Grants for Inspiring Futures
The first recipients of grants from the Inspiring Futures Foundation have been announced.
They include the development of a website and national network for women in the motor-vehicle industry, a student-loan scheme and a co-ordinator for a qualifications upgrade.
The Inspiring Futures Foundation has been established to provide financial support for those working and studying in the automotive, transport and logistics, drilling, mining and quarrying, and gas sectors. It has assets of about $25 million, largely in managed funds.
Sturrock Saunders, pictured, the foundation’s convenor, says: “It’s our aim to have the greatest impact to our stakeholder industries, learners and the learning environment.”
Among the grants from the first round of funding is one for the Women in Automotive Collective to develop a New Zealand-wide communication channel and national network. Other grant recipients are:
• The Outdoor Fabric Product Association of NZ to fund a co-ordinator to lead and contribute to a qualification upgrade allowing for a level-four qualification.
• The Auto Super Shoppe Academy to fund a student-loan scheme and assist the academy to apply for NZ Qualifications Authority 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, general manager of lifestyle and Driven at NZME, and one of the members of the Women in Automotive Collective, says the organisation is grateful to have received the grant.
“NZME is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive culture,” she says. “We are pleased to support the work of Women in Automotive NZ, 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 career stories of others and join a network of other women in the industry. It will also act as a resource hub for employers to support 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 MNZM scholarship, named in honour of the former Motor Industry Training Organisation chief executive officer. The scholarship winners will be announced in February.
Grants are made twice a year, with the next round available in March 2023. To see view the criteria and apply for funding, visit inspiringfutures.nz.
