Investing in our industry’s future

BCITO’s support isn’t limited to just apprentices; it offers a number of opportunities to employers and their staff, allowing them to pursue further training while achieving higher industry standards

Each year, BCITO commits to various incentives that support individuals or businesses into achieving higher qualifications. Chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says the organisation has set aside specific funds for various grants and scholarships.

“While our core function is training apprentices, we’re also interested in ways we can contribute to further developing the industry people we work with,” he says. “This is part of our goal to contribute to improving the building industry’s capability while helping to build the capability of individuals.”

Employer Development Grants of up to $3,000

BCITO gives employers within the building industry access to study programmes to help develop and grow their businesses. They are available to employers of current BCITO trainees. This support helps employers to run successful long-term businesses and to provide ongoing investment in training and employment within NZ’s building industry.

Employers can select any training or development assistance which best suits their personal or business development needs, such as:

• BCITO courses such as Leading Hand, Site Supervisor or Diploma in Construction Management.
• Consultation with a business advisor.
• Short courses or seminars on small business management, estimating or contract management.
• Higher level business-related qualifications.

See www.bcito.org.nz/employers-and-industry/employers/employer-development-grants for information on how to apply.

Graduate Scholarships of up to $3,000

BCITO awards five scholarships annually to recently completed (or soon to be completed) graduates, looking to further their career.

These scholarships enable graduates to add to their qualifications and encourage ongoing training as a path to professional success.

BCITO graduate scholarships help set a benchmark for continuing excellence and lifelong learning in the construction industry. To be eligible, applicants need to have graduated, or be graduating from, a BCITO-supported training programme within the year of application.

2014’s Graduate Scholarship recipients were:

• Robert Pinder, Downes Decorating Service Ltd, Rolleston.
• Campbell Findlay, Isles Construction Ltd, Palmerston North.
• Billy Stansfield, Devo Construction, Auckland.
• Sol-Jah Tino, Sol Tino Builder, Waitakere.
• Ryan Smith-Pilling, Nailing It Ltd, Feilding.

 

“The BCITO Board has set aside specific funds in its reserves for various grants and scholarships. While our core function is training apprentices, we’re also interested in ways we can contribute to further developing the people we work with in the industry” – chief executive Ruma Karaitiana

 

They were able to show evidence of their successes in the industry and all expressed a clear commitment to their trade. Each of them clearly demonstrated a drive to succeed and showed solid career planning, detailing the courses and training that they hope to complete during the next 12 months using the scholarship grant.

BCITO graduate scholarships are an ongoing initiative. For more information and to know when to apply, keep an eye out at www.bcito.org.nz/apprentices/bcito-graduate-scholarships

Outward Bound Scholarships

BCITO also offers ten Outward Bound scholarships each year to specialist trade apprentices across all sectors.

Designed to encourage self-confidence, self-awareness, self-motivation and personal responsibility, Outward Bound challenges participants physically and mentally.

Past winners have returned from their adventure happier, fitter, and with increased motivation and confidence. Encouraging tolerance and compassion towards others, this 21-day course can seriously change a life!

Scholarship winners represent BCITO alongside apprentices from across the building and construction industry, as part of the annual joint initiative between Outward Bound and the Built Environment Training Alliance (BETA).

Keep your eyes peeled on BCITO.org.nz in late February/early March for details of how an apprentice can apply to be a part of the 2015 programme.

To be successful in applying for any of the above, applicants will need to show evidence of success in the industry and commitment to their trade. BCITO looks for individuals and businesses with drive and determination to succeed.

For more information about BCITO grants and scholarships, call 0800 4 BCITO.