We have completed a review of the Building Construction and Allied Trade Skills (BCATS) qualifications and standards to ensure they are fit for purpose.
At the same time, we developed a suite of new skill standards better suited to the needs of ākonga (learners) and the BCATS industries. All new skill standards will include achieved/merit/excellence grades to differentiate a student’s level of performance and achievement and help grow parity of esteem for this vocational pathway with ‘academic/University Entrance (UE)’ subjects.
This will also enable the standards to contribute to NCEA merit and excellence endorsement at certificate level, which may have a significant impact on future training and career prospects.
The reviewed qualifications and draft skill standards have been submitted to NZQA for evaluation.
A summary of the project consultation and key themes can be read in the consultation summary report.
Waihanga Ara Rau and BCITO are working together to support the transition to the revised qualifications and new skill standards. It is intended that programmes will use the new skill standards from 2026. Some of the planned support includes:
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The suite of new skill standards from Levels 1 to 3 describe skills that matter in BCATS industries.
Based on stakeholder feedback during this project, graded criteria (achieved, merit, and excellence) have been used across all standards.
The current unit standards will expire because the new skill standards will replace them. The unit standards will still be available for use until their last date of assessment (likely to be December 2027).
The BCATS skill standards are included as mandatory components of the qualifications. This means training providers must use the skill standards in programmes leading to the qualifications. Other changes include:
