People wanting to build their careers in Victoria’s booming building and construction industry are encouraged to apply for a scholarship from the Building Industry Foundation.

The Building Industry Foundation was established by Master Builders Victoria to support anyone looking to enter the building and construction industry as well as those with aspirations to further progress their career within the industry.

The Chair of the Foundation Board, Alan Stockdale, said the Foundation awards career advancement scholarships in three key areas - those seeking to enter the industry, those ready to take the next step in their career, and those rising stars seeking to be future leaders within the industry.

“The building and construction industry is the most important sector in Victoria and is the largest full-time employer in the state, employing more than 300,000 people,” he said.

“The strength and stability of the industry was demonstrated by its ability to keep operating safely throughout 2020 and 2021 despite lockdowns plaguing many other businesses. 

“The scholarships support a range of development initiatives, including studies, accredited courses and equipment, and tools to support studies.

With nearly 17 per cent of the businesses in the state being construction firms, Mr Stockdale said it was the ideal time for budding builders to consider the range of opportunities available to enter the industry.

“For those aspiring leaders, the opportunity is there to invest in their development and take the next step, knowing they are supported by an Industry Foundation that has a vision to build future leaders in the industry,” he said.

“The Foundation also has a key focus on encouraging more women to develop a career within the industry.”

The Foundation provides financial assistance to individuals through three scholarships:

1.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.

2.The Career Advancement Scholarship – for those pursuing an above Certificate 3 level or approved professional development in a construction or related field.

3.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.

 Since it started allocating scholarships in 2010, the Foundation has provided financial help to nearly 200 people completing studies to enter our industry or seeking to enhance their technical, business and leadership capabilities.  

 For the financial year 2020/21, the Foundation awarded 25 scholarships to the value of $111,216. 

 “Whilst it’s great that the Foundation was able to assist 25 people in the 2020/2021 year, we are very keen to see more people applying this coming year,” Mr Stockdale added.

 As a registered, independent charity, the Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations within the building and construction industry who understand the importance of investing in the future of their industry.

 The Foundation is currently seeking more sponsors to expand its impact and support the next generation of builders and leaders.

 Anyone interested in becoming a valued supporter of the Foundation or would like more information about the scholarships offered should contact Foundation Coordinator Trudie Balthazaar on 9411 4555 or email [email protected]