The BCITO began the year in a strong position, with a client base of 8150 trainees and new sign-ups tracking to the strong trend shown in previous years. Foundation work undertaken in 2005 has formed the basis for ongoing development for the coming year.
The delivery of the leading hand qualification, further review work in specialist trade areas and the development of a new schools-based qualification look set to keep the business and qualifications development team busy in 2006. Leading Hand/Supervisor Qualification Significant work was undertaken in 2005 on the joint venture with a consortium of polytechnics to oversee the development of training resources for two new qualifications, the National Certificate in Construction Leading Hand and the National Certificate in Construction Supervisors.
Further review and feedback of the resources are currently in progress and the Leading Hand qualification is programmed for delivery in the first quarter of this year. Specialist trade qualifications The restructure of the suite of Cement and Concrete qualifications will continue in 2006, and will include the introduction of a Level 2 generic introductory qualification and the extension of these qualifications to include Concrete Pipe, Concrete Block Manufacturing and Concrete Cutting sectors of the industry.
Development will also continue on the Frame and Truss estimators and detailers qualifications, introducing several new unit standards and associated training and assessment packages. Straight to Work construction skills.
In 2005 the BCITO entered into a partnership with the Ministry of Social Development (WINZ) and the Registered Master Builders Federation to participate in a pilot Straight to Work training programme for job seekers.
Forty-eight WINZ clients participated in pilot programmes in Auckland and Christchurch, attending a 10-week training course designed to provide them with introductory construction skills in preparation for work opportunities in the industry.
Of those who completed the training, 24 were placed into employment. In 2006 this initiative will continue with two further courses being held during the first half of 2006 in Wellington and Christchurch. Building and Allied Trades schools-based qualification Working with the CAPITA group of ITOs, the BCITO is involved in the development of a new Building and Allied
Trades skills qualification for schools. The BCITO will provide the guidance for the development of the qualification and resources, and will register the new qualification. The new qualification will provide students with introductory construction skills which also provide a pathway into trade qualifications.
The qualification will also provide employers with confidence that their potential employee has gained appropriate skills to be able to work in the industry, particularly with regard to the required levels of literacy and numeracy.
The new qualification is scheduled to be available for delivery in schools in 2007.
