Master Builders Building Industry Foundation open for applications Trudie Balthazaar Foundation Coordinator
T
he Foundation was established by Master Builders Victoria (MBV) with the aim of giving financial support to people wanting to develop their skills and careers within the building and construction industry. Since it commenced allocating scholarships in 2010, the Foundation has provided financial assistance to nearly 200 individuals completing studies to enter our industry or seeking to enhance their technical, business and leadership capabilities. The Foundation helps to build a stronger, more skilled industry by attracting more diverse talent and supporting our leaders of the future. The Foundation currently provides financial assistance to individuals through three scholarships: 1.
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The Early Career Scholarship – available to individuals undertaking a pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship or further training in a construction or related field, such as plumbing, carpentry, plant machinery that supports studies as well as the purchase of equipment.
“Without these funds I simply would not have been able to undertake the course given the financial hardships from COVID. It gave me the confidence I needed to pursue this career. The validation I felt to be a recipient of the Foundation was a real boost and gave me the final push I needed.” Luke Apswoude – recipient of the Building Industry Foundation Career Advancement Scholarship in 2020/21. In addition, the Foundation provides bursaries and prize money to support other agencies that have a similar purpose of building capabilities within the building and construction industry.
The Career Advancement Scholarship – for those pursuing an above Certificate 3 level or approved professional development in a construction or related field.
For the financial year 2020/21 the Foundation awarded 25 scholarships to the value of $115,485.
The Leadership Scholarship – supporting people with an aim to be a leader and a pioneer within the industry, including those undertaking tertiary studies and research trips, domestic and overseas.
As an independent registered charity, the Foundation relies on donations to be able to achieve its overall vision of ‘building tomorrow’s leaders – today’.
In addition, the Foundation provided a $3,000 prize for the State Apprentice of the Year Awards.
The scholarships are available to those studying an approved course provided by TAFEs, RTOs, and universities.
In 2021/2022 the Foundation will embark on a broad marketing and promotion campaign to encourage more industry partners and members to make taxdeductible contributions and expand the reach of the Foundation.
The Foundation Board assesses all applications received and awards the scholarships on merit and need.
For more information on The Foundation, contact Foundation Coordinator Trudie Balthazaar on (03) 9411 4555.
Volume 76 Issue 03
“The knowledge I have gained through the course (which the scholarship paid for) has enriched my knowledge of the domestic building industry and prepared me for my upcoming DBU computerbased test; and the following interview and VMIA requirements. Obtaining my DBU licence will enable me to take my career to the next level. Quite often financial constraints prevent people from being able to access the resources they need to progress their career. If this burden is minimised or eliminated, the individual can allocate more of their own finances towards other things that could help them build their business. I would recommend the Foundation to those who are serious about expanding their qualifications and doing something with them to consider applying for the Master Builders Foundation scholarship.” Jarred Laukart – recipient of the Building Industry Foundation Career Advancement Scholarship in 2020/21. Master Builders Victoria |
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