New Ontario scholarship program aimed at skilled trades careers

Ten different colleges across Ontario are the recipients of a new scholarship program which is aimed at building careers in the skilled trades.

The Schulich Foundation’s new scholarship program is dedicated to fighting labour shortages as well as highlighting the importance of skilled trades in the country.

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.

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The program is committing more than $3 million to this cause in its first year of operation.

“Canadians rely heavily on the trades to build and maintain infrastructure critical for prosperous communities,” Director of the Schulich Foundation, Judy Schulich said. “Our challenge today is not having enough of these talented people to meet the demand.”

The following 10 Ontario colleges will participate in Schulich Builders, covering tuition, tools, and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trade program:

• Centennial
• Fanshawe
• Algonquin
• George Brown
• Mohawk
• Sheridan
• Conestoga
• Durham
• Humber
• Loyalist

President and CEO of Hamilton’s Mohawk College, Ron J. McKerlie said the college is grateful to be involved in the program.

“At a moment in time when workforce shortages have the potential to hamper the country’s recovery, colleges have the expertise and the capacity to train the skilled trades workforce of the future,” McKerlie said. “Schulich Builders Scholarships are certain to help many more people find their way into these programs on their way to important, rewarding careers in the trades.”