The Schulich Foundation announced Schulich Builders, a scholarship program dedicated to students pursuing a career in the skilled trades. In its first year of operation, more than $3 million is committed to combat labour shortages and highlight the importance of skilled trades in Canada.

“We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path,” said Judy Schulich, Director, The Schulich Foundation. “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.”

Schulich Builders will cover tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trade program at one of ten participating colleges in Ontario. Priority will be given to students nominated by their high school. Students may also apply directly through participating colleges: Centennial, Fanshawe, Algonquin, George Brown, Mohawk, Sheridan, Conestoga, Durham, Humber and Loyalist.

“Ontario is facing the largest labour shortage in a generation, which means when you have a career in the skilled trades, you have a career for life. With Schulich Foundation’s skilled trade scholarship program, they are helping to attract and prepare a new generation of skilled trades workers here in Ontario for better jobs and bigger paycheques,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Each college will award ten scholarships per year:

  • five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and
  • five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs.
  • In addition to financial support, Schulich Builders also provides leadership training and mentorship to set up graduates for success.

“Schulich exemplifies higher education philanthropy, helping to: build institutional capacity; realize a student’s full potential and; publicly validate education. Against the backdrop of the new Schulich Builders program, I am utterly delighted, as President and CEO of Centennial College, to witness the Schulich Foundation now partnering with Colleges to promote scholarship opportunities to prospective students seeking to pursue a postsecondary education that will lead to fulfilling, well-paying and in-demand jobs.” said Dr Craig Stephenson, president & CEO, Centennial College.

See also  Conestoga expands trades program with support from Owens Corning Foundation

Featured image: The Schulich Foundation launches Canada’s largest skilled trade scholarship program. (The Schulich Foundation)

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