BCITO Disability Action Plan

Summary

BCITO’s Disability Action Plan sets out our commitment to ensuring disabled learners can access, succeed in, and complete apprenticeships on an equal basis with others. Guided by Kia Ōrite (the Code of Practice for an Inclusive Tertiary Environment) and the social model of disability, the plan focuses on removing barriers created by systems, environments, and practices—not by people’s impairments.

The plan recognises that inclusion is both a social responsibility and a workforce priority. Disabled people make up a significant part of New Zealand’s population, yet face substantial gaps in education, employment, and training. With the right support, however, outcomes can match those of non-disabled learners—highlighting the importance of getting support systems right.

BCITO’s approach centres on six key areas: partnering with disabled learners to ensure their voices shape decisions; building disability confidence across staff, Training Advisors, and employers; providing timely and effective support; ensuring information and digital platforms are accessible; creating safe and trusted disclosure processes; and supporting wellbeing and equitable pathways into employment.

Through these actions, BCITO aims to improve learner retention, achievement, and employment outcomes, while strengthening inclusion across the construction sector. The plan also commits to clear targets, regular evaluation, and public reporting to track progress over time.

Ultimately, the Disability Action Plan reflects BCITO’s belief that a more inclusive training system leads to a stronger, more skilled, and more productive industry—where everyone can thrive.