Georgian College welcomes third cohort of Schulich Builders, advancing the next generation of skilled trades professionals 

Sept. 21, 2026

Georgian College is proud to welcome its third cohort of 10 recipients of the Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades, supporting exceptional students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. 

Georgian’s 2026 Schulich Builders are: 

One-year programs (students receive a $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship) 

• Ahmad Virk of Barrie: studying in the Gas Technician program at the Barrie Campus 

• Ryan Skiffington of Tiny: studying in the Cabinetmaking Techniques program at the Barrie Campus 

• Connrad Miller of Tottenham: studying in the Electrical Techniques program at the Robbert Hartog Midland Campus 

• Sydney Ritson of Thunder Bay: studying in the Construction Techniques program at the Barrie Campus 

• Ryker Skimming of Glen Williams: studying in the Construction Techniques program at the Barrie Campus 

Two-year programs (students receive a $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship) 

• Justin McGrath of Stouffville: studying in the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program at the Barrie Campus 

• Rachel Ready of Mildmay: studying in the Power Engineering Technology program at the Owen Sound Campus 

• Finley Marritt of Shallow Lake: studying in the Power Engineering Technology program at the Owen Sound Campus 

• Jake Coffey of Georgetown: studying in the Electromechanical Engineering Technician – Mechatronics program at the Barrie Campus 

• Josh McIntee of St. Catharines: studying in the Electromechanical Engineering Technician – Mechatronics program at the Barrie Campus 

The Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades, established by The Schulich Foundation, help open pathways for talented, hardworking students to pursue in-demand careers in the skilled trades. Available to students enrolled in eligible full-time skilled trades programs at Georgian, the scholarships are valued at $40,000 for a two-year diploma program and $20,000 for a one-year certificate program, supporting costs such as tuition, tools and living expenses. 

At Georgian, skilled trades graduates are meeting critical workforce needs of the communities and employers across the regions we serve. From building homes and essential infrastructure to supporting advanced manufacturing, transportation and energy, their expertise is central to Ontario’s continued growth and prosperity.

Kevin Weaver, Georgian College President & CEO

Launched at Georgian in 2024, the program recognizes students who demonstrate strong character, a commitment to their chosen field and financial need. Schulich Builders also benefit from leadership development, mentorship and opportunities to serve as ambassadors for skilled trades education, helping inspire other young people to consider the trades as a meaningful, rewarding and essential career path. The program supports the development of the skilled workforce needed to build and maintain Ontario’s communities and infrastructure. 

“Congratulations to this year’s Schulich Builder Scholars,” said Judy Schulich, President of The Schulich Foundation. “The trades offer stable, in-demand careers. We’re excited to support these students as they build strong skills to set them up for success.” 

The arrival of Georgian’s newest Schulich Builders comes at an exciting time for skilled trades education at the college. Georgian has undertaken a significant expansion of its skilled trades building at the Barrie Campus, providing new and enhanced hands-on learning environments designed to reflect the workplaces students will encounter in industry.  

The skilled trades learning footprint at the Barrie Campus, together with Georgian’s Owen Sound Campus and Robbert Hartog Midland Campus, forms a significant, thriving, multi-campus skilled trades ecosystem. It provides students across the region with access to industry-relevant programs, hands-on learning and apprenticeship training that respond directly to local workforce needs. 

“At Georgian, skilled trades graduates are meeting critical workforce needs of the communities and employers across the regions we serve. From building homes and essential infrastructure to supporting advanced manufacturing, transportation and energy, their expertise is central to Ontario’s continued growth and prosperity,” said Kevin Weaver, President and CEO of Georgian College. “The Schulich Foundation is advancing the skilled trades as a rewarding and in-demand career path for the next generation. We’re proud to congratulate Georgian’s newest cohort of Schulich Builders and grateful for the Foundation’s continued leadership and investment in opening doors for talented, hardworking Georgian students.”  

For returning 2025 Schulich Builder and two-year scholarship recipient Jordan Young, an Electrical Engineering Technician student at Georgian’s Barrie Campus, the program has provided opportunities to put classroom learning into practice, connect with future students and gain valuable workplace experience. Now in the second year of her scholarship, Young recently shared her experience as a Schulich Builder and offered insights to incoming recipients as a student speaker at Georgian’s meet and greet welcoming the new cohort. 

“This summer, I completed a maintenance co-op at Canada’s Wonderland, where I got to help troubleshoot and repair rides and roller coasters,” said Young. “It was really interesting to take what I had learned during my first year at Georgian and actually use it in such a fun and cool workplace. 

“Receiving the Schulich Builders Scholarship has honestly changed everything for me. It has lifted a huge financial burden and given me the freedom to fully focus on my education and career goals. I’m beyond grateful to The Schulich Foundation for investing in me. It really does mean the world.” 

Young has also volunteered at Georgian’s Fall Open House, speaking with prospective students and their families about the Schulich Builders program and sharing her own experience as a scholarship recipient. 

The Schulich Builders program reflects a shared commitment by Georgian College and The Schulich Foundation to elevate careers in the skilled trades and help build the skilled workforce Canada needs. Since joining the program in 2024, Georgian has welcomed 30 Schulich Builders across three cohorts, representing more than a dozen skilled trades programs across the college.