Hawke’s Bay builder works through apprenticeship with BCITO after ADHD diagnosis

Liam Borren has navigated an ADHD diagnosis later in life before becoming a builder with the support of BCITO. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

For Napier carpenter Liam Borren, building a career in the trades has meant learning how to work with his brain.

Borren was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) just before starting his apprenticeship at 21.

With the help of the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), he nailed his apprenticeship and says others can to.

“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.”

He said partner Amy helped to give the push to take the first steps to get tested.

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

Borren said he had trouble listening and said his brain had 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.

“Working with my hands helps me remember things.”

His neurodiversity didn’t hold him back from following his dreams into a building apprenticeship, first in Wellington, then at Maulder Builders in Havelock North.

Borren said he learned ways to navigate the challenges, and now keeps a notebook handy to help with his memory, and works to regulate his brain.

“It’s all about regulation. Your brain isn’t regulated like a neurotypical person, so you are trying to find ways medically or routinely to regulate yourself to function.”

The diagnosis also gave him access to medication, which meant he was less likely to get distracted and found it much easier to take in information.

“It’s a lot of trial and error, figuring out what works ... how I do things and knowing there are ways.”

Borren said he was grateful for the support he had received during his journey to gain his qualification with BCITO training advisor Andrey Sedgwick.

“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.”

Borren said Sedgwick’s willingness to understand how he worked made all the difference.

“He didn’t treat me differently, just fairly.”

He said that with his support, he became more aware of how he learned.

“I found the right place and they encouraged the learning, which is good, because some people just want you as labour.

“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."

Based on the research findings, BCITO is developing resources in partnership with ADHD New Zealand and other organisations to help employers and training advisors recognise the signs of ADHD and support apprentices who have it.

BCITO director Greg Durkin said health statistics revealed that while around 5% of New Zealanders have ADHD, just 2.6% of adults 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.”

Further BCITO resources for employers and apprentices are being developed for release in 2026.

Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.