The Coach Who’s Always Learning Alongside His Teams

In his day job for Programmed, Paul travels the lower North Island estimating the value of commercial painting jobs across a host of sectors, from primary production and education to defence, correctional facilities, local government and water infrastructure.

But Paul’s real passion is coaching. He’s just completed his New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trades - Supervision Level 5 with BCITO. It’s the latest in a long line of qualifications, all aimed at helping him become a better mentor for others in the trades.

His own father left school at 12, and both parents were keen to see Paul go further in life through education. Paul has taken that to heart, embarking on a new qualification virtually every year. Being able to choose the pace of his studies means he works hard all summer, then pushes himself to learn something new during the quieter winter months – so he can pass it on.

He’s now in high demand as a learning coach across the business and beyond, having developed a reputation as someone you can go to for support in your qualifications.

“I’ve taken 20 people through their Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Painting and Decorating, and another 10 through the New Zealand Certificate in Construction-Related Trades – Supervision Level 4. Many are people who’ve been in the industry for 20, 30 years, but have never had the support to get their certification. It’s so important to have someone to motivate and guide you through. I’ve helped one trainee right through from his certificate to diploma level and he is currently doing his Bachelor of Applied Management. When he thinks about it now, he can’t believe he’s doing Level 7 courses,” Paul says.

“I’m proud to say a number of people I’ve worked with will become teachers. That’s why I took my Level 5 certificate – so I could see which staff members it might be suited for.”

He credits his first BCITO Training Advisor, the late Mark Waterson, for lighting the spark for his vocation as a mentor.

“Mark had a huge impact on why I wanted to become a tutor. He got me excited about teaching, and at 58, I see myself as passing that on to the next generation. My first coaching experience was taking an apprentice through his carpentry certificate, more than 15 years ago. He went on to become director at a major construction business. It’s amazing seeing their confidence grow,” Paul says.

He is also a fan of TA Lyndon Wainohu, who supported him through his Level 5 certificate, finding there was still more to learn.

“Our conversations were really in-depth – he’s got a vast knowledge and understands the sub-trades perspective, which not every tutor I’ve had does,” Paul explains.

Paul is delighted that he’s been able to provide feedback to BCITO around his experience of studying with them, to help shape learning frameworks for future learners. His own coaching method is to help break the courses down into small bites for learners, to help them realise everything is achievable and motivate them to take the driver’s seat in their learning journey.

“I believe in giving back. I’ve made a living out of this industry, and I give back by training the future leaders. My philosophy is that no matter what happens in life, no one can take your education away from you. My hope is that someone I’ve taught takes up the mantle of teacher for the next generation.”

A strong construction industry needs more people to step up as supervisors, helping other tradies grow their confidence and skills. If you’d like to know more about how you can do this through BCITO, reach out at info@bcito.org.nz.