Inspiring Futures Foundation Scholarships, proudly presented by MITO
Applications open now.
Inspire their futures. Grow your business.
Behind every successful business are skilled people with the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their potential.
From apprentices taking their first steps in the industry to experienced staff developing leadership and management skills, these scholarships help employers invest in training that benefits both their team and their business.
Scholarships are available across a range of categories, helping you build a capable, confident workforce while supporting the next generation of talent.
When you invest in your people, you're investing in the future of your business.
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View all scholarships available and start your application.
Important information
Check your eligibility and documents required to apply.
Hear from previous recipients
Every learner’s journey with MITO is different—but each one shows what’s possible with hands-on learning, industry support, and determination. Explore the stories of learners and employers who’ve turned their training into thriving careers and businesses with the support of a scholarship.
Harry Shaw
Workshop Manager at Truck Tech Solutions in Silverdale, Harry Shaw has been awarded three scholarships since 2022, having completed four MITO programmes throughout his career. He is the most recent recipient of the Janet Lane MNZM scholarship.
Michelle Findlater
Dealer Principal of Southern Automobiles, Michelle Findlater used her scholarship to complete the Harvard Division of Continuing Education’s Certificate of Leadership Excellence in Strategy and Innovation.
Ashleigh Telford
Forklift technician at AB Equipment, Ashleigh Telford's aspirations of moving into a leadership position were supported by a Business Skills scholarship.
Mali Silva
Tasman Auto Electrics Automotive Electrician, Mali Silva, chose to use his scholarship to complete Level 5 in Automotive Electrical Engineering.
Scholarship opportunities
This scholarship programme supports MITO learners with funding towards apprenticeships, graduate business diplomas, advanced technical programmes, and management courses.
Multiple scholarships will be awarded, with all recipients receiving advisory support from MITO throughout their training.
Please note: Scholarship applications will be reviewed after the closing date. If your application is successful, we’ll be in touch with information in mid-January 2027. Please wait to hear from us before enrolling. If required, enrolment must be completed by 31 January 2027.
Please read the Terms and Conditions of the scholarship you are applying for before beginning your application to ensure you are eligible.
Janet Lane MNZM
Awarded to just one individual each year, the Janet Lane MNZM scholarship recognises the vital importance of leadership in the industries MITO supports.
This scholarship for a future leader pays the programme fee for either the Bachelor of Applied Management, a university Graduate Diploma, or a management, leadership, governance and strategy course at Harvard University (or similar).
In addition, MITO will organise a programme of follow-up coaching to build upon the leadership development. One scholarship is available.
Clyde Cunningham QSM Memorial
The Clyde Cunningham QSM Memorial scholarship covers the programme fee for MITO's New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4) commencing in 2027.
Applicants must have completed a MITO automotive apprenticeship and be based in the Hawke's Bay region. Up to two scholarships are available.
Sandy Fraser Memorial
The Duncan "Sandy" Fraser Memorial scholarship covers the programme fee for MITO's New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4) commencing in 2027.
Applicants must have completed a MITO automotive apprenticeship and be based in the Wellington region. Up to two scholarships are available.
Business Skills
The Business Skills scholarships cover the programme fee for MITO's New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4) commencing in 2027.
Multiple scholarships are available across three categories for current or aspiring managers or supervisors employed full-time in any of MITO's industries.
MITO Alumni Advanced Technical
The MITO Alumni Advanced Technical scholarships cover the training fee for a Level 5 programme commencing in 2027.
Applicants can apply for one of the following: Collision Repair Level 5, Light Automotive Engineering Level 5, Heavy Automotive Engineering Level 5, or Automotive Electrical Engineering Level 5.
Applicants must have completed a MITO automotive apprenticeship to be eligible.
Multiple scholarships are available across four categories.
MITO Alumni Electric Vehicle
The MITO Alumni Electric Vehicle scholarships cover the training fee for MITO's Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering Level 5 programme, commencing in 2027.
Applicants must have completed a MITO automotive apprenticeship to be eligible.
