The Schulich Foundation announced a game-changing program, 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 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."
In addition to financial support, Schulich Builders also provides leadership training and mentorship to set up graduates for success.
"The Schulich Builders scholarship will be a gamechanger for so many students, and supports our government's ongoing work with business, labour, colleges and universities to attract more young people into the skilled trades," said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. We're bolstering our skilled workforce to build the roads, highways, schools and hospitals our growing population needs."
The George Brown programs eligible for Schulich Builders scholarships represent a wide range of areas of specialization within the skilled trades and exciting career paths. Students enrolling in 13 programs at the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semester starts are eligible for 10 scholarships.
"We are grateful to the Schulich Foundation for this scholarship program and the commitment shown to supporting this important sector of the economy and job creation. It addresses the urgent need for tradespeople and improves access to education, which is a key priority of the College," said George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon. "For more than 50 years, George Brown College job-ready graduates have helped build Toronto into the amazing city it is today and made valuable contributions to communities across Canada. Together, with the Schulich Builders scholarship program, we will continue to attract and train a new generation of skilled trades professionals and contribute to building thriving communities."
Program Details:
Launched in 2023, 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.
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.
"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." - Dr Craig Stephenson, President & CEO, Centennial College
George Brown College is one of the leading providers of skilled trades training in Ontario, offering apprenticeships and credentials in carpentry, plumbing and welding, as well as building information management (BIM) and Ontario's only degree program in construction management.
For more information, visit: schulichbuilders.com
