TASTE OF TRADES NOW AVAILABLE

BCITO Te Pukenga says micro-credentials offer learners an opportunity to see what a career in the trades could look like

Micro-credentials have now been launched by BCITO Te Pūkenga in partnership with Waihanga Ara Rau – Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council. The series of courses are designed to provide an introduction to construction, joinery, renovation, demolition, onsite assembly, interior lining and exterior cladding.

“We have heard from our industry stakeholders that they need new and innovative ways to attract people into their workplaces,” said BCITO Te Pūkenga Group Manager of Te Kāhui Whakawhitinga Greg Durkin.

“These micro-credentials offer learners an opportunity to see what a career in the trades could look like. The learning also counts towards an apprenticeship, if the learner continues down that path.

“They are also great for people, who are considering a career switch, providing introductory bite-sized bits of learning.”

The micro-credentials take two to six months to complete, and assessment is carried out online using a variation of online learning tools.

Upon completion of a micro-credential, learners will receive New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) credits and a Te Pūkenga certificate.

Stumping up for micro-credentials

According to the BCITO website, micro-credentials have been established to help learners get a foot in the door and kick-start a potential career in the trades. However, prospective tradies will have to pay for the cost of the course from their own pockets.

Additionally, employers will not be able to claim funding from the Apprenticeship Boost for learners engaged in a micro-credential course either.

The Fees Free scheme is targeted towards first-time learners and covers up to $12,000 for one year’s study or two year’s training and is paid directly to the learner’s education organisation. 

The Apprenticeship Boost is funded by the Ministry of Social Development and allows employers to receive up to 24 months of support with payments of $500 per month for any apprentice enrolled in a BCITO Level 4 qualification that contains 120 credits or more.

Can’t replace an apprenticeship

BCITO said that while the micro-credentials do count towards an apprenticeship, they can’t be used to supplement the learning that would be expected of a Level 4 student.

“We have mapped the micro-credentials to the Level 4 Carpentry qualification, so that learners automatically gain achievement of some learning outcomes towards Level 4 Carpentry, but not full standards.”

A learner who completes a micro-credential will enter an apprenticeship with a more grounded knowledge base than someone who hasn’t; however, BCITO warned that completing a micro-credential doesn’t mean a learner or employer can rest on their laurels.

“Completing the micro-credentials before entering into the full apprenticeship offers advantages, but it is still down to the individual learner and the ability of the workplace to provide learning opportunities and the scope of work to complete the full apprenticeship.”

Developed with Tertiary Education Commission funding, the micro-credentials are available now via BCITO. If other providers are interested in providing the micro-credentials themselves, they are welcome to apply to NZQA.

The bite-sized courses are:

• Basic Construction Skills (39 credits).  
• Demolition and Renovation Skills (36 credits).
• Onsite Assembly Skills (32 credits). 
• Introductory Interior Linings and Joinery Skills (25 credits). 
• • Introductory Exterior Envelope Skills (35 credits).

There is also one available in kitchen installation, and one in insulation installation. Learner resources for the micro-credentials are available to providers free of charge by contacting Andrew Donohue at BCITO on andrew.donohue@bcito.org.nz .