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Building pathways

A smarter qualification journey for building trades

What this project is about

Waihanga Ara Rau has worked closely with employers, apprentices, training providers, and industry associations to identify key challenges and develop solutions that will create a more flexible, transparent, and supportive Building Pathway.

 

Why change? What industry told us

We heard that the current pathway presents challenges for both learners and employers, including:

  • Limited recognition of progress when moving from pre-trade training or school into apprenticeships.
  • Difficulties transferring progress when changing providers or employers.
  • Gaps in coverage for the full scope of qualifications.
  • A long-term commitment of 3–4 years can be daunting for some learners and businesses.
  • Learners leaving with no credentials if they withdraw or pause their training.

This report is an essential read for employers, training providers, apprentices, and industry organisations who want to stay informed and be involved in shaping the future of the building trades.

Download the Building Pathways Project Report

The Building Pathways Project Report

This report outlines the insights and solutions developed in response to industry feedback. It provides:

  • A summary of industry concerns about apprenticeship retention, qualification completion, and recognition of skills.
  • A roadmap for change, including how micro-credentials and skill standards will improve training and qualifications.
  • Guidance for transition, detailing how learners, employers, and training providers can adapt to the new system.

The solution: a more flexible Building Pathway

To complement existing qualifications, we are introducing micro-credentials as part of the Building Pathway. These will:

  • Provide more flexible options for learners and employers.
  • Ensure all micro-credentials and qualifications share common skill standards, maintaining quality and consistency across training.
  • Support industry-relevant specialisations, making it easier for learners to gain recognition for their skills.

The journey so far and where to next

In 2024 we worked with industry to develop Core Construction and Carpentry skill standards to act as the building blocks for an updated Building Pathway.

For the remainder of 2025, we will be working with industry to review existing qualifications and develop micro-credentials based on these new skill standards.

Implementation Plan

Completed in 2024

Develop a micro-credential(s) and supporting guidance information for onsite environmental sustainability across construction environments.

Alongside the review of NZC Carpentry (Level 4) and NZC Construction Trades Skills (Level 3), consult with industry and develop micro-credentials for areas of technical trade skills identified for:

  • Taura / Apprentice (early stages)
  • Tauira / Apprentice (becoming qualified).

As the suite of concrete qualifications and skill standards are developed, consult with industry and develop required micro-credentials for:

  • Commercial/structural building concrete
  • Commercial building compliance systems.

Targeted consultation to explore opportunities to support tradespeople to further develop skills that support them to be effective trade professionals (e.g. personal and professional development, interpersonal skills).

Use existing core construction and carpentry skill standards to develop micro-credential(s) for new starters.

Targeted consultation to confirm support and demand for the development new credentials for the following areas:

  • New build – building performance
  • Passive house building
  • Advanced carpentry – residential building specialists
  • Onsite modular building component assembly.

Provide transition information between micro-credentials, current building qualifications and the new skill standards in the Carpentry Programme Guidance.

To be actioned and updated as new skill standards, micro-credentials and qualifications are approved.

Stay involved

Your feedback is crucial in shaping a qualification pathway that works for the industry. If you have any questions about this project or would like to be more involved in upcoming consultations, please get in touch.