BCITO working to build an inclusive workforce 

For World Autism Acceptance Month, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) and Altogether Autism are joining forces to encourage autistic people to consider a career in the construction industry 

In partnership with Altogether Autism, BCITO is working to offer more support to employers, so they can take on autistic apprentices and understand the challenges they face.  

One such BCITO apprentice is Todd Maitland, who works full time for Brownmore Concrete in Waihi. Todd has autism, an intellectual disability called ‘developmental delay syndrome’, and is blind in one eye – but none of that has stopped him. 

As well as working as a concreter, he is vice-captain of the Whaikaha men’s basketball team, New Zealand’s first men’s team for high-functioning athletes with intellectual disabilities, which recently competed in Australia. 

A welcoming industry 

Rex, owner of Brownmore Concrete, said there’s always a job available in the trades for anyone, no matter what challenges they face. 

“There are a lot of challenges that come with being an autistic person but, because we have things in place and people we can go to, they are only challenges, not barriers,” he said.  

Rex supported Todd by creating visual learning tools, such as one to help him judge the size of mesh, and customised materials to help him understand the tasks he needed to do.  

Todd, who nominated Rex for a BCITO Building Leaders award in November 2024, said his boss has been incredibly supportive. 

“I’m a 19-year-old with autism, developmental delay syndrome, verbal dyspraxia and I am blind in one eye. Now, that’s a lot for any boss to take on – but not Rex, aka ‘Buddy’.  

“He has encouraged me and pushed me to be the best version of myself since day one. He has helped me to become someone and not be looked at like ‘another special needs person’, but a worthy and useful part of my community.” 

Building a strong industry together 

BCITO Director Greg Durkin said that a career in the trades can be a viable option for everyone – and, as long as employers are considerate and willing to make small tweaks to workplace practices, they can benefit from hiring people from all walks of life. 

“We want to encourage as many New Zealanders as possible to enter the trades, to help us build a strong construction industry that can meet our housing and infrastructure needs – now and in the future,” he said. 

“This involves us reaching out to as many people in our communities as possible and supporting employers to create welcoming workplaces. We’ve seen many workers with neurological differences, physical disabilities and learning difficulties enjoy rewarding careers in the trades. Through this partnership with Altogether Autism, we’re working to support even more to take on apprenticeships through us.”   

Catherine Trezona, National Manager of Altogether Autism, added that autistic people bring valuable skills to the workplace. 

“Their strengths often include deep focus, reliability, loyalty and the ability to understand complex systems. Our mission is to raise awareness of the benefits to employers in hiring autistic talent.” 

Employers who are interested in employing a neurodiverse staff member should contact Altogether Autism as a first port of call, as the organisation offers free advice on supporting individuals. Employers are also able to contact Andrew Green, Principal Advisor for Learners with Disabilities at BCITO, for help and advice on where to start at andrew.green@bcito.org.nz.