Ottawa, Ontario — The Schulich Foundation, one of Canada’s largest undergraduate scholarship organizations, announced on Thursday the launch of the “Schulich Builders” program, aimed at attracting skilled trades students to ten Ontario colleges.
The new scholarship program, which has already confirmed a more than $3 million commitment for its first year, will cover tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trade program.
Ten colleges are currently on board to award ten scholarships each to students enrolled in one and two-year trades programs. Five scholarships of $20,000 will be awarded to students in one-year certificate programs, while five students in two-year diploma programs will be eligible to receive $40,000.
The participating colleges are Algonquin, Centennial, Fanshawe, George Brown, Mohawk, Sheridan, Conestoga, Durham, Humber and Loyalist.
Director of the Schulich Foundation and daughter of its founder Seymour Schulich, Judy Schulich said in a press release “We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path.
“Canadians rely heavily on the trades to build and maintain infrastructure critical for prosperous communities. Our challenge today is not having enough of these talented people to meet the demand.”
President and CEO of Algonquin College, Claude Brulé, echoed Schulich’s enthusiasm for the new program, saying “Skilled tradespeople are essential for our workforce and recognizing their importance with these scholarships only strengthens our commitment to their success.
“Algonquin College has diverse and varied skilled trades programs available to learners that can lead to not only successful career opportunities, but life-long learning. The Schulich Builders scholarship program will be a gamechanger for students interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades.”
