AAJ - National Advisory Group (NAG) meeting highlights

On Friday 18 November, the Architectural Aluminium Joinery (AAJ) NAG met face to face for the first time since COVID-19 hit our shores. It was great to meet in person after meeting via zoom for the last two years.

The AAJ NAG comprises employers, industry association and supply chain representatives with a strong background in industry training. The purpose of NAGs is to create a two-way information sharing pathway enabling BCITO to respond to educational needs of industry and allowing NAG members to inform their industry networks of the work and initiatives BCITO covers. The NAG members provide BCITO with advice on strategic issues around sector requirements and keeping training requirements up-to-date and relevant among other responsibilities.

The NAG meeting covered a range of topics relating to the current state of industry training and the future of BCITO within Te Pūkenga. Other discussion points included:

• The NAG welcomed their Apprentice Leader to the group, Isaac Neal from Envision Aluminium in Blenheim. BCITO selected Isaac as the Apprentice Leader for the AAJ sector. The NAG looks forward to having the voice of the apprentice in the group to better understand their needs.
• The number of AAJ apprentices is flat year to date, from 532 at the beginning of the year to 531 at the end of September. The NAG is interested to see if there are any trends with apprentices who withdraw from their apprenticeship.
• The NAG discussed what type of support we have for our learners, whether it be financial or mental health support.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the other NAG members for giving up their time to contribute to such a productive meeting.

The AAJ NAG is on the look out for new members, particularly in the South Island. If you are interested in becoming a NAG member, please contact our Industry Advocate, Pitchin Ng at pitchin.ng@bcito.org.nz for more information.