Six months on from his Outward Bound experience, and Tyrone Parson, winner of a BCITO Specialist Trades Outward Bound Scholarship, is still reaping the benefits of his experience.
“My boss says he’s seen a positive change in my attitude towards work, and even my parents have noticed the improvement,” Tyrone says.
“It has definitely enhanced my confidence in the work place, so that’s got to be a good thing!”
Tyrone, who works for Pettefar Tiling on the Kapiti Coast, was one of four recipients of the BCITO Specialist Trades Outward Bound Scholarship, which is awarded to BCITO apprentices who demonstrate outstanding commitment and enthusiasm to a specialist trade — in his case, tiling.
Each of the winners was rewarded with a 21-day Outward Bound programme, which they took part in alongside other construction industry apprentices, including the regional winners of the Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year, in association with Carters.
BCITO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says the Specialist Trades Outward Bound Scholarship has been designed to assist BCITO trainees in their personal and professional development.
“The 21-day Outward Bound programme really pushes participants out of their comfort zones. Our apprentices are exposed to a wide variety of character and confidence-building exercises that assist them in their long-term personal and career development.”
Tyrone’s Outward Bound course was attended by about 80 young construction apprentices who were split into groups of 14.
“It was great to be on the course with the other tradesmen. We all got on really well and it’s always more fun when you can share your experiences with others. I actually still keep in touch with a lot of the guys,” Tyrone says.
Before embarking on the programme, Tyrone says he expected it to be mentally and physically challenging, but admits he wasn’t quite prepared for all the physical activities.
“I expected to be out of my comfort zone, but the 3.2km morning runs were a bit of a surprise. It was even more of a shock when we found out we were running a half marathon — but I was pleasantly surprised with how I went,” Tyrone says.
Tyrone says some of the highlights of the programme were the sailing and kayaking, but that he also enjoyed some of the more thought-provoking activities.
“We did an exercise called the ‘run of life’, where we used a map to run to different locations. The exercise is designed to help you reflect on your own life and to appreciate the things you have — and it really worked.”
When asked if he would recommend the programme to others, Tyrone says “don’t hesitate, just fill out the form.
“You get to see the sights of New Zealand, and the programme really pushes you to your limits. I did things on the Outward Bound course that I would never have done on my own. It really challenges you and shows you that you can achieve anything when you put your mind to it.”
Recipients of this year’s Specialist Trades Outward Bound Scholarship will be announced this month.
