School students build SPCA dog kennels during Building Careers Week
Secondary school students from the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation’s (BCITO) Introductory
Construction Skills courses are busy putting their skills to good use this week and helping a community group at the
same time.
Nine secondary schools* throughout New Zealand are constructing dog kennels which will be donated to their local SPCA
shelter for use by abandoned dogs and puppies. The competition is being held as part of BCITO’s inaugural Building
Careers Week which began last Saturday and finishes this Sunday.
The week aims to raise awareness of the building and construction industry as a career choice for school leavers. There
are nearly 8,000 trainees involved in industry training nationwide with the BCITO.
BCITO Communications Manager Rachel Winter says “BCITO’s school competition aims to foster interest in careers in the
building and construction sector. We are committed to addressing the skills shortage in the industry by showing young
people building teaches creative, physical and business skills.”
Technology teacher at Rongotai College, Keith Ferrel, believes the competition is worthwhile because it encourages
teamwork, creativity and attention to detail. “Students work together to construct a quality building. In the process,
they are learning practical skills that are relevant in today’s working world and will help them bridge the gap between
school and the workforce,” Keith says.
SPCA CEO, Robyn McDonald, says the competition demonstrates how young people can make a positive contribution to the
community while also learning new skills. “The SPCA is delighted to be involved in this initiative because it
strengthens the relationship between local schools and community groups,” Robyn says.
The dog kennels will be judged by the BCITO National Office staff. Judging will focus on the student's 'record of work'
and attention to detail in the building process.
All building materials have been kindly donated by PlaceMakers and the winning school group will receive a prize pack.
A large number of students who participate in BCITO’s Introductory Construction Skills programme go on to take up
building apprenticeships.
For information on careers in the building and construction industry please visit the Building and Construction Industry
Training Organisation website on www.bcito.org.nz
*Schools participating are:
Rongotai College, Wellington
Onehunga High School, Auckland
Napier Boys’ High School, Napier
Nelson Boys’ College, Nelson
Feilding High School, Feilding
Tauranga Boys’ College, Tauranga
Taieri College, Mosgiel
Hamilton Boy’s High School, Hamilton
Burnside High School, Christchurch
ENDS