BCITO boosts apprentice prospects with $3K scholarships

The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) is giving five talented graduates the opportunity to build on their qualifications, providing access to funding for advanced training programmes. Offered for the second year running, this extra training will help to set high standards within the building sector and establish a solid foundation for developing future generations.

BCITO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana, who has been leading a Government-sponsored Skills Strategy to improve the productivity of the construction industry by 20 percent by the year 2020, says these grants could not have come at a better time.

“The industry is woefully short of people who can effectively manage processes and supervise people, and this shortage is about to get worse as our aged workforce starts to exit.

“We urgently need to get our younger people progressing beyond technical trade level and forging more sustainable careers in the industry. This is a subset of a big need to lift the training and performance of the existing workforce, because most of 2020’s future workers are already working in the industry today,” says Ruma.

Last year’s scholarship recipients have already made good headway into new qualifications including National Certificates in Construction Management, Architectural Technology and Construction Supervision. All of these courses are at level five or above and will help these young men further their prospects.

Matt Munro, co-owner of Steadfast Construction Ltd and 2011 scholarship recipient, is half-way through his Diploma in Construction Management.

“The diploma was the logical next step in my career. Nowadays it’s crucial to have a qualification to back up your practical knowledge and ability, especially with the introduction of the LBP scheme.”

“If you are thinking about furthering your career then you would be crazy not to at least apply for the opportunity of a helping hand.”

Matt says his next goal is to continue developing the business.

“My immediate goal is to work with my business partner Josh Dickson to grow our company and take on complex and exciting residential projects,” he says.

Ruma encourages graduates wanting to further their careers in the construction sector to apply for the scholarships.

“If you want to be a future industry leader, getting your hands on one of these scholarships would be a good start. The BCITO encourages you to look at training in supervision, business management or construction management.”

For those looking to apply for a scholarship, you need to have completed or be completing a BCITO training programme during 2012.

When assessing applications, the BCITO will be looking at your current successes in the industry to date, how committed you are to your trade and the type of training programme you want to use the scholarship for. So don’t hold back on trying to impress!

The scholarships must be used within twelve months of being awarded, and can be used towards any qualification which helps to develop your career.

To apply, visit www.bcito.org.nz/apprentices/graduate-scholarships and go through the application pack. All applications need to be posted to the BCITO by 31 October 2012 in order to be considered.