Supporting apprentices with ADHD

Last year, a landmark British study found that half of the building sector identified themselves as neurodivergent. 

Awareness of unique brains has been on the rise for a long time, and it’s shaping the way we build and do business for the better. 

By breaking down barriers and promoting accessible learning, all apprentices and employers across New Zealand can thrive in construction careers. 

The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) is researching ADHD in trades. They have found that many apprentices manage their symptoms without diagnosis or targeted support. 

BCITO director Greg Durkin says that health data reveal 5% of Kiwis have ADHD, but just 2.6% receive treatment. 

“If we want more people to enjoy long and rewarding careers in the trades, and attract others to join the industry, we need to be doing more to support our tradies of all backgrounds and abilities.”

The research also highlighted the need for greater awareness and practical resources to help employers and training advisors better understand ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions, enabling them to more effectively support apprentices to succeed in the industry.

The new approach is already leaving a positive impact on tomorrow’s leaders. One of them is Liam Borren, who was diagnosed with ADHD just before starting his apprenticeship at 21. Yet his diagnosis took almost two years.

Since receiving focused support, the Napier carpenter has learnt how to work with his brain, not against it. 

“The journey there was interesting, because I never thought I had anything with a name, I just thought my brain wasn’t as good as other people’s brains, and nobody seemed to pick up on why I was struggling so often,” Liam says. 

“It took a serious relationship with someone I love to point out that I should get checked out.

“I have extreme trouble listening, as my brain has terrible retention. At times this was so bad that I would forget the words coming out of people’s mouths immediately after they said them.”

It didn’t stop him from pursuing his goal of entering a building apprenticeship – first in Wellington and then with Maulder Builders in Havelock North.

He found practical ways to work around his challenges, like keeping a notebook on hand to act as his memory.

The diagnosis also opened the door to medication, which helps him stay focused and makes it easier for him to absorb information. It’s also created a sense of awareness that naturally leads to greater focus and understanding at the workplace.

Liam says the support he’s had throughout his qualification journey has made a world of difference. 

After joining Maulder Builders, he began working with BCITO training advisor Andrey Sedgwick.

“When Andrey came on board, I was four years into my apprenticeship. He listened, asked smart questions and helped me refine a clear plan. 

“From there, we got into a rhythm of three to five standards each visit. Less than two years later, I was qualified. The BCITO support was there the whole way, and Andrey helped me make the most of it,” he says.

Liam says Andrey’s willingness to understand how he worked made all the difference. 

“He vibed with my need to prove myself and was completely supportive and encouraging. He didn’t treat me differently, just fairly. 

“By the time he came on the scene, I was more aware of how I learned, so we worked together to make the assessments suit how I process information. 

“It’s not about fixing yourself – it’s about finding what works for you,” he says.

BCITO and ADHD partner 

Following stories like Liam’s, BCITO has strengthened its partnership with ADHD New Zealand and other support organisations. 

Assistance is offered on a case-by-case basis, and BCITO is now developing a resource to help employers and training advisors better recognise ADHD in the trades and support apprentices, drawing on recent research.

“Liam shows that with the right attitude and tools in place, workers with ADHD can and do make a fantastic contribution to building and construction,” Greg Durkin says. 

Liam enjoys the variety and problem-solving at the heart of his trade, work that keeps his mind engaged while allowing him to support his family. 

Now fully qualified, he’s been entrusted with running small projects and has been given his own work vehicle; a gesture he sees as a clear vote of confidence from his employers.

“Employers who understand neurodiversity get the best from their people. We are not broken, we just think differently,” he says.

Liam’s advice to those with ADHD considering a trade is simple. “Do it.

“It’s an extraordinarily gratifying line of work, but you owe it to yourself and your employer to understand your brain. 

Learn how to regulate, focus and communicate. People want you around if you want to be there, so put your best foot forward. And if you are struggling, ask for help. There is always support out there.”