Building Careers Week encourages budding building apprentices

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Promoting the building industry as a positive career choice for young people is the aim of the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation’s (BCITO’s) second Building Careers Week, from September 11 to 17. Chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says the BCITO is experiencing solid growth in apprentice numbers, and more than 8500 apprentices are currently in training with the organisation. 

“Building Careers Week is a key way of promoting a career in the construction industry,” he says. A popular feature of the week last year was the school Build-Ability Challenge where students involved in the BCITO’s construction skills courses formed teams to build a dog kennel. 

Nine secondary schools were involved in the 2005 challenge, six fewer than the number participating in this year’s challenge, which is supported by Mitre 10 and Pink Batts. BCITO communications manager Rachel Winter says the school competition provides young people with the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their local community with the practical skills they have learnt. 

“The students will donate the completed kennel to the local SPCA, who are delighted to be part of the project,” she says. 

BCITO Info Nights will also take place throughout New Zealand during the week. BCITO regional teams will host 10 information evenings to provide people who are interested in gaining a qualification in the construction industry with an informal and accessible way to learn about the career opportunities available.

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