Apprentice Completes Marathon Learning Journey With Outstanding Teamwork

His success is a combination of his own bravery and hard work, and the support of Leith Kawana, his boss at Done Right Builders, Murray Atkinson, his BCITO Training Advisor, and Phil Middleton of Learner Focused Training Ltd, who have worked together to help Luke succeed.

“Leith, Murray, and my wife all were encouraging me to take my apprenticeship seriously and get qualified. Together, they gave me the push that I needed to give it a serious go,” says Luke.

Thanks to the encouragement from his close circle, Luke attended the carpentry theory classes offered by BCITO and delivered by Learner Focused Training Ltd. These classes expose a BCITO apprentice to the full range of theory topics over 3 x 10 week stages to help with their BCITO assessment visits.

Luke was dedicated and consistently attended every class but even so, his Training Advisor Murray noticed Luke still struggled during assessments. The pair realised it was Luke’s literacy and numeracy skills paired with the faster pace of the general carpentry classes that made assessment an uphill struggle.

In late 2021, as part of BCITO’s continued focus to support apprentices with literacy needs, BCITO contracted Learner Focused Training to help BCITO carpentry apprentices build foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy. The Carpentry Sessions - Learning Support are  a good option for those who work better in smaller groups, a slower pace and like to ask questions, have English as a second language, or have a learning difficulty.

“I knew this new format would suit Luke as, although reading the material was a challenge, it was very clear that he had extensive knowledge and years of onsite experience—but he struggled to articulate this knowledge.  Having Luke attend these classes meant I was able to work directly with him at a slower pace and give him more opportunities to ask questions. Luke thrived and grew in confidence,” says Phil.

“The most important thing we can do to support our learners is to pay attention. That way we can adjust and tailor our teaching style depending on what each individual needs. When I was doing my own apprenticeship, I struggled too, but it doesn’t have to be that way anymore. There’s support available.”

Luke spoke highly of the support that he received from both Phil and his Training Advisor Murray.

“If I ever needed anything, I could always call Phil. He would go above and beyond, often visiting me on site to help with anything I was unsure about. Murray was the same. Both of them understood that I knew what to do, but that I couldn’t always write it down the way they needed. Everyone was so accommodating."

With the unwavering support of his team, Luke completed his carpentry qualification last year.

“Without their support I know that I wouldn’t have completed my apprenticeship. They could tell I was struggling, but refused to give up on me,” continues Luke.

With new-found confidence and the knowledge that he has a team behind him, Luke has now decided to take on the BCITO Supervisor Qualification.

"Phil and Murray awarded me my certificate at our ‘Done Right Builders’ offices and said: ‘You might as well do this one too’. So, I enrolled in the supervisor qual along with my boss Leith and another one of the guys at work. It makes it easier. If one of us is falling behind, we can help each other out," he says.

“We attend the Learner Focused Training Level 5 Supervisor classes once a week and we are still supported by our ever-present Training Advisor Murray.

Luke’s advice for others who are finding their apprenticeships challenging is to ask for help.

“Everyone from BCITO is there to help you. They’re willing to go above and beyond to help you finish. It seems hard, but you can do it.”

BCITO has the resources and support systems in place to ensure everyone can enhance and refine their skills.

Register your interest now for any of the Learner Focused Training programmes.

1. Literacy Classes- General
2. Literacy Classes- Filipino
3. Carpentry Theory Classes
   • Supervisor Classes
   • Māori and Pasifika Carpentry Classes
     

To find all of BCITO’s support options as an apprentice or employer, head to the night classes, reading, maths and more section on MyBCITO.