New Construction micro-credentials launched to encourage job seekers

The five new micro-credentials cover a range of introductory construction, joinery, renovation, demolition, onsite assembly, interior lining, and exterior cladding skills. BCITO Director, Greg Durkin said in the current uncertain economic environment and with an acute skills shortage in the wider building industry, these micro-credentials offer a welcoming foot in the door for those considering a career in construction.

“We have heard from our industry stakeholders that they need new and innovative ways to attract people into their workplaces. These micro-credentials offer learners an opportunity to see what a career in the trades could look like. The learning also counts towards an apprenticeship if the learner continues down that path.”

“The micro-credentials are also great for people who are considering a career switch, providing introductory bite sized bits of learning.”

The new micro-credentials take two to six months to complete. Assessment is undertaken online with a variety of online learning tools are available. Learners who complete the micro-credential will receive a certificate and NZQA credits.

The micro-credentials were developed with TEC funding. The micro-credentials are available for learners to enter now with BCITO, and other providers can apply to NZQA to provide the micro-credentials themselves.

The new micro-credentials available are:

1. Basic Construction Skills (39 credits)
2. Demolition & Renovation Skills (36 credits)
3. Onsite Assembly Skills (32 credits)
4. Introductory Interior Linings & Joinery Skills (25 credits)
5. Introductory Exterior Envelope Skills (35 credits)

BCITO also has two additional micro-credentials available in kitchen installation and insulation installation.

Learner resources for the micro-credentials are available to providers free of charge by contacting Andrew Donohue at BCITO on: andrew.donohue@bcito.org.nz.