STRONG SUPPORT FOR TRADES: BCITO SCORES HIGH IN TRAINING SATISFACTION

For January 2025, employers and apprentices gave BCITO an average overall score of more than 8 out of 10 for the quality of training and support provided, with the Net Promoter Score rising 14 points on the previous year. Asked about their satisfaction with the training programme, apprentices consistently rated the resources and workbooks that BCITO provides highly at 96%.

Greg Durkin, Director of BCITO, said the results reflected the organisation’s consistent focus on serving the needs of learners and the trade, despite a tough year for the construction sector and ongoing vocational training reform.

“Our priority is delivering the best possible experience to learners across the 16 trades we support, and ensuring what we do is serving the needs of the industry – both now and in the future,” he said.

“To achieve that, we build relationships and maintain constant communication with employers, apprentices and education partners around the country, with a robust network of trade advisory groups who represent each of our trades. It is very pleasing to see that reflected in these satisfaction results, noting that our work is having a hugely positive impact on both learners and employers. It shows we are delivering what they need, and that is also good news for New Zealand’s building sector, infrastructure and economy.”

A randomly selected sample of 1,979 BCITO apprentices provided ratings on the service received from their BCITO Training Advisor (TA) in the past 12 months. The results are very positive, with ratings sitting at 92% and above. When asked, “Thinking about service you received from your TA, how would you rate the following” the average percentage score is shown after each service element

• The advice and direction from my TA for practical work (92%)
• The advice and direction from my TA for bookwork (93%)
• The understanding my TA has of my training needs (92%)
• Their professional conduct and courtesy to both me and my employer (97%)

“These positive results are a testament to our committed and passionate staff who are out in their communities every day making a real difference in the lives of apprentices and employers,” Greg Durkin said.

“Our staff are committed to attracting apprentices to the building and construction industry and ensuring they are well supported with training, so employers are in the best position to deliver the new homes and infrastructure New Zealand communities need.”

BCITO currently manages 15,000 apprenticeships for the building and construction sector nationwide, delivering training resources, facilitating courses through education providers, providing one-on-one mentorship to learners and guidance for employers on supporting apprentices. It also advocates on behalf of the trades to attract more New Zealanders into the construction industry. More than 55,000 apprentices to date have received qualifications through BCITO.