Introducing Aimee, your new Apprentice Leader
Aimee Macfarlane of ITC Ltd Cambridge joins the 2024/2025 BCITO Apprentice Leadership Group. Aimee’s partnership with BCITO is part of the next intake of apprentice leaders in the Painting and Decorating sector, highlighting BCITO’s commitment to empowering and involving apprentices in shaping their learning experiences. The group, initiated in 2023, is a progressive approach to fostering collaboration and communication at the grassroots level within the construction trades.
Aimee started her Decorating career five years ago and officially began her training in September 2021. Inspired by her uncle’s glamorous lifestyle, jetting across New Zealand for jobs, she fearlessly embraced change at 19. Transitioning from five years in the service sector to the Painting Trade, Aimee saw a chance to learn, earn, have fun, and gain a qualification, marking the beginning of her exciting journey.
Fast forward, Aimee is a NZ Master Painter award-winning apprentice of the year nominee, competing alongside four leading wāhine, a qualified tradesperson across multiple strands, and an amazing role model to her 8-year-old stepdaughter.
Aimee’s passion for her work knows no bounds. At home, she channels her love and intrigue by upcycling old furniture. During her work week, she efficiently manages jobs and coordinates with sub-trades, creating a special experience for clients of ITC Ltd. Her dedication shines both in and outside of the workplace!
Aimee aims to aid BCITO in reducing learning barriers that hinder growth and retention in the Painting sector. Having encountered challenges with skills like specialist colour effects that aren’t regularly applied on-site, she advocates for diverse learning tools and channels. Her vision is to transform the apprentice’s perception from unknown and intimidating into something new to discover and master for all.
Aimee joins Turoa Adams of McNabb Decorating, the first painting and decorating leader, as the second voice for apprentices in the Painting sector. They’re part of a dynamic cohort of 30 apprentice leaders, which includes 15 new additions, featuring two representatives from each BCITO-mandated trade.
The structure of the programme, with a term of 24 months and a new cohort recruited every 12 months, ensures a continuous influx of fresh perspectives and ideas.
The emphasis on forming authentic partnerships between leaders, employers, industry, and BCITO is crucial for creating a supportive and effective learning environment.
We’re excited to team up with Aimee! Ready to make some awesome changes to support painting apprentices.
If you’d like to know more about the apprentice leader programme and how to support it, please contact Verina Jones, Advocate for the Learner Voice.
