Tools Grant Terms & Conditions

1. Overview

The BCITO Tools Grant is designed to support new apprentices in the building, construction, and allied trades by providing financial assistance for purchasing tools and equipment. In 2026, BCITO will offer 30 Tools Grants of $1,000 each.

2. Application Period

Applications for the 2026 BCITO Tools Grant open on Monday 3 August 2026 and close at 5:00 PM on Friday 29 August 2026. They are now open.

3. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Current first year apprentices who signed their BCITO Training Agreement after 18 August 2025.

    OR
  • A secondary school student completing BCATS, and/or enrolled in a BCITO Gateway or Trades Academy programme, and sign a BCITO Training Agreement by 29 June 2027
  1. Application Process

Eligible applicants must complete the online application form and submit the required information, including:

  • Personal and contact details.
  • Employer or school details.
  • A brief summary of a project they have completed or are working on, covering:
    • What they enjoyed most.
    • What they are most proud of learning/doing.
    • Their favourite tool and how they used it.
    • How the Tools Grant will benefit them.
  • Applications must be submitted via the BCITO website before the closing date.

5. Ineligible Applications

  • Applications from those enrolled in the Supervisor's course are not eligible.
  • Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria or are incomplete will not be considered.

6. Grant Award and Payment Process

Successful applicants will be notified by 25 September 2026.

  • Current apprentices must provide a bank statement or a screenshot from their online banking, showing the bank’s name and logo, account holder’s name, and bank number. The $1,000 grant will be paid within 2 months of receiving the required banking details.
  • Current students can claim their grant by notifying [email protected] once they have signed their BCITO Training Agreement. The Training Agreement must be signed by 29 June 2027. The $1,000 grant will be paid within 2 months of submitting the required banking details.
  • If bank details are not provided within 14 days of notification, BCITO reserves the right to award the grant to another applicant.

7. Use of Grant Funds

Grant recipients must use the funds to purchase tools and/or equipment needed for their trade. BCITO reserves the right to request proof of purchase (receipts) for up to one year after payment.

8. Privacy and Data Use

  • All application information becomes the property of BCITO and may be used to inspire others pursuing a BCATS or BCITO apprenticeship.
  • Under the Privacy Act 2020, applicants have the right to access and correct their personal information by contacting BCITO in writing at BCITO, PO Box 2615, Wellington 6140.

9. Agreement to Terms

By submitting an application, applicants confirm that they have read and accept these terms and conditions. If the applicant is under 18 years old, a parent or guardian must also provide consent.

** The number of Tool Grants available each year can be subject to change.