Matchmaking for apprentices and employers, 2026 apprentice leaders and women carving careers in construction – news from BCITO.
The service allows employers to match against specific criteria that matter to their business, such as someone who holds a New Zealand driver's licence or has access to their own mode of transport.
This means the candidates you hear from are already pre-filtered to your requirements, making the process more efficient from the outset.
When a match happens, BCITO contacts the apprentice and provides them with your details. The candidate then reaches out to arrange an interview and goes through a recruitment process. It's a straightforward, cost-efficient way to grow your team with the right people.
Introducing BCITO 2026 Apprentice Leaders
These are the BCITO apprentices stepping up across all 16 of BCITO’s trades, going beyond the tools, leading by example, advocating for their industry, and opening doors for the next generation coming up behind them.
The Apprentice Leaders Group brings together one apprentice from each trade, giving the apprentice voice a real seat at the table. Over 18 months, these individuals build their leadership skills through hands-on involvement in events and industry programmes, influencing training, shaping development, and driving meaningful change from the inside.
Representing Joinery is Rebekah, who is a third-year apprentice at TW Joinery. Rebekah brings a strong background as a painter and architectural draftsman to her role. She has been voted Co-chair by her peers and has a passion for building an inclusive trades industry where there is a path for everyone.
These are 16 apprentices, 16 trades, one mission: to make sure the apprentice voice is heard where it matters most.
Girls in Construction tour inspires future tradeswomen
BCITO's Girls in Construction tour successfully wrapped up in Dunedin and Queenstown, giving local secondary school students practical work experience with experienced construction employers. Students gained insights into what a career in the trades looks like across various locations in Otago.
In Dunedin, students had the opportunity to visit the Dunedin Hospital build - one of the most significant construction projects in the region's history. They also completed hands-on activities, including building a planter box and learning safe power tool use.
In Queenstown, students toured Tewa Banks in Arrowtown, the largest development undertaken by the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust. Delivered by Breen Construction, the 68-home project provides local families with an accessible path into affordable housing. Lindsay Breen, Breen Construction Managing Director noted, “The upcoming building boom in Queenstown makes now the perfect time to amplify the need for more young women in construction.”
The Girls in Construction tour is one of the ways BCITO is working to ensure the trades are accessible to everyone, and that employers have a steady pipeline of skilled, motivated people entering the industry.
Celebrating success - BCITO’s Women in Trades workshops
Over the past three years, BCITO’s Women in Trades workshops have supported more than 400 women apprentices across Aotearoa. These online sessions have covered topics such as health and wellbeing, financial capability, site-safe knowledge, leadership development, and workplace support.
BCITO recently completed its Health and Wellbeing series, which focused on building strength and recovery tips for injury prevention, alongside practical tools for building safer work environments. Participants described the sessions as being ‘packed with golden information in such a short time,’ with many highlighting the value of having these resources available at no cost.
This year, BCITO expanded participation to include industry representatives, NAWIC members, association members and employers. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with one participant reflecting, "I wish this was available 20 years ago." Employers have also welcomed the resources, recognising their value in supporting the next generation of women entering the trades.
BCITO remains committed to inspiring and empowering women in the trades. The workshops have created an inclusive and supportive environment where women across New Zealand can learn, connect, and share their experiences.
Recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of BCITO, Jason Hungerford, says, “I'm excited to have joined BCITO at such an important stage of its growth, as it returns to industry as a Private Training Establishment (PTE).
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