access help from BCITO over the course of their training.

The Critical Skills Apprenticeship Programme helps support 15 apprentices from the Te Tai Tokerau region north and south of Whāngarei and the Bay of Islands including Kerikeri, Opua and Russell. 

Building Belonging is a series of resources for trade employers that aims to create inclusive worksites and a sector that works better for everyone.

“We’re pleased to offer Building Belonging in response to the upskilling and growth needs of our industry,” said Philip Aldridge, CE of Waihanga Ara Rau. 

“This suite of free resources for trade employers, created with our partner BCITO Te Pūkenga, includes a podcast series, videos, articles, and interactive training modules to help pave the way for more inclusiveness in the trades.”

To learn more about how BCITO can help people learn new skills, head to: bcito.org.nz .