10 Mohawk College students receive Canada’s largest skilled trade scholarship

Ten Mohawk College students have been named as recipients of the prestigious Schulich Builders Scholarships as they pursue skilled trades education.

In 2023, The Schulich Foundation announced the Schulich Builders Program, dedicated to supporting students who are pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Schulich Builders scholarships are provided to 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 receive leadership training and mentorship opportunities to set up graduates for success.

“Congratulations to Mohawk College’s 2024 Schulich Builders Scholarship recipients,” said Paul Armstrong, President of Mohawk College. “It is wonderful that they can pursue their skilled trades education without the additional financial pressures that can distract students from practicing for their trades. We are grateful for the support of The Schulich Foundation as the college prepares these promising students for graduation and for rewarding careers in high-demand fields.”

Through the Schulich Builders Program, each college awards 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 of The 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.”

"Post-secondary education plays an instrumental role in preparing graduates for in-demand jobs," said The Honourable Jill Dunlop, Ontario Minister of Education. “This investment in Ontario’s students is an investment in their future, and in turn will help build the skilled trades workforce that Ontario needs to thrive.”

"Schulich Builders Scholarships provide a wrap-around support program at the largest Ontario colleges offering skilled trade programs," said David Goodman, Executive Director of The Schulich Foundation. “Recipients benefit from a full-ride scholarship that covers full tuition of their certificate or diploma, multiple four-figure monetary stipends, and a completion bonus, as well as intangible benefits such as week-to-week mentorship with a dedicated Schulich Builders resource officer that facilitates job recruitment prep and industry connections to employers. The Schulich Builders greatly benefit by being plugged into a peer-to-peer network of fellow scholarship recipients at their college on a monthly basis. This scholarship program will undoubtedly advance these students' trajectory to reach their full potential and launch a promising career in their skilled trade. It can be a life-changing opportunity for the Schulich Builders!”

Out of a pool of 350,000 potential candidates across Canada, more than 1,000 students were nominated and 120 were honoured with this celebrated award. The Mohawk College student recipients are listed below.

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Ella Felker, of St. Ann’s, Ont., is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of E.L. Crossley Secondary School in Fonthill, Ont., Felker entered Electrical Engineering Technician – Power program this fall.

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Adrian King, of Hamilton, Ont. is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Westmount High School in Hamilton, Ont., King entered the Manufacturing Engineering Technician - Automation (Industrial Mechanic Millwright) program this fall.

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Taylor Skewes, of Hamilton, Ont. is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Cathedral High School in Hamilton, Ont., Skewes entered the Construction Engineering Technician - Building Renovation program this fall.

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Ava Sunderland, of Burlington, Ont. is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. Nominated by Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin, Sunderland entered the Construction Engineering Technician - Building Renovation program this fall.

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Aaliyah Young-Lalumiere, of Burlington, Ont., is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. Young-Lalumiere was also nominated by Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin, and entered the Construction Engineering Technician - Building Renovation program this fall.

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Mauricio Gonzalez Villarreal of Burlington, Ont. is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Corpus Christi Catholic Secondary School in Burlington, Ont., Gonzalez Villarreal entered the Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Techniques program.

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Tyrese Kutama, of Barrie, Ont., is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. Kutama entered the Power Engineering Techniques program at Mohawk College this fall.

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Kyle Madsen, of Welland, Ont., is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Welland Centennial Secondary School, Madsen entered the Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Techniques program this fall.

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Justin Mehlenbacher, of Fort Erie, Ont., is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Lakeshore Catholic High School, in Port Colborne, Ont., Mehlenbacher entered the Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Techniques program this fall.

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Nathaniel Weinert, of Milton, Ont., is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School in Milton, Ont., Weinert entered the Gas & Oil Burner Technician 2 program 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 6,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students in Schulich Schools.
The Foundation’s largest initiative is the $200 million Schulich Leaders Scholarship Program, spanning 25 universities across Canada and Israel, in support of students pursuing STEM education. Based on the resounding success of Schulich Leaders, the program model was adapted toward future skilled trade workers pursuing post-secondary education at leading colleges across Ontario. The program has awarded two cohorts comprised of 220 future skilled trade workers to date.