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Building, Construction and Allied Trades Skills (BCATS)

qualifications and standards review

We are reviewing BCATS qualifications and standards to ensure they are fit for purpose. 

Qualifications

New Zealand Certificate in Building, Construction, and Allied Trades Skills (Level 1) [Ref: 3843]
New Zealand Certificate in Building, Construction, and Allied Trades Skills (Level 2) [Ref: 3844]
New Zealand Certificate in Building, Construction, and Allied Trades Skills (Level 3) [Ref: 3845]

Standards (update September 2024)

We have developed skill standards that are better suited to the needs of ākonga and the building, construction, and allied trades. Below is a list of the skill standards (numbers to be confirmed) along with the unit standards they will replace.

Addition of grade criteria

All new skill standards (currently in draft form) will also include achieved/merit/excellence grades so ākonga can be recognised for their efforts when completing BCATS projects. This will also enable the opportunity for the standards to contribute to NCEA endorsement at certificate level.

Next steps

We expect the new standards to be rolled out for use from 2026. In 2025 we will be providing support to ensure schools and training providers are ready to use them.

Please direct any queries to [email protected].

BCATS draft skill standards

No. Level Title Unit standard to be replaced
1 1 Use safe work practices for a BCATS project 24352
2 1 Use basic materials for a BCATS project –
3 2 Use hand tools for a BCATS project 12927
4 1 Use basic power tools for a BCATS project –
5 1 Apply processes to a BCATS project –
6 1 Use hardware and fastenings for a BCATS project –
7 1 Create joints for a BCATS project –
8 1 Apply basic measurement and calculations to a BCATS project –
9 1 Communicate information for a BCATS project –
10 1 Identify BCATS trades involved in the construction of a residential building 31512
11 1 Place basic concrete as a BCATS project 31813
12 2 Work safely in a BCATS environment 24354
13 2 Select and use materials for a BCATS project –
14 2 Use a range of power tools for a BCATS project 24350
15 2 Use fixed machinery for a BCATS project 24351
16 2 Measure and calculate to solve problems for a BCATS project 24361
17 2 Create sketches and drawings for a BCATS project 24353
18 2 Actively communicate to complete a BCATS project 24357
19 2 Plan and monitor the process of completing a BCATS project –
20 2 Recognise employment opportunities within BCATS industries 31511
21 2 Construct timber furniture as a BCATS project 12932
22 2 Complete concrete work as a BCATS project 12933
23 2 Construct a timber deck as a BCATS project 12935
24 2 Construct a utility building as a BCATS project 12936
25 2 Lay paving blocks as a BCATS project 12938
26 2 Construct a retaining wall as a BCATS project 12939
27 2 Make a cupboard with a drawer as a BCATS project 25921
28 2 Construct a timber fence as a BCATS project 31860
29 2 Complete a BCATS project 31812
30 3 Contribute to a health and safety culture in a BCATS environment 29677
31 3 Work with materials for a BCATS project –
32 3 Manage the use of tools, equipment, and machinery for a BCATS project 29682
33 3 Apply mathematical processes to a BCATS project 29681
34 3 Communicate to work effectively in a BCATS environment 29680
35 3 Plan and monitor stages of a BCATS project –
36 3 Incorporate other parties into a BCATS project schedule –
37 3 Create and evaluate a BCATS project –