Multiple scholarships are available across four categories.
KickStart
The KickStart scholarships cover the first-year fees for a MITO training programme commencing in 2027. Applicants must be employed full-time in any of MITO's industries.
Multiple scholarships are available across four categories.
New Start—Advanced Technical
The New Start—Advanced Technical scholarships cover the training fee for a Level 5 programme commencing in 2027.
Applicants can apply for one of the following: Collision Repair Level 5, Light Automotive Engineering Level 5, Heavy Automotive Engineering Level 5, or Automotive Electrical Engineering Level 5.
Multiple scholarships are available for qualified automotive technicians that are new to New Zealand.
The recipients must hold a suitable pre-requisite qualification (not through MITO) and be employed full-time in the automotive industry.
New Start—Electric Vehicle
The New Start—Electric Vehicle scholarships cover the training fee for MITO's Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering Level 5 programme commencing in 2027.
Multiple scholarships are available for qualified automotive technicians that are new to New Zealand.
The recipients must hold a suitable pre-requisite qualification (not through MITO) and be employed full-time in the automotive industry.
Extractives Qualifications
Multiple scholarships are available to complete Certificate of Competence Micro-credentials in the Extractives industry.
Scholarships process for employers
- Discuss: Talk with your employee about learning with MITO.
- Assess: Use our checklist to make sure your workplace and employee are ready for training.
- Choose: Select the scholarship that matches your industry and the employee's current training level.
- Confirm: Check the scholarship criteria, terms and conditions, and application requirements.
- Apply: Applications open at 9am on Monday 19 October 2026.
- Enrol: Successful applicants should be enrolled by 31 January 2027.
Reminder: Please wait until scholarships have been awarded before enrolling your employee.
Key dates
- Applications open 9am, 19 October 2026
- Applications close 5pm, 11 December 2026
- Successful applicants to be contacted by 15 January 2027
- Enrol in MITO programme by 31 January 2027
Quick tip
Applying on the final days is at your own risk, as incomplete or incorrect applications may not allow time for missing information to be provided and may be deemed ineligible.
Required documents for learners
Before you complete an application form, please ensure you have the following documents ready to upload:
- Letter from you outlining how the scholarship is going to help you achieve your career goals, benefit your workplace, and how you will manage the balance between study and work.
- Letter of permission/support from your employer, confirming the date you started employment, that you are working full-time, and why they support your scholarship application.
- Your CV containing information about your employment history.
- Evidence of your New Zealand citizenship or residency (only a passport, birth certificate, or residence visa is accepted). If you hold a visa, please provide a copy of both your visa and passport.
For Memorial, Alumni, and New Start scholarship applications, you must also upload a copy of your certificate:
- Evidence of your completed MITO automotive qualification (Alumni and Memorial scholarships)
- Evidence of your previously completed programme (New Start scholarships)
Quick look questions
Who can apply?
All scholarships are open to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and Visa residents.
Applicants must be working full-time in one of MITO's industries, noting that some scholarships are industry specific.
If you are applying for a KickStart scholarship, we will also accept a formal offer of employment with evidence (either an employer letter confirming employment or offer of employment).
Do I need to tell my boss?
Before applying for a scholarship, you must have the support of your employer to undertake the training programme. A letter of permission/support from your employer are part of the required documents that must be submitted as part of the application.
I'm already studying with MITO—can I still apply?
Scholarships will not be awarded to applicants that are already enrolled in any MITO training programme, or another training programme with any other tertiary provider.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, you can apply for more than one scholarship.
For most scholarship categories, you will only be eligible to receive one scholarship.
For the Extractives Scholarship, you may apply for multiple micro-credentials.
How will I know if I receive a scholarship?
We will be in contact with successful applicants between Monday 11 January and Friday 15 January 2027.
Contact us
If you have questions about these scholarships or the application process, contact us at scholarships@mito.org.nz or phone 0800 88 21 21. Please note that there is a close-down period over Christmas and New Year.