800 secondary school students given a closeup look at NZ’s construction industry

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More than 800 secondary school students from around the country were given a close-up look at New Zealand’s construction industry as they joined the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation’s (BCITO’s) Big Construction Tour recently. 

 

The BCITO took career seekers on a whirlwind tour of the construction industry, which continues to be short of young people to work in a wide range of areas. 

 

Rapid growth 

BCTIO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says the construction industry is still going through a period of rapid growth. “Our country needs more young people to learn the practical skills that are in such high demand. 

 

“These tours across the country showed career seekers some of the opportunities available in the industry. 

 

“School leavers who decide they want to start an apprenticeship can be confident they won’t struggle to get work, there are so many great opportunities,” Mr Karaitiana says The tour took place in Central, West and South Auckland, Christchurch, Gisborne, Hamilton, Hawkes Bay, Palmerston North, Nelson, New Plymouth, Tauranga, Wellington, Whangarei, Dunedin, Central Otago and Invercargill. 

 

Big construction sites 

With 16 separate tours around the country and more than 800 hi-vis vests involved, the student career seekers visited some of the country’s biggest construction sites and developments. “The event was a structured one-day tour of building-related sites. 

 

We aimed to capture the breadth and diversity of the industry,” Mr Karaitiana said. “We showcased the different opportunities and trades that are available in the construction industry.” “The day also provided an opportunity for employers to meet some real career seekers they may wish to interview and take on.” 

 

The tour was part of the recent Got a Trade? Got it Made! Week, which celebrated the talent, skills and value of apprentices and trainees across New Zealand. Its aim was to increase the understanding, status and demand for practical and vocational learning.

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