MASTER BUILDERS FOUNDATION

Supercharge your career

Janice Mascini Special Contributor

If you are waiting for an opportunity to take your career in building and construction to the next level, applying for a scholarship through the Foundation of Master Builders Victoria could help make this happen. Established in 2008, the foundation was designed to help individuals reach their potential by providing financial assistance through a range of scholarships. To date, it has supported 170 people by providing more than $430,000 in scholarship funding. Financial assistance can be used toward course fees, the development of a tool kit or other resources to support your career. Whether you are just starting out or want to develop and diversify your established skill set in the industry, there are a number of scholarships on offer.

Early Career Scholarship

This scholarship aims to provide assistance to anyone who is aspiring to undertake a pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship or further training in a construction or a related field. The funds are split into two parts: • $1200 towards approved course fees • $1000 worth of quality tools relevant to your trade Previous successful candidates have used these funds towards a variety of qualifications including: • Certificate III in Carpentry • Certificate II Electrotechnology • Plant Machinery training • Certificate III in Cabinet Making • AutoCAD Level 1 • Certificate III in Plumbing

Career advancement scholarship

Up to $5000 can be awarded to those pursuing a qualification above Certificate III level or approved professional development in a construction or related field. For example, this could apply to courses associated with builder registration or to help diversify

The scholarship I received made it possible for me to follow my passion “ of carpentry…” Denise Murnane, scholarship recipient

into building surveying, construction management or sustainability.

Leadership Scholarship

This scholarship of up to $10,000 is to assist successful candidates to further their career through initiatives such as tertiary studies or research trips and enable individuals or their project to lead our industry into the future.

Eligibility and how to apply

To be eligible, applicants must be either an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia, reside in Victoria upon their application date and intend to remain involved in the Victorian building and construction industry following completion of their selected course or training. Visit https://www.mbav.com.au/Master-BuildersFoundation to download a copy of the application form. For further information about our scholarships please contact the Careers Team on foundation@mbav.com.au or (03) 9411 4555.

Scholarship recipient Denise Murnane

“I received funding from the Foundation of Master Builders Victoria for part of Cert III Carpentry and all of Auto CAD level 1 and 2. “As a mature-aged female, I found it difficult to obtain work within the industry, without training or experience. The scholarship I received made it possible for me to follow my passion of carpentry and enabled me to fund my training so that I could gain experience and employment within the industry. “I’ve been in the industry for four years and I work for Amrick P/L, which is a labour-hire company connected to the domestic and commercial sectors. This has allowed me to obtain an extensive skill range. The AutoCAD component of the scholarship will provide me with the skills to advance into management and widen my range of capabilities within the building and construction industry.”