Conestoga is among 10 Ontario colleges chosen to participate in a new scholarship program that will support students pursuing careers in the skilled trades, help combat labour shortages and highlight the importance of skilled trades in Canada.
The Schulich Builders program was announced today (Feb. 9) at a special celebration at Humber College.
Supported by the Schulich Foundation, the program will cover tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trades program at one of 10 participating colleges in Ontario.
In addition to financial support, the program will provide leadership training and mentorship.
“We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path,” Judy Schulich, executive vice-president of The Schulich Foundation said in a news release.
“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 Conestoga, other participating colleges include Algonquin, Centennial, Durham, Fanshawe, George Brown, Humber, Loyalist, Mohawk and Sheridan.
Each college will award 10 scholarships per year: five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs.
“The Schulich Builders scholarship will be a game-changer 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,” Premier Doug Ford said. “We’re bolstering our skilled workforce to build the roads, highways, schools and hospitals our growing population needs.”
“We are deeply grateful to The Schulich Foundation for this investment in Ontario’s students and the future of the skilled trades,” said John Tibbits, president of Conestoga College. “The Schulich Builders program will provide an outstanding opportunity for students who are seeking in-demand, high-paying careers.”
Conestoga is a provincial leader in the delivery of skilled trades education and training, with a comprehensive array of programming in the construction, industrial/manufacturing, motive power and service sectors.
A new, dedicated skilled trades campus, the Cambridge Reuter Drive Campus, was opened in September 2022 to help address the province’s critical need for skilled workers.
Located on more than 40 acres next to Highway 401, the first phase of the campus features a 322,000 sq. ft. building with more than 150,000 sq. ft. of shops and labs, designed and equipped to meet the unique requirements of trades education and training.
More information about the Schulich Builders Scholarship program at Conestoga is available on the program website. Applications for consideration for 2023-24 entry must be submitted by May 31.
