The construction and infrastructure sector is at the heart of building and maintaining the places we live, work and play in.

From skyscrapers to highways, it’s all about creating the structures and systems that make everyday life possible. This field is full of opportunities, offering everything from hands-on building jobs to roles in design, engineering and project management.

As cities grow and technology advances, the demand for smart, sustainable infrastructure is growing, making this an exciting and impactful industry to be a part of.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction is building anything from the ground up, including:

• architectural services
• building
• plumbing
• gas-fitting
• electrical services
• roofing
• scaffolding
• and more…

IS A JOB IN CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Do you like…

• Hands on work
• Working with tools
• Using or driving heavy equipment or machinery
• Working amongst a team?

Do you have these skills?

• Technical ability
• Willingness to learn
• Safety awareness
• Team work and leadership
• Project and time management
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Quality focus
• Adaptability
• Reliability
• Motivation

Are you interested in…

• Following and developing plans
• Problem solving
• Making calculations and measurements
• Preparing estimates and quotes?

Sound like you? Consider becoming part of the sector building, maintaining and repairing Aotearoa from below the ground up!

BECOME AN APPRENTICE

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships provide opportunities to learn skills and gain experience in a range of trades including construction, engineering, plumbing and electrical.

As an apprentice, you:

• work for, and learn from, an employer who supports you through your apprenticeship
• complete practical, on-the-job assessments (such as showing you can lay carpet), attend courses such as block courses, evening courses and day-release classes, and complete written assessments.

Am I eligible to become an apprentice?

To enrol as an apprentice, you need to be at least 16 years old. Entry requirements vary across industries, so it’s best to consult the appropriate provider for specific criteria.

 Benefits and costs of an apprenticeships include:

• You begin at the training minimum wage (although employers may increase pay as your skills develop).
• Completing the apprenticeship equips you with technical proficiency, practical skills, and a Level 4 New Zealand Certificate, typically leading to higher pay and improved job prospects.
• Visit the Employment NZ website for details on the training minimum wage.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

BCITO outline what it’s really like on the job as an apprentice in the Construction sector…

As an apprentice you’ll be expected to:

• start early or finish late (depending on the job)
• work on large long-term projects or small repair jobs
• travel to various job sites
• work outside and inside
• stick to deadlines
• work in noisy or dirty conditions
• work at heights or in confined spaces
• follow health and safety guidelines
• concentrate for extended periods of time
• be accurate – other tradespeople rely on your measurements or quantities
• work both on your own and as part of a team
• listen and communicate well
• be comfortable with tools and machinery
• maintain your tools

INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure is planning, designing, building and laying utilities for the community, including:

• Services below ground:
  drainage, sewerage, broadband, dams, water supply…
• Services above ground:
  roads, tunnels, rail, ports, bridges, electricity generation…