Ten Georgian College students receive Canada’s largest skilled trades scholarships  

Oct. 3, 2024

Ten students have been named Georgian College recipients of the prestigious Schulich Builders scholarships.  

Five students enrolled in a one-year certificate program and five students enrolled in a two-year diploma program will each receive $20,000 for every year of their programs, totaling $300,000 in support of student success.  

We’re deeply grateful to The Schulich Foundation for its generosity and for choosing Georgian to be part of the Schulich Builders program. The Schulich Builders scholarships are the largest privately funded scholarships in the history of Georgian. It will have a life-changing effect on the students who are pursuing a career in the skilled trades, and having spent time with our recipients I know how much it means to them.

– Kevin Weaver, President and CEO, Georgian College

Out of a pool of 350,000 potential candidates across Canada, more than 1,000 students were nominated, of which 120 received this celebrated award.   

Scholarships will help cover tuition, living expenses and more

“We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path. Canadians rely heavily on the trades to build and maintain infrastructure critical for prosperous communities,” said Judy Schulich, Executive Vice President, The Schulich Foundation. “Our challenge today is not having enough of these talented people to meet the demand.”   

The scholarships will help cover tuition, tools and living expenses.

In addition to financial support, the Schulich Builders program at Georgian will provide leadership training and mentorship to set up graduates for success. 

“Postsecondary education plays an instrumental role in preparing graduates for in-demand jobs,” said Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education. “This investment in Ontario’s students is an investment in their future, and in turn will help build the skilled trades workforce that Ontario needs to thrive.” 

David Goodman, Vice President and Executive Director of The Schulich Foundation, said the scholarships can be a “life-changing opportunity” for its recipients.  

“This scholarship program will undoubtedly advance these students’ trajectories to reach their full potential and launch promising careers in their skilled trades,” he said. “Recipients benefit from a full-ride scholarship that covers full-tuition of their certificate or diploma, multiple four-figure monetary stipends and a completion bonus, as well as intangible benefits such as week-to-week mentorship with a dedicated Schulich Builders resource officer that facilitates job recruitment prep and industry connections to employers.” 

At Georgian, the following students have received a Schulich Builders scholarship:  

• Alex Eveleigh, of Toronto, who is in the Electrical Engineering Technician program, is a recipient of a $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. He attended Michael Power – St. Joseph High School and was selected for his desire to start a wind-energy sustainable business. 
• Marley Gaspric, of Brussels, who is in the Mechanical Technician – Precision Skills program, is a recipient of a $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. She attended FE Madill Secondary School and was selected for her keen interest in mechanics throughout her years in high school.  
• Andy Jiang, of Toronto, who is in the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program, is a recipient of a $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. He attended Northern Secondary School and was selected for his involvement in co-op and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program within the heating/refrigeration field during high school.  
• Tyler Johnson, of Orillia, who is in the Electrical Techniques program, is a recipient of a $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. He attended Orillia District Collegiate and Vocational Institute and was selected for his dedication to community food bank efforts and desire to fill the need within the electrical field. 
• Will Kavanagh, of Orillia, who is in the Electrical Engineering Technician program, is a recipient of a $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Barrie and was selected for his perseverance and dedication to self-improvement and support of others in need.  
• Jeanette McCron, of Barrie, who is in the Cabinetmaking Techniques program, is a recipient of a $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. She attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School and was selected for her dedication to the wood trades throughout her time in high school and dedication to the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. 
• Matthew Rees, of Fenlon Falls, who is in the Cabinetmaking Techniques program, is a recipient of a $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. He attended Fenelon Falls Secondary School and was selected for his ongoing exploration of the skilled trades in high school and his desire to excel in fine construction in prefabricated homes.
• Nathalie St.-Maurice, of London, who is in the Cabinetmaking Techniques program, is a recipient of a $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. She attended Central Secondary School and was selected for her previous work in supporting women in non-traditional roles and desire to improve opportunities for women.
• Riess Styles-Chepurny, of Barrie, who is in the Mechanical Technician – Precision Skills program, is a recipient of a $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. She attended Innisdale Secondary School and was selected for her impressive volunteer work within the Barrie and surrounding area and desire to become a CNC operator in the manufacturing sector.
• James Worona, of Oshawa, who is in the Mechanical Techniques – Marine Engine Mechanic program, is a recipient of a $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. He attended O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute and was selected for his dedication to life-long learning and desire to pursue a marine mechanics career.