Mohawk College students receive Canada’s largest skilled trade scholarship
Ten Mohawk College students have been named as the inaugural recipients of the newly created Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades.
In February 2023, The Schulich Foundation announced this game-changing program, dedicated to supporting students pursuing a career in the skilled trades. Schulich Builders scholarships will cover tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trade program at one of 10 participating colleges, including Mohawk College. In addition to financial support, Schulich Builders also provides leadership training and mentorship to set up graduates for success.
“Congratulations to Mohawk College’s first class of Schulich Builders Scholarship recipients,” said Ron J. McKerlie, President & CEO of Mohawk College and President of the Mohawk College Foundation. “These students set themselves apart in the application process and now have some financial security so they can focus on their education and training. We are grateful for the support of The Schulich Foundation as the college prepares Future Ready graduates for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.”
“We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path,” said Judy Schulich, Director of 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.”
Through the Schulich Builders Program, each college will award 10 scholarships per year: five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs. Out of a pool of 350,000 potential candidates across Canada, more than 1,000 students were nominated, of which 100 received this celebrated award.
Mohawk College’s 2023 Schulich Builders Scholarship recipients are listed below.
Ayden D’Orio, of Milton, Ontario, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School in Milton, D’Orio has entered the Manufacturing Engineering Technician - Automation program this fall.
Caleb Kiprutto, of Burlington, Ontario is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Burlington’s Aldershot School, Kiprutto will also be studying in the Electrical Engineering Technician - Power program this fall.
Rajae Richards, of Oakville, Ontario, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Oakville Trafalgar High School, Richards is studying the Building Renovation Technician program this fall.
Isaac Shaw, of Smithville, Ontario, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School in Grimsby, Ontario, Shaw will be studying the Manufacturing Engineering Technician - Automation program this fall.
Ben Wernaart is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A resident of St. Williams, Ontario, Wernaart has entered the Manufacturing Engineering Technician - Automation program this fall.
Mackenzie Booker is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A resident of Windham Centre, Ontario, Booker is studying in the Construction Techniques program this fall.
Ryan Cassalman, of Trenton, Ontario, is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Trenton High School, Cassalman is also studying in the Construction Techniques program this fall.
Tanner Mifsud is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A resident of Ancaster, Ontario, Mifsud is studying Heating, Refrigeration & A/C Techniques this fall.
Nathan Morris, of Milton, Ontario, is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School in Milton, Morris is studying in the Construction Techniques – Plumbing program this fall.
Tyler Weir is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A resident of Brantford, Ontario, Weir is studying Heating, Refrigeration & A/C Techniques this fall.
About The Schulich Foundation
The Schulich Foundation is one of Canada’s largest foundations, having donated in excess of $350 million. Seymour Schulich established and funded The Schulich Foundation. He holds Canada’s highest civilian award, the Order of Canada, and is among Canada’s greatest philanthropists. Having benefited greatly from a scholarship that enabled him to do his MBA, Mr. Schulich has built a well-earned reputation as a champion for education and access to education in Canada and around the world. The Schulich Foundation has endowed university faculties of business, engineering, medicine, law, education, music, chemistry, nursing and dentistry; libraries, dormitories, courtyards, medical health centers, lecture and music halls. Over 7,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students in Schulich Schools. The Foundation’s largest initiative is the $200 million Schulich Leader Scholarships program, spanning 25 universities across Canada and Israel, in support of students pursuing STEM education.