Find a trade

Discover the diverse trades that power New Zealand’s construction industry and find the pathway that’s right for you.

A trade for every skill

Creativity

You can express creativity through different trades by solving problems and adding personal touches. Whether designing custom woodwork or finishing surfaces with style, each trade offers a chance to shape practical and unique results.

Problem Solving

Whether it’s adjusting plans to fit new measurements or finding alternatives when materials run short, being able to think quickly and find solutions helps keep the project moving smoothly and efficiently.

Building Structure Trades

These trades form the backbone of construction projects, creating the fundamental structure and framework that supports everything else.

Surface & Finishing Trades

Focused on creating durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing surfaces that define the look and feel of completed spaces.

Painting & Decorating

Painters and decorators add the final finish to the interior and exterior of residential, commercial and industrial structures – their work serves as both decoration and protection.

Flooring

Professional flooring specialists provide durable, safe and quality coverings for residential and commercial locations.

Resin Flooring

Professional resin flooring specialists install durable, safe, protective surfaces in commercial buildings and environments.

Know your trade but want to know how it works?

Specialised Interior Trades

These trades concentrate on transforming interior spaces with specialised systems and custom designs for comfort and functionality.

Kitchen & Bathroom Design

Kitchen and bathroom designers use their understanding of design and functionality to help customers create the exact space they have in mind.

Interior Systems

Interior systems specialists put the finishing touches on the interior surfaces of residential or commercial buildings.

Tiling

Tilers work on practical building features such as non-slip walking surfaces, waterproof barriers or under-flooring heating systems. Their work needs to be watertight, functional and look great.

Graduation insight

Hear from BCITO graduates & employers as they celebrate the completion of their apprenticeships.

Precision Craftsmanship Trades

Detail-oriented trades requiring high levels of precision and craftsmanship to create custom components and architectural features.

Joinery

Joiners use timber in its natural and synthetic form to design and create stunning kitchens, bathrooms, timber windows, doors, and staircases, and other types of cabinetry.

Architectural Aluminium Joinery

Aluminium doors and windows help to frame great views. They need to be professionally designed, constructed and installed to ensure they're functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Stonemasonry

Stonemasons create timeless monuments and structures to stand the test of time. They work on building and restoration sites, statues, headstones and landscape features.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Picking the right industry

Entry Requirements

Some trades may have specific entry requirements, such as:

Driver's License: Many trades require you to travel between sites, so having a valid driver's license can be essential.
Citizenship or Residency: Some apprenticeships may require you to be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or hold an appropriate visa.
Physical Fitness: Trades like construction and plumbing involve physical labor, so it's important to consider your fitness level.

Time Commitment

Building and construction apprenticeships require significant dedication, including:

3-4 Year Duration: Most apprenticeships take 3-4 years to complete the full Level 4 New Zealand Certificate.
Full-Time Work: You'll maintain full-time employment while completing your training.
Self-Paced Learning: Theory and knowledge-based work can be completed at your own pace alongside practical training.
Ongoing Support: Dedicated advisor support throughout your entire apprenticeship journey.

Career Goals

The construction industry offers diverse pathways for long-term career development:

Job Security: New Zealand has an shortage of qualified construction workers, creating strong demand for skilled workers.
Career Progression: Advance from apprentice to qualified tradesperson, then to supervisory or management roles.
Business Ownership: Many tradespeople eventually start their own successful construction businesses.
Diverse Opportunities: Work in residential, commercial, heritage restoration, or sustainable building projects.

Building Envelope Trades

These trades focus on creating the critical barrier between interior and exterior environments, ensuring buildings are weathertight, energy efficient, and structurally sound.