Schulich Builders: Scholarships for Skilled Trades

We rely on skilled trades to build and maintain the infrastructure of our cities and towns. Our challenge is not having enough of these talented people to meet the demands fueled by our growth.

The Schulich Builders program will combat the shortage of skilled trades workers in Ontario and amplify their importance and value to our community by awarding 120+ annual scholarships to the most promising candidates.

The Schulich Foundation launches Canada’s largest skilled trades scholarship program.

Schulich Builders are scholarships for students enrolling in an eligible, full-time skilled trades program at a participating college in Ontario.

Each participating college, including Georgian, will award 10 scholarships:

• Five for one-year certificate programs
• Five for two-year diploma programs

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

Eligibility requirements

Schulich Builders Scholarships are looking for responsible, hardworking, dedicated people who: 

• Are Canadian citizens, 
• Meet college admission requirements, and
• Are enrolling in a full-time, eligible skilled trade toward a one-year certificate or two-year diploma program at a participating college starting in fall 2024.

Please note if you’re selected as a Schulich Builder:

• The funds will be issued in instalments ($20,000 per academic year).

Renewal criteria

For two-year programs, the scholarship is renewable for the second year as long you remain in good academic standing and continue full-time registration in the program awarded. If all criteria are fulfilled, you will receive $20,000 per academic year.

Eligible certificates:

• Cabinetmaking Techniques
• Carpentry and Renovation Techniques
• Construction Techniques
• Electrical Techniques
• Gas Technician
• Mechanical Techniques – Marine Engine Mechanic
• Mechanical Techniques – Small Engine Mechanic
• Plumbing Techniques
• Welding Techniques

Eligible diplomas:

• Architectural Technician (Co-op)
• Civil Engineering Technician
• Electrical Engineering Technician
• Environmental Technician
• Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician (Co-op)
• Mechanical Technician – Precision Skills
• Electromechanical Engineering Technician – Mechatronics
• Power Engineering Technology

Selection criteria

Students must meet the following criteria to be considered for the scholarship:

i. Strong work ethic and character, as evidenced by one letter of recommendation by someone directly connected to the student, preferably:

• High school staff member,
• Employer,
• Co-worker, or
• Community service organization

ii. Financial need

iii. Willingness to act as an ambassador and promote their career choice in the skilled trades and the Schulich Builders program in high schools and community outreach.

In addition, we will be reviewing the following application information as part of the selection process:

• community involvement
• grades used for program admission

Funding overview

The Schulich Builders: Scholarships for Skilled Trades is designed to assist you by covering the costs associated with:

• tuition and ancillary fees,
• books,
• other direct educational costs (i.e., supplies, tools and other equipment), and
• living expenses

Additional information

For two-year programs, the scholarship is renewable for the second year as long you remain in good academic standing and continue full-time registration in the program awarded.