BCITO’s new Industry Advocate for Brick & Block Laying

Malo lava le Soifua Manuia ma le Lagi e Mama, Talofa lava! Warm Pacific greetings to you all.

I am honoured to introduce myself as the new Industry Advocate for Brick & Block Laying. Joining BCITO as the "new kid on the block," I recognise that many aspects of this role will require my immediate attention.

Brick & Block Laying is a new trade for me, and I’ve already begun immersing myself in the qualifications. While mastering this sector won't happen overnight, taking the first steps toward understanding and gaining knowledge will provide a solid foundation. This will enable me to offer more effective support to our industries. Although my knowledge of Brick & Block Laying is still growing, I hope this reassures the Brick & Block Laying National Advisory Group and sector that I am committed to learning and not entirely unfamiliar with their profession.

Before joining BCITO, I served as an advisor at Whitireia & Weltec Polytechnic in Porirua, overseeing all trade programs, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and automotive mechanics. My responsibilities also extended to various training programmes such as Health, Hair & Beauty, Information Technology, and Social Work.

A key aspect of my role was engagement and networking, particularly in addressing students' needs and states of mind concerning finances, assignments, and studies. Active engagement and clear communication are crucial to student success, demonstrating that their needs are being met and that positive outcomes are achievable through presence and support.

Additionally, I led a government-contracted Pacific program, where collaboration was essential to assisting the Pacific community in achieving higher education and better employment opportunities.

As an Industry Advocate, engaging, networking, and collaboration are vital components of the role. These skills are crucial because they demonstrate your ability to manage various tasks, from fostering stakeholder relationships to developing industry engagement plans.

The prospect of working in the trades environment excites me, albeit in a different capacity than before. My experience as a roofer taught me that when you pick up your tools, your mind prepares for the challenge of solving complex problems. Similarly, in this role, building relationships is essential. Our team has already established itself as a trusted point of contact for employers, stakeholders, and trade associations.

Trust is fundamental in achieving results and reaching goals. Let’s journey together to transform dreams into reality and turn what once seemed impossible into possible success.