Girls in Construction Tour

On 22 June 19 Year 10 - 12 Ōtaki College students participated in a "Girls in Construction Tour" which the BCITO ran in collaboration with Hawkins Construction. The students and accompanying staff learnt about the trades and the role of the BCITO. They toured the $166 million Wakefield Hospital Redevelopment in Wellington and were spoken to by several women working in the trades about what they loved about their job, how they got into it and what they would encourage students to take away from the day. The overriding message from them was that you can do anything that you want to. While on site the students were able to participate in putting some scaffolding together, under the guidance of some of the scaffolding team.

After a fabulous lunch which was supplied by the BCITO and Hawkins Construction the group travelled back to Te Wānanga o Raukawa where they learnt about the history, then headed to the carving shed where they were able to watch carvers at work and also paint some kowhaiwhai patterns on pieces of totara. What a stunning way to finish the day! 

Here is what one student said about the experience:

I participated in this day as I thought that it was a good opportunity to learn about the trades. I really enjoyed going onto the construction site and being able to get out of class.They made all the activities interactive and interesting. I felt like this was a really big special thing and I'm glad I could experience it. I learnt that a trade is for everyone, and that you don't have to be a male to do a trade. I also learnt about how building sites work and found out lots about the Wananga.

I would like to thank the BCITO and Hawkins Construction for this wonderful opportunity for our students. 

Steph Putt - Careers Advisor.