Through our partnerships with sporting associations, BCITO Sports provides:
- Career pathways: Helping retiring athletes transition into new careers.
- Professional development: Offering clubs and associations tools to build and retain their numbers.
- Apprenticeship opportunities: Connecting school leavers with apprenticeships through their sports clubs and schools.
- Trade-positive attitudes: Encouraging apprentices to bring valuable skills from sports into their trades, including teamwork, motivation, personal health knowledge, and a drive for success.
The trades are a strong career option for athletes, as the industry suits those who are physically fit, disciplined, focused, and team oriented. BCITO Sports builds on this with a customised programme enabling athletes to build a long-term career in the trades.
We cover all the positions
BCITO SPORTS is the most rounded trades development programme ever offered to athletes. We’ve worked hard to consider the needs and priorities of all those involved.
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FOR PRO-ATHLETES
Prepare for your future without compromising on the game at hand. Transition seamlessly from one set of professional skills to another while continuing to earn after your playing days. This approach ensures you stay active and engaged, helping athletes like you receive the professional support you need.
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FOR CLUB ATHLETES
Acquire the skills you need to make a living while continuing to play the game you love, building your career both on and off the field. This approach allows you to prepare for your future without compromising on the game at hand, providing a powerful way to transition from one set of professional skills to another and continue earning after your playing days.
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BCITO Sports offers clubs a powerful advantage by providing members the opportunity to pursue a career during and beyond their playing days, attracting top talent and ensuring they feel supported and included as they progress through the ranks.
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The BCITO Sports Programme helps athletes balance their sports and career by offering opportunities to train and play while earning and learning a trade, ensuring job security and career progression in high-demand trades.
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The BCITO Sports Programme helps athletes balance their sports and career by offering opportunities to train and play while earning and learning a trade, ensuring job security and career progression in high-demand trades.
Player Stories
Hear from others who have apprenticeships in the trades, whilst competing in their respective sports. Watch videos below:
Rugby | Builder
The Hawkes Bay Magpies and overseas’ club back rower, and BCITO Qualified Carpenter. Hear Frank’s journey as a sportsman navigating competitive rugby and a career in the trades, supported by his employer and training provider.
Shot Put | Carpentry
Olympic Shot Putter and Qualified Builder. Hear Tom’s journey as he came up through the ranks of his sport to the international stage, while having a qualified career to back him up. Learn how he leveraged skills from both disciplines to excel in his sport and profession.
Rugby | Joinery
The Tasman Mako player and BCITO Joinery apprentice. Hear Tanita’s story as she manages her joinery apprenticeship around her rugby training and games, passionately supported by her employer and coach.
Muay Thai | Painting
Muay Thai competitor and BCITO Painting and Decorating apprentice. Hear Callum talk about why having a trade and developing a career is the perfect match to his sport, securing him and his family’s future.
Cricket | Carpentry
Cricket and rugby player Liam, who is also a BCITO-qualified carpenter, discusses with his employer the benefits of having a sportsperson and tradesperson combined in one individual, both on-site and on the field.
Sailing | Builder
I’ve always enjoyed woodwork, so becoming a builder seemed like a natural fit. I also spoke to another Olympic sailor, Issac McHardie, who’s also doing a BCITO apprenticeship, and he’s been a great mentor.
The trades have always been a strong career option for those with a background in sport. The industry works well for people who are physically fit, personally disciplined, focused and used to working in a team environment.
A customised programme for athletes at all levels that enables you to build a long-term career in the trades.
