BCITO Skills Summit: Building our Talent Pipeline
On Tuesday 5 November, BCITO held its annual Skills Summit with the apt theme: Building our Talent Pipeline.
The Summit dovetailed with BCITO’s National Advisory Group (NAG) meetings—an opportunity for representatives from each of the 16 industries BCITO supports, to come together to discuss crucial issues facing their industry.
It’s important for BCITO to be listening and responding to what’s going on for people in the building and construction sector. BCITO NAG meetings are held twice a year, to better understand the challenges and opportunities industry is facing and how BCITO can respond.
Skills Summit overview
BCITO’s Skills Summit focused on addressing key issues and opportunities within New Zealand's construction sector, particularly around workforce development, business adaptation, and resilience in the face of industry changes.
The day kicked off with a welcome and overview of the current state of the sector by BCITO Director Greg Durkin. This was followed by a ministerial address by Hon. Chris Penk, the Minister for Building and Construction, who emphasised the importance of training and developing the workforce in light of ongoing economic shifts.
A major highlight was an insightful presentation by economist Shamubeel Eaqub, who shared findings from the 2024 New Zealand Chinese Building Industry Association (NZCBIA) report. His talk focused on how companies in the sector have successfully navigated challenges by prioritising effective training and support, leading to better staff retention and productivity.
Josh Chapman, a YouTuber (NZ Builder) and business owner, followed with a session on innovation in the construction business. He shared his personal journey of building a successful business and how his collaboration with BCITO is helping to create valuable content for tradespeople looking to improve their skills and knowledge.
The afternoon featured a panel discussion on building resilience through company culture and training. Panellists, including industry employers and BCITO’s Apprentice Leaders, shared their experiences on how investing in training and cultivating a positive company culture can help businesses thrive and adapt to change.
A unique session brought in a perspective from the sports industry with Justin Nelson, who explored the connection between revenue, fans, and brand. He illustrated how successful sports organisations focus on these pillars, offering insights into how businesses—particularly in the trades—can harness similar strategies for customer engagement and brand building.
To end the summit, BCITO hosted a gala dinner to announce the Building Leaders Awards—celebrating outstanding BCITO employers in the trades who are helping build the future leaders of tomorrow’s construction sector. Read more in our media release: BCITO Celebrates Construction Employers Shaping New Zealand’s Future
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