Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ten students from Cambrian College are among this year’s recipients of the annual Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades, one of the largest skilled trades scholarship programs in Canada.
Scholarships provide $40,000 to students enrolled in trades programs of two years or more, and $20,000 to students in one-year certificate programs. The scholarships cover tuition, tools, and living expenses.
“We are proud to support students in the skilled trades and open doors to this meaningful career path,” said Judy Schulich, director of The Schulich Foundation. “Behind every home built and every community strengthened are the tradespeople who make it possible.
“Today, the shortage of these skilled workers is holding Canada back, and that’s why investing in young people who choose this path is one of the most impactful ways we can build a stronger, more prosperous country for all.”
Five students from Cambrian received two-year scholarships, including Belicia Donnan of Stirling, north of Belleville. Donnan grew up on a farm and as a high-school co-op student worked at a local farm equipment dealership. She is enrolled in Cambrian’s Heavy Equipment Technician program.
“Ontario needs more women in the trades, and I believe that Cambrian College will help me advocate for younger and smaller females working in these trades and encourage them to follow their passion for improving their skills with heavy/agricultural equipment,” Donnan said. “The Schulich Builders Scholarship will help me get where I need to be financially to represent and support young trades women at Cambrian College.”
Another five students at Cambrian received one-year scholarships, including Cheveyo Enosse from Moosonee, near the James Bay coast. Enosse is enrolled in Cambrian’s Carpentry Renovation Techniques program.
“Ever since I was young, I was always drawn to working with my hands, and over the years, my interest has grown into a desire to become a professional tradesperson,” says Enosse. “I believe that Canada’s future lies not only in innovation, but in the power of its infrastructure, and I am significantly committed to contributing to that future through a career in carpentry.”
Other recipients of Schulich Builders Scholarships at Cambrian College this year include:
Two-year scholarships
- Rylan Griese, New Liskeard
- Curtis Klassen, Tillsonburg
- William McComb, Manitowaning
- Emily Watson, Alban
One-year scholarships
- Silas Anglin-Ramm, Mattawa
- Ashlynn Caporossi, Sault Ste Marie
- Simon Gerow, Hanmer
- Dylan Pagnutti, Sudbury
The Schulich Foundation created the program to address Canada’s skilled labour shortage and to highlight the essential role of trades in building and maintaining vital infrastructure. In addition to scholarships, the Foundation contributes annually to college resources to help advance the careers of recipients.
“I developed a passion for trades beginning in grade 9 when I was enrolled in a construction course at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Sudbury,” said Emily Watson, Alban, Welding and Fabrication Technician. “When I took welding in grade 11, it solidified my decision to pursue the trades post-secondary. I have been invited to be a panelist at Skills in 2023 and 2024 in Sudbury and then was asked to speak at Skills Canada in Toronto,2025.
“These conferences allowed me to encourage others to seriously consider the trades, especially female students.”
Learn more about the Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades, including an article from founder Seymour Schulich, at https://schulichbuilders.com.
Cambrian College is one of 12 publicly assisted colleges in Ontario, and the only one in Northern Ontario, to participate in the Schulich Builders Scholarships program.
“For me, civil engineering is more than just city building, it’s about building a better future. Building safer, stronger, and much more sustainable, and environmentally friendly communities for the next generations is what pushes me toward civil engineering,” said Rylan Griese, New Liskeard, Civil Engineering Technician. “I want to be able to make positive impacts on my unserved and forgotten northern communities. Receiving this scholarship would greatly impact allowing this to be my future and enable me to fully focus on my education without financial stress and constraints.”
