Delivered by Education Unlimited, the programme offers non-native English speaking BCITO apprentices up to 20 hours of free English tuition, and according to Wei, it has been a game changer.

“I’ve been in New Zealand for eight years, and building for four, but English is still a barrier for me,” says Wei. “When I go to commercial sites a lot of people have different backgrounds and come from different places, and sometimes it is very difficult for us to understand each other completely. 

“My reading and writing are okay but it’s the talking and listening that I struggle most with. Kiwis speak very fast and sometimes use language I’m not familiar with so small talk is not easy. Sometimes I just put a silly smile on my face and pretend I know what my co-workers are saying but I actually haven’t understood a thing!”

The BCITO 1:1 Apprentice Support English Language Programme kicked off in May, and as soon as Wei found out about it, he jumped at it. So far he has received 12 hours of targeted English language tuition from Education Unlimited tutor Paul Padfield, a former lecturer in landscape construction and horticulture at MIT. The tuition combines online sessions and Saturday morning in-person meet-ups, and has a strong focus on industry jargon and workplace banter. Paul has also buddied Wei up with another Chinese apprentice for further support and language development. Wei says it has been a winning combination.

“This programme has been a very good chance for me to learn more about New Zealand and the building industry, and also to make new friends. It has been great to be partnered up with another apprentice who speaks my native language, so we can share information and support each other.

“The course is very good. Paul is a great tutor and gives us lots of different resources. Already I’ve noticed a big improvement in my speaking and comprehension and I feel so much more confident on the worksite now. I can understand and explain things more clearly, and I can even make a few jokes!”

Originally from Inner Mongolia, Wei has bachelor degrees in Japanese and mechanical engineering and a post graduate diploma in business – and although he has worked as an engineer, and also in marketing, he believes carpentry is where his heart really lies.

“When I first came to New Zealand I studied business and while I was studying I worked part-time in construction. I really enjoyed the work, especially the sense of satisfaction after completing something, so I decided to become a carpenter instead of pursuing a career in business. I’ve been in the industry for about four years now but I only started my BCITO apprenticeship in May last year.”

With a full-time job at Wrapmaster Construction Ltd – and a newborn baby – life is pretty busy, but Wei reckons this BCITO funded language programme is well worth making time for.

“When you work very hard and have a baby you don’t have a lot of time to study English, but Paul is always there to help and support me. I encourage all non-native English speaking apprentices to take advantage of this programme. If you have enough time and want to improve your English, this is the course for you!”

To refer a current BCITO apprentice to this 1:1 English language tuition with Education Unlimited, please contact learnersupport@bcito.org.nz

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