The five-month pilot delivered by Education Unlimited and BCITO|Te Pūkenga aims to support apprentices through the theoretical component of their BCITO qualification. And for the 23-year-old from Whāngarei it has helped level the playing field.

“Building has always been my dream job but I spent years trying to get out of my head so that I could move forward,” says Hamiora. “I was scared I wouldn’t succeed in an apprenticeship because of my dyslexia – in fact I was afraid I couldn’t achieve a lot of things because of it. I was totally stuck. But now I realise dyslexia is a superpower.”

Now ten months into his apprenticeship with Resurrect Homes, the life changing course has helped Hamiora navigate the BCITO portal and progress in his qualification. And weekly one-on-one sessions with Education Unlimited Learning Disorder Specialist Jeanie Raffills have proven transformational.

“When I first started my apprenticeship and opened up the BCITO box, I was like ‘damn, that’s a lot of books’, and I found every excuse not to open them. But since doing the course and working with Jeanie I’ve been making much better progress. We are up to book ten now.”

The Critical Skills Apprenticeship Programme was launched earlier this year to help boost apprenticeship success in Te Tai Tokerau Northland. Delivered over a five month period to a group of 11 apprentices, it included five full-day workshops encompassing everything from SMART goal setting and time management to financial literacy. Apprentices gained their Site Safe Foundation Passport Building Construction ticket, completed a GoodYarn mental health awareness programme, and those who needed it also had access to one-on-one support.

“I thought I was going into the course to learn about building, but it was so much more than that. We learnt lots of helpful stuff about using the BCITO app – where to put stuff and how to do it. It felt good to know that it’s not just me, there are a lot of people out there who need a little more help. I also learnt a tonne of life skills and made strong friendships with other apprentices. And best of all I gained a lot of confidence.”

The first apprentice to arrive at course each day, Hamiora grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and his commitment and hard work are paying off in spades.

“The course is finished now but I’m still doing weekly sessions with Jeanie, as we work through my BCITO books. She helps me with my spelling and reading, both of which are getting a lot better now. When I first managed to read a whole sentence to her without stopping I felt pretty proud.”

But even more rewarding than reading to Jeanie is the newfound love Hamiora has found in reading to his 3-year-old daughter.

Once fearful of failure, Hamiora is now on the fast lane to success, with the skills and self-belief he needs to thrive in the construction industry.

“This course has helped me become a better dad, a better friend and a better brother. Even though it’s been a lot, I have pushed through and I have loved it. Now I finally have my dream job and I’m doing all the things I’ve always wanted. It’s absolutely awesome!”

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