George Brown College (GBC) and the Schulich Builders Scholarship program are helping create pathways to success for the next generation of skilled trades professionals. With comprehensive financial support and career preparation, this innovative initiative is changing lives just ask the program's first cohort of graduates, who are now thriving in their trades careers.
From classroom to career: alumni success stories
Beatrice Palling, a 2024 graduate of the Electrical Techniques program, credits the scholarship with making her career transition possible.
"The Schulich Builders Scholarship didn't just help me afford college it solved many of my problems. I didn't have to commute to school anymore, I could find housing in Toronto and wouldn't have to worry about part-time jobs. I could fully focus on my studies," says Palling, now working as a full-time Apprentice Electrician at Haynes Electrical.
"Between the theory and the hands-on work, I fell in love with electrical work very quickly," Palling reflects. "Even though all my classes were at 8 a.m., I didn't miss any of them. I loved college so much."
"The connections I got to experience, talking to all these amazing people and networking myself, were really amazing."
For John Hemani, a 2024 graduate of the Welding Techniques program, the scholarship opened doors that might have otherwise remained closed.
First introduced to welding through a dual-credit program at GBC, the experience lit a fire in him that would help direct his future career path. Recognizing that passion and potential, a guidance counsellor nominated him for the program and set him on a path to success.
"A lot of stress was taken off my mind for school and in the financial sense," Hemani shares. "Now I'm working at Metro Compactor Service Inc. as a field welder, applying everything I learned at George Brown."
Reflecting on his experience, Hermani recalls, "The professors challenged us with harder stuff than what was in the curriculum... For me, it made me love welding more. If I didn't come to George Brown for welding, I don't think my skills would be as good as they are right now."
More than financial aid: a comprehensive support system
The Schulich Builders Scholarship Program stands out for its holistic approach to student success. Recipients benefit from:
- Substantial financial support of up to $40,000 ($20,000 per academic year)
- Funding that covers tuition, living expenses, and essential trade tools
- Dedicated academic resources and mentorship
- Career preparation and employment assistance
- Industry networking opportunities
This comprehensive support system ensures that students can complete their education and successfully transition into in-demand careers in the skilled trades sector.
Addressing Ontario's critical skills gap
As Ontario faces growing demand for qualified tradespeople, the Schulich Builders program represents a significant investment in the province's workforce future. With an annual investment exceeding $3 million distributed across top Ontario colleges, the program aims to graduate 120 skilled trade professionals yearly professionals who are ready to fill essential roles in construction, electrical work, HVAC, and other crucial industries.
