Mana Wāhine Outward Bound scholarship

The Mana Wāhine Outward Bound scholarship offers at least three places on the course to encourage wāhine to attend, supporting the growth and development of this group who are currently under-represented in trade careers.

Read More: Charting New Paths: Pam’s Outward Bound Journey

To be the best you can, this is the right place to start.

Jessica King, who completed a Painting & Decorating apprenticeship with Programmed Property Services (Nelson), was a recipient of the BCITO Mana Wāhine Outward Bound scholarship in 2020.

Jessica was interested in applying due to the great things she'd heard about it, which impressed upon her it would be an amazing opportunity. Although she admits there were personal challenges throughout the course, such as being away from her family and her four-year-old child, she says Outward Bound was more than accommodating to her during this time.

“Outward Bound was amazing about this, allowing me to keep in touch with home while I was there. I pushed myself harder than I ever have before. Not just physically, but mentally. The biggest reward for me was at the end, realising I had done every task.”

Around 80 young construction apprentices attended Jessica’s Outward Bound course, where they were split into groups ('watches') of 14. While the thought of attending with strangers seemed daunting, Jessica emphasises meeting so many like-minded apprentices was the biggest reward to come out of the experience.

“Teamwork was a big one. Looking out for each other’s mental and physical well-being helped keep the team moving forward. I was part of an amazing team of people, and I would not have got through it without them by my side.” She also adds that her teammates were her biggest support system during the course.

Advice Jessica would give to anyone considering applying is, “Do it! There will be hard parts, but you get to walk away with the greatest sense of achievement, and it could just change your life.”

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be female and signed into a current training agreement with BCITO.

How do you apply?

Applications can be made by completing the Mana Wāhine Outward Bound Scholarship Application Form and returning this to BCITO by post, or email to scholarships@bcito.org.nz.

Outward Bound Course Dates

The 2025 course dates are 28 June to 13 July 2025.

How and when will applicants be notified?

We'll notify you whether your application has been successful or not by mail or phone within one month of the BCITO SLT meeting held after applications close. Your BCITO Training Advisor or BCITO Business Development Advisor will also be notified. 

Want to know more?

Email BCITO scholarships