BCATS information for schools

Building, Construction and Allied Trades Skills (BCATS) are a suite of Level 1-3 unit standards registered on the NZQCF that are tailor-made for schools, making BCATS the perfect choice since:

• They are included in schools’ Base Scope of Assessment, meaning schools do not need to apply for Consent to Assess.
• They can be achieved in any school-based context. This includes school workshops and simulated workplace settings – any structured, supported, and supervised environment where students’ work relates to building, construction, and allied trades.
• Students don’t need to achieve the standard of commercial competency. Unlike other unit standards, BCATS focus on the skills required to enter a building, construction, and allied trades career. In short, a BCATS graduate is an ideal candidate for an apprenticeship!

BCATS programmes:

• lead to BCATS qualifications registered on the NZQCF at Levels 1, 2 and 3
• contribute to NCEA qualifications
• develop literacy and numeracy skills.

For schools, BCATS are externally moderated via cluster moderation workshops.

Schools in the same region are grouped to form a cluster and attend a moderation workshop facilitated by our Assurance Team. Alongside external moderation, a cluster workshop aims to promote collaboration, professional development and innovation among member schools, thereby fostering a supportive and cohesive educational community.

Waihanga Ara Rau hold around 30 regional cluster moderation workshops.

Are you worried that technology teachers are a dying breed?

The University of Canterbury (UC) offers an alternative entry pathway into their Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning. Spread the news across your networks.

We all know skilled and passionate technology teachers are in short supply. UC’s alternative entry pathway recognises trade experience and qualifications instead of the required Bachelor’s Degree. Moreover, the alternative entry pathway includes a distance option, and the qualification may be completed full-time in one year or part-time over two years.

Learn more or contact Ceri de Boo, Lecturer (Technology)/ Secondary Course Co-ordinator Grad Dip.

BCATS Assurance & Moderation Requirements for Principal’s Nominees

Watch this webinar to learn about Workforce Development Councils and their functions, moderation requirements, and the upcoming skill standard review for BCATs.

Webinar recorded 21/02/24

00:00 Opening karakia and introductions
01:39 Session purpose
02:46 Overview of Ohu Ahumahi and Workforce Development Councils
07:01 Moderation requirements
09:04 How we can support your school to deliver and assess
09:42 Moderation requirements – NZQA cover sheet
10:34 What to expect after moderation
11:13 How to access MyBCITO
11:38 Proposed changes to BCATs and why
14:41 What could these changes look like?
15:40 Sample Skill Standard
16:33 Timeline of review
18:55 Workforce Information Platform tool
19:40 Q+A
21:40 Key takeaways
21:29 Wrap-up and closing karakia

Download Assurance and Moderation for Principal’s Nominees – PDF