BCATS information for schools

Building, Construction and Allied Trades Skills (BCATS) are a suite of Level 1-3 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.

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

Download Assurance and Moderation for Principal’s Nominees – PDF