SHERIDAN COLLEGE
Sheridan and DEWALT partner to advance skilled trades learning and workforce development

Sheridan has received a generous multi-year gift from toolmaker DEWALT that will boost student financial aid, expand programming for women in the trades, and enhance spaces and equipment available for students in the College's new Construction Techniques program.

(Left to right) Sheridan Magna School of Skilled Trades Associate Dean Dev Baichan, DEWALT Director of Field Sales Matt Beel, and Sheridan welding professor Richard Earle 

The gift will unlock access to skilled-trades education by creating entrance scholarships and providing in-kind donations to equip classrooms and labs with industry-leading tools. Thanks to DEWALT, Sheridan will also expand its outreach to groups currently under-represented in the sector, especially women and members of Indigenous communities.

"Partnering with DEWALT is an exciting opportunity to advance excellence in the skilled trades and support the next generation of industry-ready graduates," says Dr. Elizabeth Fabbroni, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology. "I'm grateful to them for supporting our students, and especially for their investment in programming that unlocks opportunities for women and Indigenous learners. Embracing diversity is essential to bolster the workforce and drive our province's economic growth."

With Canada's construction sector expanding and thousands of new positions forecast over the next decade, Sheridan's Construction Techniques program is designed to be accessible to learners from all backgrounds, with courses available during evenings and weekends. As part of the program, Sheridan has partnered with Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) Secondary School and will begin offering courses there this spring.

Sheridan President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Cindy Gouveia with Sheridan student and 2026 Skills Sheridan electrical competition silver medalist Atta Junior Agyemang

Thanks to DEWALT's support, SNP students will also have access to a wide range of tools. Additionally, DEWALT's support will offer more women the chance to take part in an annual summer camp where they can hone their skills and engage in mentorship opportunities.

"At DEWALT, we believe in building more than just tools -- we build opportunity," says Allan Hawes, General Manager - Canada. "By supporting Sheridan's skilled trades students, we're investing in a workforce that's resilient, capable, and ready to contribute to a growing trades industry. These students are shaping the future of trades in Canada, and we're proud to stand behind them."