Inspiring Futures grants announced

THE FIRST RECIPIENTS OF GRANTS FROM THE INSPIRING FUTURES FOUNDATION HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED

The grants include the development of a website and national network for women in the automotive industry, a student loan scheme, and a coordinator for a qualifications upgrade.

The Inspiring Futures Foundation was established to provide financial support for those working and studying in the automotive, transport and logistics, drilling, mining and quarrying, and gas industries. It has assets of around $25million, largely in managed funds.

Inspiring Futures Foundation convenor Sturrock Saunders says: “It is our aim to have the greatest impact to our stakeholder industries, learners, and the learning environment.”

The successful grants from the first round of funding are:

• Women in Automotive Collective to develop a New Zealand wide communication channel and national network for women in industry

• The Outdoor Fabric Product Association of NZ to fund a coordinator to lead and contribute to a qualification upgrade, allowing a level 4 qualification

• Auto Super Shoppe Academy to fund a student loan scheme and assist the Auto Super Shoppe Academy apply for NZQA accreditation and Private Training Enterprise status

• Perform-X Aotearoa to implement a three-year Growing the Transport, Automotive and Freight Workforce Ecosystem Project to help industries and employers access the skilled workers they need to grow over the long term.

Natasha Callister, GM Lifestyle and Driven at NZME, one of the members of the Women in Automotive Collective, says they’re really grateful to have received the grant.

“NZME is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive culture and we are pleased to support the work of Women in Automotive New Zealand, including through our automotive brand Driven. This funding will go towards developing a platform for women in the industry where they can access relevant resources, be inspired by the career stories of others, and join a network of other women in the industry. It will also act as a resource hub for automotive employers to support them in the recruitment and professional development of women.”

Other partners in the collective include the Motor Trade Association, Otago Polytechnic, Collision Repair Association, Motor Industry Association, and MITO/Te Pūkenga.

The Inspiring Futures Foundation also offers a range of scholarships, including the Janet Lane

Australian and New Zealand automotive aftermarket industries. The competition also seeks to encourage new talent to join the industry, ultimately generating more qualified automotive repairers to ensure the industry’s continued future growth and strength.

Over $27,000 shared cash and prizes is up for grabs for the top five apprentices, overall winner, and nominating workshops. Capricorn thanks long-term program sponsors Castrol, Repco, and the Workshop Whisperer for taking part in this most valuable automotive aftermarket industry recognition program.

Capricorn Members are encouraged to nominate their star apprentices at cap.coop/stars. Entries close 30 April 2023. Capricorn will announce the overall winner in early August 2023, with all top five finalists announced in July.

To find out more about Capricorn, or to join Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative, visit capricorn.coop/join, or call 0800 401 444.

February.

Grants are made twice a year, with the next round available in March 2023.

To view the criteria and apply for funding, visit inspiringfutures.nz.