BCITO leads the change

From having never considered a career in construction to launching her own business in a matter of years, BCITO Training Advisor Olivia Broadhurst loves the flexibility and opportunities the sector provides. We caught up with her to celebrate the increasingly important role that women are playing in construction.

Olivia had never considered an apprenticeship in a trade. But after returning from her gap year and in search of some direction, she took a temporary role as a labourer on a building site.

“It was my boss who recommended it. I’d never thought about a career in the building and construction industry, as it had never been suggested to me at high school. He connected me with a training advisor at BCITO and before I knew it, I was convinced to give it a go."

Olivia excelled in her training and even won Registered Master Builders Upper South Island Apprentice of the Year in 2017.

“I needed some encouragement at first. But my boss and training advisor gave me the push I required. Looking back, the competition pushed my boundaries and made me a better builder. I made some life-long friends, too.”

One year after completing her apprenticeship, Olivia decided to set up her own building company.

“I felt I had enough knowledge and confidence to go out on my own. Luckily, this turned out to be true. I really enjoyed taking on the projects I found interesting, and hiring people for the team was a new experience for me.”

Olivia's career has gone from strength to strength. After two years of running her own business, she decided it was time to also help others. She is now working as a training advisor to support other people to get qualified in the sector.

“I wanted to give back – and inspire young women and men to consider the options not always put forward to them. Mentoring and providing guidance to our Rangatahi leads to a wonderful sense of satisfaction.”

She recommends anyone with an interest in the building and construction sector speak to the BCITO team if they are interested in an apprenticeship. There are a wide range of trades available, it’s not all carpentry – there is something for everyone.

“We’ll give you the guidance you need to determine if it’s right for you. The sector wants people from every background to take on an apprenticeship, and it will provide you with a fantastic career in return.”

BCITO actively works to foster diversity and inclusiveness in the industry. Here are some of the initiatives it has undertaken:

• Developed the Building Women Framework, which has shaped various campaigns and initiatives for encouraging women into apprenticeships. These include “My Boss Legend – She’ll be Right” and Building Women
• BCITO has set an ambitious goal that 10% of its learners are women by 2025.
• Appointed a Principal Advisor Women to advocate for women in the industry and work specifically towards achieving the above goal.
• BCITO, in collaboration with Competenz, Connexis and Skills developed TradeCareers.co which helps connect women looking for employment in the sector with companies who are hiring.