BCITO awards record number of Outward Bound Scholarships
Including three Mana Wahine Scholarships for female apprentices, our team of 18 worthy recipients set sail for Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds on Sunday, 4 June.
Each BCITO Outward Bound scholarship is worth more than $4,000 and represents BCITO’s ongoing commitment to industry and growing leaders of the future. Chief Executive, Warwick Quinn says, “Outward Bound has a strong reputation for pushing individuals to their limit on a journey of self-discovery that will benefit attendees in both their work and personal lives. We’re very excited to offer this opportunity to such a large group of apprentices this year.”
Not only is Outward Bound a new and unique experience for our group, but for many, this is their first time travelling away from home. Cyril Taranaki of VJ Oliver Bricklaying says, “I’ve never ever left the North Island so I’m looking forward to the ‘South Island’ experience. I’m really excited! It’s going to be a mental and physical challenge that will help me better prepare myself for what I’ll face as a business leader in the near future.”
Although quite anxious prior to departure, many attendees were looking forward to meeting apprentices from other trades and making life-long friends throughout the 21-day experience. Lisa McCormack, AAJ Apprentice of Nulook Solutions Ltd in Christchurch, mentioned that she was very nervous and unsure as to whether or not she would cope. We reassured her that these feelings are to be expected when putting yourself out of your comfort zone but the rewards are tremendous. The nerves are all to be expected. Nathan Philip said, “I’m apprehensive but in a good way. I’ve got a few mates who have been on Outward Bound and they told me that it was a life-changing experience – they said it takes you away from the things you do every day and opens your eyes to new opportunities.”
Outward Bound is a truly unique experience. It offers apprentices a chance to join like-minded young tradies and get away from the work-at-hand for three weeks to focus on building leadership abilities, self-confidence, self-belief, self-motivation, perseverance, and self-discipline. The experience allows them to achieve things they never imagined they would be capable of. Employers tell us and research proves the benefits translate back into attendees work lives and this is a big plus for the business overall.
We wish all 18 apprentices a safe journey and a rewarding and enjoyable experience at Outward Bound in 2017 and we look forward to hearing about their experience when they return.
Outward Bound June 2017 courtesy of BCITO:
Alesana Tofa - Firth Industries, Hamilton
Ben Goddard - A1 Plastering Ltd, Wanaka
Craig Bosson - C & S Joinery Ltd, Te Awamutu
Cyril Taranaki - VJ Oliver Bricklaying, Tuakau
Ethan Taylor - Viridian Glass Nelson
Hamish Cole - Flooring Xtra,Warkworth
Hem Gelal - Viridian Glass, Christchurch
Jade Brooks - Steve Wilford Builders Ltd, Christchurch
Jarrod Watson - PFS Tiling Ltd, Tawa
Jeremy Healey - Martin Bricklaying Ltd, Cambridge
Jessica Murphy - Colour Concepts Ltd, Rotorua
Kieran Hussey - Fairview Aluminium, Hawera
Lisa McCormack - Nulook Solutions Ltd, Christchurch
Max Collier - BM Scott Ltd, Levin
Nathan Philip - Hollands Decorating, Pukekohe
TK Hakaraia - Stresscrete Otaki
Tayla Shearsby - Ellison Construction Ltd, Palmerston North
Scott Bolland - Nebulite Wellington Ltd
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