It’s a great way to invest in our industry’s future, give back to your trade and improve the skill set of your employees. Plus, you’ll be arming a beginner with the skills, work ethic and opportunities that will set them up for life.

Reflecting its commitment to supporting training in the industry, in 2002 Resene was determined to remove one of the cost barriers for employers in hiring an apprentice. For every apprentice registered with the ITO, Resene provides the employer/apprentice with the Resene Apprentice Tool Kit. The kit contains the ITO listed tools required to complete a painting apprenticeship. Over 25 years, thousands of kits have been delivered to grateful apprentices providing a positive contribution to the start of their apprenticeship journey.

The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) is New Zealand’s leading building and construction apprenticeship provider. It is proudly New Zealand-owned, and with a 34-year track record, it’s a trusted partner in the sector, delivering more than 55,000 trade-qualified professionals across 16 different trades.

Louise Roberton, Communications Manager for BCITO, shares valuable insight and answers all key questions regarding the why and how of hiring an apprentice for your business.

How do BCITO apprenticeships work?

• Apprentices learn while they earn a wage working in their job/trade.

• The apprentice learns practical skills from their employer.

• A BCITO Training Advisor engages with the apprentice and employer with onsite visits and online interactions.

• The BCITO Training Advisor carries out assessments and makes sure the apprentice is on track. They also support the learner if they have specific learning needs.

• The apprentice receives materials from BCITO, and an online portal to access ongoing support and resources.

• They also attend offsite ‘block-course’ training to support their learning on the job.

How long does it take?

While there is no set time for an apprenticeship, training typically takes between two and four years depending on what elective strands the employer and apprentice choose. BCITO works with each apprentice to consider experience they already have and the scope of work they are likely to cover.

What are the benefits of hiring an apprentice?

• Training an apprentice is more than filling a role – it’s building capability, loyalty and legacy that strengthens your business and community.

• Skilled staff: Apprentices typically become capable, loyal workers who understand the business’ systems and can work independently.

• Business growth: Skilled teams means employers can take on more complex, higher-value work.

• Long-term payoff: Training builds loyalty and reduces recruitment costs. Stability in your workforce is critical for success.

• Community impact: The business is helping build stronger families and a stronger industry.

• Through the Government’s Apprenticeship Boost, employers receive monthly $500 payments to help cover training costs for their first-year apprentices.

• Employers are expected to train apprentices on all aspects of the qualification, which is in the typical scope of a painting firm.

• Hands on experience: Apprentices learn by doing real-world training on the job and gain practical skills that can be applied immediately.

• Setting up a successful future in the trade: By doing an apprenticeship and getting qualified, the apprentice is setting themselves up for ongoing employment as a well-paid, qualified tradesperson. They’ll open opportunities to do further study in supervision or site management, start a business and someday train their own apprentices.

How do I go about finding an apprentice?

There are many ways you can find an apprentice, such as:

• Advertising in your local papers and through recruiting services.

• Local community clubs/groups.

• Networking and word-of-mouth via friends and family.

• Approaching local schools.

BCITO can also match an employer with individuals who are ready to learn and support their business through their Job Matching team. BCITO's Gateway programme is an opportunity for students to get a taste of a trade. It’s a way of figuring out what they want to do out of school, while they’re still in school. Theory is done in the classroom and is reinforced with onsite work experience.

How much should I pay my apprentice?

The apprentice’s pay/wages is at the discretion of the employer, and which BCITO isn’t involved in. Checking in with Master Painters is a good idea, as they will be able to provide guidance on suitable rates.

How can I ensure my apprentice gets the best out of the situation?

BCITO’s Training Advisors are in regular contact with the apprentice and their employer to provide support and guidance, and to make sure everything is on track.

BCITO offers free, specialised learning support services that help apprentices cut through potential barriers, such as with English language, literacy and numeracy skills, setting them up for success in their apprenticeship and beyond.

BCITO also provides free ‘Train the Trainer’ workshops for employers. These workshops help employers train more effectively and efficiently, benefiting the business and the apprentice’s future.