Schulich Builder scholarship winner Joshua Rideout always loved chemistry but after a year studying the subject at university, he knew it wasn't the formula for him.
He enjoyed the science, the practical applications, and loved working with his hands. After taking a gap year and landing work with Dufferin Heating & Cooling in his hometown of Shelburne, ON, Rideout knew he'd found the perfect combination with skilled trades training. He could obtain an excellent education and gain pertinent qualifications through the one-year Gas & Oil Burner Technician 2 program at Mohawk.
Rideout said Mohawk graduate Devon Suttell, Owner/Operator at Dufferin Heating & Cooling highly endorsed the program's curriculum.
"I had been working with the company for eight months and I just loved it. I like learning new things, how to do new things - how to put the pipe together, how to pressure test the pipe, how gas works, and how to safely handle gas, all of it."
Schulich Builder awards
Rideout is one of 10 Mohawk College skilled trades students who've been awarded prestigious Schulich Builder scholarships for this academic year.
"We are proud to support students in the skilled trades and open doors to this meaningful career path," said Judy Schulich, director of the Schulich Foundation. "Behind every home built and every community strengthened are the tradespeople who make it possible. Today, the shortage of these skilled workers is holding Canada back and that's why investing in young people who choose this path is one of the most impactful ways we can build a stronger, more prosperous country for all."
As a new Schulich Builder, Rideout is excited for the year ahead. "I'm so grateful for this," he said. "It's going to give me financial freedom and that's rare. A lot of college students don't have this and it is just very good for your mental health and things like tuition, buying tools and supplies. They're investing in my future."
Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong applauded the Schulich Foundation's continued commitment to bolstering skilled trades education.
"The Foundation continues to be a national leader recognizing the value of skilled trades and students who are working to bring their talents and expertise to our communities," said President Armstrong. "We are thankful for their remarkable investment in our students."
Joining Rideout as Schulich Builders at Mohawk College this year are:
One-Year Programs
- Logan Liepold, Mississauga, Gas & Oil Burner Technician 2
- Tara Olooto, Welland, Construction Techniques
- Olivia Salmon, Stoney Creek, Construction Techniques
- Cole Weiderick, Smithville, Mechanical Techniques (Welding & Fabrication)
Two-Year Programs
- Riley Alexander, Grimsby, Construction Engineering Technician - Building Renovation
- Emma Mcdonald, Hamilton, Construction Engineering Technician - Building Renovation
- David Woernert, St. Catharines, Electrical Engineering Technician - Power
- Luna Lio, Burlington, Construction Engineering Technician - Building Renovation
- Michal Denkiewicz, Burlington, Manufacturing Engineering Technician - Automation (Industrial Mechanic Millwright)
This year marks the third cohort of Schulich Builders scholarship recipients, who are college students enrolled in a diploma or certificate skilled trades program before entering the workforce.
Alumni successes
Ryan Cassalman '24, a graduate of the Construction Techniques program, credits the Schulich Builders Scholarship and training he received at Mohawk College with providing a platform to launch his career, which led him first to Nova Scotia to work in construction and now back to Ontario where he is employed at Penn Energy Renewables, working on a solar farm. He aims to use his background in construction techniques to deepen his knowledge and skills in the renewable energy space.
Nathaniel Weinert '25, is an apprentice with Expert Plumbing & Drains. He said the scholarship was invaluable in helping him excel in his chosen field of study. "Becoming a Schulich Builder was amazing. It helped push me to the next level and provided support for my learning. I was able to move up and get a gas licence through the College and now I have an apprenticeship."
Supporting the success of young people has been important to Seymour Schulich, founder of the Schulich Foundation, and was one of the reasons for writing his book, Get Smarter: Life and Business Lessons, where he offers advice to those beginning their careers, drawn on his own experiences. In an addendum to the book, "Get Even Smarter: Lessons for Success and Fulfillment," Schulich provides additional reflections and guidance on "what really matters on the path to a successful and fulfilling life," including the importance of supporting education and "enabling others to reach their full potential."
About the Schulich Foundation
The philanthropy of The Schulich Foundation is focused on raising the standard of living for Canadians by supporting high-performing people with promise. The Schulich Foundation is one of Canada's largest foundations, having committed over $500 million to philanthropic endeavours. Seymour Schulich established and funded The Schulich Foundation. He holds Canada's highest civilian award, the Order of Canada, and is among Canada's greatest philanthropists. Having benefited greatly from a scholarship that enabled him to do his MBA, Schulich has built a well-earned reputation as a champion for education and access to education in Canada and around the world. The Schulich Foundation has endowed university faculties of business, engineering, medicine, law, education, music, chemistry, nursing and dentistry; libraries, dormitories, courtyards, medical health centres, lecture and music halls. Over 6,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students.
The Foundation's largest initiative is the $200 million Schulich Leaders Scholarships program, spanning 25 universities across Canada and Israel, in support of students pursuing STEM education.
