BCITO Key To New Approach To Filling Construction Skills Gaps

UCOL reported to Te Pūkenga recently on new blended programmes of study that use an authentic blended delivery approach - face to face, self-directed and workplace learning. One of those programmes is Construction Trades Supervision Level 5. This programme provides skills in managing contracts, supervising construction methods and practices, researching technologies, programming work, planning, leading and monitoring staff and completing construction projects. The team developing the new unified programme comprises of four Te Pūkenga subsidiaries (polytechnics) plus BCITO.

UCOL developed the approach because more people are going straight to work, and learning needs to be flexible enough for people to upgrade skills at a place, time and way that is right for them. BCITO is dedicated to practical, effective vocational learning that supports strong skills development, raises productivity, and improves safety.

Greg Durkin, GM – Te Kāhui Whakawhitinga, BCITO said today that, “BCITO and UCOL have agreed to work together on development and delivery of the Construction Trades Supervision Level 5 to deliver the best learning possible for workers and employers. BCITO is proud to collaborate with UCOL and other Te Pūkenga subsidiaries to build a workforce of capable, confident and motivated professionals using our combined skills and experience.”

In the past, their separate mandates have meant Polytechnics and Industry Training Organisations have taken independent approaches. Blended delivery provides the opportunity to bring together the detailed industry knowledge; educational design skills and resources of these very effective vocational education providers.

In addition, campuses across Te Pūkenga need significant capital investment to be fit-for-purpose and regulatory compliant. Blended delivery offers the potential to replace some on-campus delivery with online and workplace delivery, allowing more strategic choices around campus investment. Blended delivery will deliver superior learning outcomes while relieving financial pressure for campus redevelopment.

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