The BCITO Te Pukenga, in partnership with Waihanga Ara Rau – Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council, has launched several construction micro-credentials to provide learners with an opportunity to get a taste of the trades.
The five new micro-credentials cover a range of introductory construction, joinery, renovation, demolition, onsite assembly, interior lining, and exterior cladding skills.
BCITO Te Pukenga Group Manager of Te Kahui Whakawhitinga, Greg Durkin, says in the current uncertain economic environment, and with an acute skills shortage in the wider building industry, these micro-credentials offer a welcoming foot in the door for those considering a career in construction.
“We have heard from our industry stakeholders that they need new and innovative ways to attract people into their workplaces,” Durkin says.
“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. Assessment is undertaken online with a variety of online learning tools available.
Learners who complete them will receive a Te Pukenga certificate and New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) credits.
The micro-credentials were developed with Tertiary Education Commission funding. They are available for learners to enter now with the BCITO, and other providers can apply to the NZQA to provide the micro-credentials themselves.
The new micro-credentials available 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)
The BCITO also has two additional micro-credentials available in kitchen installation and insulation installation.
Learner resources for the micro-credentials are available to providers free of charge by contacting the BCITO’s Andrew Donohue at [email protected].
