Students Build dog kennels during Building Week

School students build SPCA dog kennels during Building Careers Week

Secondary school students from the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation’s (BCITO) Introductory Construction Skills courses are busy putting their skills to good use this week and helping a community group at the same time.

Nine secondary schools* throughout New Zealand are constructing dog kennels which will be donated to their local SPCA shelter for use by abandoned dogs and puppies. The competition is being held as part of BCITO’s inaugural Building Careers Week which began last Saturday and finishes this Sunday.

The week aims to raise awareness of the building and construction industry as a career choice for school leavers. There are nearly 8,000 trainees involved in industry training nationwide with the BCITO.

BCITO Communications Manager Rachel Winter says “BCITO’s school competition aims to foster interest in careers in the building and construction sector. We are committed to addressing the skills shortage in the industry by showing young people building teaches creative, physical and business skills.”

Technology teacher at Rongotai College, Keith Ferrel, believes the competition is worthwhile because it encourages teamwork, creativity and attention to detail. “Students work together to construct a quality building. In the process, they are learning practical skills that are relevant in today’s working world and will help them bridge the gap between school and the workforce,” Keith says.

SPCA CEO, Robyn McDonald, says the competition demonstrates how young people can make a positive contribution to the community while also learning new skills. “The SPCA is delighted to be involved in this initiative because it strengthens the relationship between local schools and community groups,” Robyn says.

The dog kennels will be judged by the BCITO National Office staff. Judging will focus on the student's 'record of work' and attention to detail in the building process.

All building materials have been kindly donated by PlaceMakers and the winning school group will receive a prize pack.

A large number of students who participate in BCITO’s Introductory Construction Skills programme go on to take up building apprenticeships.

For information on careers in the building and construction industry please visit the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation website on www.bcito.org.nz

*Schools participating are:

Rongotai College, Wellington

Onehunga High School, Auckland

Napier Boys’ High School, Napier

Nelson Boys’ College, Nelson

Feilding High School, Feilding

Tauranga Boys’ College, Tauranga

Taieri College, Mosgiel

Hamilton Boy’s High School, Hamilton

Burnside High School, Christchurch

ENDS

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