October 22 2026
The proportion of young New Zealanders not in employment, education or training – the NEET rate – now sits at 13.8%. (MBIE)
A trades-focused scholarship fund could offer hope for some, and deliver in-demand skilled workers to industry.
The Inspiring Futures Foundation Scholarships, proudly presented by MITO, will award up to $350,000 to people in a wide range of trades looking to build their professional skills.
MITO is a nationwide organisation with a legacy of over 50 years supporting on-job training in the automotive, commercial road transport, extractives, drilling, gas, and logistics industries.
MITO Chief Executive Verna Niao says the annual scholarship programme, which includes a category designed to support employers to take on new learners, is exactly what young New Zealanders need right now.
“With a rising NEET rate and some businesses finding it hard to take on trainees and apprentices, financial support for learners can make all the difference. We’re seeing demand for skilled trade professionals bucking the overall employment trend (our new enrolments are up 30% year-on-year), so funding training for people into these areas is a win for individuals, employers, and all New Zealand. In particular, our KickStart scholarship category for new entrants to our industries means that there has never been a better time for an employer to take on a young learner.”
The Inspiring Futures Foundation, which funds this scholarship programme, is equally committed to providing opportunities for training in the trades. Inspiring Futures Foundation Trust Convener Louise Sixton says the scholarships have proven their worth in upskilling learners across a range of sectors.
“Whether it’s leadership education through Harvard University, or the first year of trade training for an automotive technician, these scholarships make a real difference to people’s careers and together help drive the trades sector forward.”
The 21 scholarship categories cover the first-year training fees of apprenticeships, advanced technical programmes, and business management courses.
The fund is open to people working in MITO’s industries. Across all scholarship categories, the scholarships cover the first year’s fees.
Among the scholarships are a selection targeted at groups under-represented in trades training, including women, Māori, and Pasifika.
Applications for the scholarships are open now and close on 11 December at mito.nz/scholarships