Charting New Paths: Pam’s Outward Bound Journey

A Canadian immigrant to New Zealand, she had already spent two decades here, but it was only when she started helping their builder with a home project that her new path became clear.

“I was just helping out, but it turns out I was pretty good at it,” Pam recalls. That simple deck-building experience turned into a career-changing offer. Her builder invited her to work for him, and after only five months she was starting her BCITO apprenticeship at the age of 42.

“I didn’t have a plan, but I realised that there was more for me out there than just sitting behind a desk. I responded to an opportunity, it came at the right time for me,” she explains, loving being able to combine practical skills with the flexibility to manage her role as a mother of three.

When she was invited to apply for an Outward Bound scholarship through the BCITO Women in Trades programme, she didn’t hesitate long. An outdoor enthusiast at heart, the value of grabbing opportunities outweighed any nerves she was feeling.

“It was a great day when I found out I got the scholarship. My husband did it 20 years ago, so I had an idea of what the course would entail,” Pam shares.

Despite that, she describes the 16-day Outward Bound course as an eye-opener. Designed to push participants both physically and mentally, Outward Bound aims to help participants reach their full potential through challenges in the outdoors. The classrooms are the mountains, bush and waterways of the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. Pam and her group, known as a ‘watch,’ embarked on a series of outdoor ‘schemes’, from a four-day sailing trip to rock climbing, coasteering, hiking, cliff jumping and white-water kayaking.

"The hardest part wasn’t the activities," she admits. "It was sleeping in uncomfortable conditions after long, exhausting days. But I realised something important: tough times don’t last, but tough people do."

Pam draws parallels between her Outward Bound experience and her day-to-day life as a carpentry apprentice.

“There are days when you think you’ve reached your limit, but your body can always push through. The same applies in the trades—there’s always more in you than you realise.”

One of the course’s lasting impacts has been on her problem-solving approach, which has proven invaluable in her new career.

“In the trades, just like on the course, things don’t always go to plan. You’ve got to stay calm, think critically, and find a solution. I’ve learned that sometimes, the best approach is to go with the flow and adapt as things change,” Pam says.

Pam’s employer, Philip Paterson, Licensed Builder, and sole trader with his company Paterson Construction, has seen a massive boost in Pam’s confidence since returning from her Outward Bound course, where she enjoyed sharing her journey with other apprentices.

“Pam’s problem solving abilities have definitely improved and she has more confidence in herself when going about challenging tasks. I think it was truly a once in a lifetime experience for Pam and if given the opportunity, I’d strongly encourage other apprentices to apply for a scholarship to go on the course,” says Philip.

Pam’s advice for others considering a career shift, or a leap of faith like an Outward Bound course, is clear: “If you’re thinking about it, give it a go. You don’t know what you’re capable of until you try.”

Every year, BCITO offers up to 14 Outward Bound scholarships and three Mana Wāhine Outward Bound Scholarships worth more than $3,500 each to BCITO apprentices completing a qualification. Applications for 2025 will open early next year.