Skill up to get ahead
14 January 2026
Being a good tradie is about more than workmanship. Success also requires strong business acumen, especially in a tough construction market. But where do you go to grow those business skills?
It could be as simple as watching a webinar, or taking a short course. Here are a few examples that can fit around your lifestyle.
Short business courses
The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) has a wide range of courses available. Many are just one or two days, though there are also longer courses, available online or in-person. Subjects include project management, financial management, team leadership, AI basics, health and safety, and more. While these are open to anyone, discounts are available for EMA members.
Trade skills courses
If you want to go further in your career, BCITO offers Level 5 certification for tradespeople on the path to becoming supervisors. It's also ideal for current supervisors wanting to upskill or get a qualification. This typically takes 12 months, although it’s structured so you can fit learning around your other commitments. There are also a range of shorter microcredentials for various trades, including basic construction, installing kitchens, exterior envelopes or insulation, demolition and renovation skills, interior linings and joinery or on-site assembly.
Podcasts and webinars
If now isn’t the right time to take on a new course, you can still pick up some ideas and inspiration online. The free Elevate: Building a Better Business podcast on the Master Builders website features interviews with business leaders both in and outside the construction industry. Topics cover everything from project case studies and insights on the industry to how to market your business.
Check out the Government’s Digital Boost programme for free videos on topics such as effective websites and social media, business insights, AI and digital accounting. The Business.govt.nz site has videos specifically for tradies and small business owners, to help with things like cashflow. Business Mentors also hosts a series of webinars on its site, and also offers paid one-on-one mentoring with a business coach for 12 months..
Understand how your business rates
Master Builders and CreditWorks have developed a tool, FINZscore, that gives an A-E rating for your building firm’s financial performance, so you can easily see where your business is strong and where you can improve. Available to Master Builders members only, the tool asks you to provide your latest financials (profit & loss and balance sheet), then it will assess key measures against other builders and industry standards. You receive a FINZscore Report™ that provides an overall score with clear explanations on how you’re performing, and where things need more attention. Visit finzscore.nz to find out more.
