Conestoga news

September 15, 2023 3:38 PM

Conestoga awards Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades

Ten Conestoga students have been named among the inaugural recipients of the Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades.

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Ten Conestoga students have been named among the inaugural recipients of the Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades.

Launched earlier this year by The Schulich Foundation, the scholarship awards students enrolling in full-time certificate or diploma programs in eligible skilled trades fields. Conestoga is among ten Ontario colleges chosen to participate in the program, which aims to support students, help combat labour shortages, and highlight the importance of skilled trades in Canada.

“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.”

More than 1,000 students were nominated for the award program to cover tuition, tools and living expenses. Each participating college awarded ten scholarships: five at $20,000 for one-year certificate programs and five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs.

Congratulations to Conestoga’s ten recipients:

Olivia Garner, 18, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Huron Park Secondary School in Woodstock, Garner entered the Motive Power Technician - Heavy Duty Equipment program this fall.

Carter Hutchison, 18, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Centre Wellington District High School in Fergus, Hutchison entered the Welding and Fabrication Technician program this fall.

Ben Ivens, 18, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Craig Kielburger Secondary School in Milton, Ivens entered the Woodworking Technician program this fall.

Jack Restauri, 18, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Freelton, Restauri entered the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program this fall.

Shannon Skinner, 18, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Simcoe Composite School in Port Dover, Skinner entered the Woodworking Technician program this fall.

Aaron Baker, 18, is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Guelph Collegiate and Vocational Institution in Guelph, Baker entered the Construction Techniques (Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC and Welding) program this fall.

Xavier Ferreira, 18, is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Christ the King Catholic Secondary School in Georgetown, Ferreira entered the Motive Power Fundamentals - Automotive Repair program this fall.

Landon Hyatt, 18, is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Espanola High School in Espanola, Hyatt entered the Welding Techniques program this fall.

Bon Steeves, 17, is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Collingwood Collegiate Institute in Collingwood, Steeves entered the Mechanical Techniques - Industrial Millwright program this fall.

Silas Tate, 19, is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Grey Highlands Secondary School in Singhampton, Tate entered the Heavy Construction Equipment Operation program this fall.

In addition to financial support, the award program also provides leadership training and mentorship opportunities. 

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 was opened in September 2022 to help address the province’s critical need for skilled workers.

More information about the Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades program at Conestoga is available on the program website