The building blocks for a good career

3 November 2011

The building blocks for a good career

On Saturday 5 November, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) will be holding a national careers afternoon to demonstrate to career-seekers the immense up-coming career opportunities in the building industry.

The events are open to students, parents, teachers and career-seekers, who will be able to speak one-on-one with the BCITO's professional training advisors.

BCITO Chief Executive, Ruma Karaitiana, says, "New Zealand's building industry has been in a bust period for a few years now, but that's all about to change. With pent-up demand, leaky-building remediation and rebuilding in Christchurch, the industry will soon be busier than ever before".

Figures released by the BCITO in August 2011 show training within construction industry is gaining momentum. Training numbers in Canterbury saw the most significant increase from 2010.

Across the country, there were 2,572 people who gained BCITO qualifications in building-related trades last year and as many as 5,500 more who are currently working towards completing an apprenticeship.

Jack Dewhirst, a professional builder in Canterbury, completed his National Certificate in Carpentry in 2009 and has since started his own company, Dewhirst Construction.

"When I first decided to get into building, I was able to go straight into my apprenticeship from school," Jack says. "The skills I developed through my apprenticeship gave me a real sense of confidence in my ability as a tradesman, especially in dealing with clients and managing working relationships."

The careers afternoon will highlight the range of opportunities across the building industry, including building and carpentry, masonry, brick-laying, concreting, plastering and tiling to name a few. The BCITO offers qualifications in all these sectors, including the National Certificate in Carpentry, which can be completed straight from school through an apprenticeship programme.

The BCITO works closely with employers and apprentices, arranging training and providing support for NZ's building industry.

To find out about BCITO training courses or for information about the careers days please visit www.bcito.co.nz or contact the local coordinator.

ENDS

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