BCITO continues to create inclusive, supportive environments where everyone can succeed. By recognising and responding to the needs of women in trades, BCITO is committed to removing barriers and strengthening the well-being of apprentices across New Zealand.

Through strong partnerships with New Zealand organisations including Dignity, Hirepool, NZ Safety Blackwoods, Queens Workwear, Cleanline Tasman, and TrainHer, BCITO is providing period products, sanitation facilities, essential women’s workwear, and an injury-prevention programme designed to support women apprentices.

The partnership with Dignity ensures apprentices have access to free period products, providing practical support and helping to reduce the financial pressures that can otherwise impact attendance and confidence at work. The response from employers, tradespeople, and apprentices has been overwhelmingly positive – reflecting a shared commitment to creating healthier, safer, and more equitable work environments.

Anna Wilson, Director of eHaus Manawatū, is making the most of the BCITO and Hirepool partnership, with a discounted portaloo and free sanitary bin now on-site. She says these initiatives not only support the well-being and dignity of workers but also apply to both your own workers and the subcontractors working on your sites, making strong business sense.

“Productivity savings mean these facilities pay for themselves. That applies not only to your own workers but also to the subcontractors working on your sites. Thanks to the initiative we’re saving a substantial amount,” Anna explains.

Apprentice builder Sydney Gill says the initiative has been a genuine game-changer.

“Ordering the products felt like an important step toward normalising something that affects women everywhere. It’s great to see initiatives like this recognising our practical needs." Now working with Urban Homes in Rotorua, Sydney says the initiative has helped open up new conversations and greater confidence at work.

“I felt embarrassed, like it wasn’t something you talked about, especially around the guys. But staying silent just keeps the problem going. This programme gives us a way to start the conversation without the awkwardness.”

She's now looking into other initiatives, like the Injury Prevention Programme created especially for BCITO women in trades by Shannon McLachlan, strength and conditioning specialist and founder of TrainHer®.

“It’s reassuring to know support is there not just for the job I do now, but for my long-term health,” she says.

Anna agrees. “If you want people to do their best work, you’ve got to show you’ve got their back. These initiatives should be the norm across all worksites.”

Are you a BCITO employer and ready to take advantage of this offer? Head to myBCITO and fill out this form to gain access to free sanitation facilities and discounted portaloos.