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.

This makes BCATS the perfect choice since:

• they are included in schools’ Base Scope of Assessment. This means 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 the building, construction, and allied trades.
• they do not require students to achieve the standard of commercial competency. Unlike other unit standards, BCATS focus on the skills required to enter a career in the building, construction, and allied trades.  In short, a BCATS graduate makes 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 regional location are grouped together to form a cluster and attend a moderation workshop facilitated by Waihanga Ara Rau Assurance Team. Alongside external moderation, the purpose of the cluster workshop is to promote collaboration, professional development, and innovation among member schools thereby fostering a supportive and cohesive educational community.

Waihanga Ara Rau run around 30 regional cluster moderation workshops.

Worried that technology teachers are a dying breed?

The University of Canterbury (UC) offer 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 in lieu of the typically 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

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

Assurance and Moderation for Principal’s Nominees – PDF