Timothy Chapman

From Rowing to Building: Timothy Chapman Balances Sport and Trade with BCITO

For rower Timothy Chapman, success comes down to balance—both on the water and on the tools. Thanks to the flexibility and support of a BCITO apprenticeship, he’s proving that it’s possible to chase sporting dreams while building a career for the future.

Structure and Support

Timothy’s weekly schedule is demanding: early starts, full days on the building site, evenings on the water, and weekends of double training. “I have to manage my time very strictly and plan out my week in advance,” he explains.

That balance is only possible because of the flexibility BCITO provides. Unlike traditional study pathways, apprenticeships allow athletes like Timothy to earn while they learn, tailoring their training around sport. “It’s about looking after my health, planning ahead, and making sure I’ve got the right support,” he says.

Building a Career Beyond Sport

One of the biggest drivers for Timothy was preparing for life after rowing. “I wanted to have a skill and something I know I can use after I stop being competitive in rowing,” he says.

With BCITO, he’s building qualifications that will stay with him long after his sporting career. And the lessons go both ways. “I carried over the pursuit for perfection from rowing to my trade, making sure I’m doing everything as perfect as possible.”

Skills That Transfer

Leadership and teamwork are second nature to Timothy, honed through years of sport. He sees clear crossover with his apprenticeship. “Rowing has given me better communication skills which are very useful in the trade, along with discipline where I’ll take my time and be patient to do things properly.”

This is exactly what BCITO apprenticeships are designed to nurture—turning personal strengths into professional success, with one-on-one guidance from training advisors every step of the way.

Staying Motivated

Balancing two demanding careers isn’t always easy. “The toughest part is not having enough time to recover fully and staying injury-free,” Timothy admits. But he’s found that goal-setting, combined with BCITO’s tailored learning support, has kept him moving forward.

“Building and rowing at the same time is very achievable as long as you plan out your week ahead and take care of yourself,” he says. “It’s important to have a skill in your pocket for during and after sport—and a trade is a great option.”

Why BCITO?

Timothy’s journey shows what’s possible when sport and trade work together. With flexible apprenticeships, dedicated training advisors, and qualifications built to last, BCITO is helping athletes like Timothy succeed today while preparing for tomorrow.