Work Readiness Building and Construction

Have you been thinking about a career in the construction industry?

This entry-level course will prepare you for an apprenticeship or entry into the construction field. Learn the basic skills, knowledge, and terminology used on building sites.

Learn how to safely use hand and power tools while completing small projects. This course will help you to get work-ready with valuable skills employers are looking for.

When you pass this course, you'll get this award:

• Work Readiness Building and Construction Micro-Credential (Level 2)

This micro-credential provides a hands-on learning environment, designed for those not currently in employment or training.

• work-ready skills
• safe working practices related to building and construction
• safe use of hand tools and power tools
• introduction to reading and interpreting project plans
• introduction to construction tools and building materials
• te ao Māori

Most of your learning time will be kaiako-directed. Your kaiako will guide you through instruction and learning activities at a scheduled time and place.

In some locations this programme may be provided by an approved sub-contract arrangement.

The rest of your learning time will be activity-directed. Activity-directed learning is self-guided in your own time and space.

• This might consist of completing online activities, attending events, preparing for assessments, or engaging with supporting materials.

Some learning activities will need to be completed online. You’ll need to have access to an internet-connected device to participate in this programme.

This is a full-time programme that consists of 40 credits.

The programme is delivered over 12 weeks, which means you’ll be expected to commit an average of 33 hours per week to your study.

300 learning hours will be kaiako-directed. These hours will be split between:

• 4 x 6.25-hour classes per week

100 learning hours will be activity-directed. This means you will be expected to complete activities in your own time for an average of 8 hours per week. The learning hour distribution is at the discretion of your kaiako. For more information on what’s being offered, please contact Tatau Pounamu, our call centre.

To enrol in this programme, you must:

• be 16 years or older
• be a New Zealand citizen or resident (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue or the Cook Islands)
• reside in New Zealand

I want to keep studying

You’ll be ready to enter a pre-trades programme at Level 3 or above.

I want to use my skills

There are opportunities for graduates to seek labouring roles or an apprenticeship in carpentry or similar trades in the building industry with construction companies and contractors.

I want to use my award

This micro-credential provides a pathway into higher level New Zealand qualifications in carpentry, building and construction, joinery or frame and truss detailing. Tauira that have successfully completed this micro-credential will be eligible to transition into entry-level employment in the construction industry.

Whanaungatanga | 14 credits

The aim of this kōnae ako is for tauira to participate in a range of activities to support their (re)-introduction and familiarisation with te ao Māori, to introduce tauira to health and safety legislation and safe working practices. There is also a focus on understanding human risk factors and traffic law to support tauira in gaining a driver’s licence.

BCATS Tūāpapa | 15 credits

The aim of this kōnae ako is for tauira to become familiar with the safe use of hand and power tools, and to be able to read and interpret project plans in a building, construction, and allied trade skills (BCATS) environment.>/p>

BCATS Mahinga | 11 credits

The aim of this kōnae ako is for tauira to continue to apply safe practices relating to hand and power tools, as well as fixed machinery to carry out projects and to gain knowledge of construction materials within a BCATS environment.