Students at Algonquin College receive Canada’s largest skilled trade scholarship

Posted on Thursday, September 7th, 2023

Inaugural recipients receive up to $40,000 for two-year program

For immediate release:

Ottawa (September 7, 2023) – Ten students have been named Algonquin College’s inaugural recipients of the newly created Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades.

This comes as the country’s most populous province faces a growing shortage of skilled labour.

Out of more than 1,000 students nominated, 100 across the province received the financial support – the country’s largest skilled trade scholarship. Ten colleges, including Algonquin College, each awarded 10 scholarships – five for one-year certificate programs and five for two-year diploma programs.

Valued at up to $40,000 ($20,000 per academic year), these scholarships support the costs of tuition, tools and living expenses.

“We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path,” said Judy Schulich, Director, The Schulich Foundation. “Canadians rely 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.”

The scholarships are for students enrolled in an eligible, full-time skilled trades program.

“We recognize the profound significance of skilled trades in shaping the infrastructure that supports our communities,” said Algonquin College President and CEO, Claude Brulé. “The building trades not only construct structures; they build livelihoods, create opportunities, and give students a wide range of secure, high-paying and satisfying careers.”

In its first year, more than $3 million is committed from the Foundation through this initiative to combat labour shortages across the country and highlight the importance of skilled trades.

Recipients of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship include:

  • Evan Ziai, Almonte and District High School, Almonte – Building Construction Technician
  • Lyam Mclellan, St. John Catholic High School, Lanark – Cabinetmaking and Furniture Technician
  • Maya Rosandic, Killaloe – Urban Forestry
  • Madison Arbeau, South Grenville District High School, Augusta Township – Motive Power Technician
  • William Potten, West Carleton High School, Dunrobin – Motive Power Technician – Diesel Equipment and Truck.

The $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship are:

  • Denim Gunnlaugson, Norm Johnson Alternate School, Ottawa – Heritage Carpentry and Joinery
  • Eric Doiron, Fellowes High School, Prescott – Heritage Carpentry and Joinery
  • Mia Desmot, Bayside Secondary School, Trenton – Heritage Carpentry and Joinery
  • Shawna Larin, Orleans – Aircraft Maintenance Technician
  • Aidan Purificati, Timmins High and Vocational School, Timmins – Powerline Technician

For more information, visit: Schulich Builders or Algonquin College’s Schulich Builders webpage


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