Ten Ontario colleges are receiving a funding boost to help promote training in the skilled trades.

The Schulich Foundation announced on February 9 that it had created its Schulich Builders program, dedicated to students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. The program is valued at up to $40,000 per student, and will cover tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trade program.

Participating colleges are Algonquin, Centennial, Fanshawe, George Brown, Mohawk, Sheridan, Conestoga, Durham, Humber and Loyalist. They will share in an initial endowment of $3 million.

Each 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.

“We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path,” said Judy Schulich, Director Schulich Foundation. “Canadians rely heavily 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.”

In addition to financial support, Schulich Builders also provides leadership training and mentorship to set up graduates for success.

 “Skilled tradespeople are essential for our workforce and recognizing their importance with these scholarships only strengthens our commitment to their success,” said Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. “Algonquin College has diverse and varied skilled trades programs available to learners that can lead to not only successful career opportunities, but life-long learning. The Schulich Builders scholarship program will be a gamechanger for students interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades.”

Launched in 2012, the $100 million Schulich Leaders Scholarship fund provides up to 100 undergraduate scholarships each year, across Canadian post-secondary institutions.