Second cohort of Georgian students awarded prestigious Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades

Oct. 27, 2025

Georgian College is pleased to announce its second cohort of 10 Schulich Builders Scholarship recipients. Out of a pool of more than 380,000 potential candidates across Canada, more than 1,000 students were nominated, and 120 received this celebrated award in 2025. The scholarships are valued at $40,000 for a two-year diploma program and $20,000 for a one-year certificate program.

Launched in February 2023 by The Schulich Foundation, Schulich Builders Scholarships are awarded to hard-working students who are pursuing a diploma or certificate program at a participating college and aspiring towards a career in a skilled trade. The program serves as a catalyst to help amplify the lucrative and in-demand job opportunities that exist across Canada.

“We are proud to support students in the skilled trades and open doors to this meaningful career path,” said Judy Schulich, Director of The Schulich Foundation. “Behind every home built and every community strengthened are the tradespeople who make it possible. Today, the shortage of these skilled workers is holding Canada back — and that’s why investing in young people who choose this path is one of the most impactful ways we can build a stronger, more prosperous country for all.”

The scholarships will help cover tuition, tools and living expenses. In addition to financial support, the Schulich Builders Scholarships program at Georgian provides leadership training and mentorship to help students flourish during their college journey.

“I am thrilled to congratulate and welcome our second cohort of Schulich Builders at Georgian” said Dr. Rebecca Sabourin, Dean, Computer Studies, Design and Visual Arts, Engineering and Environmental Technologies, Skilled Trades at Georgian College. “Together with our inaugural recipients, the collective achievements of these students are remarkable and highlight the incredible talent in skilled trades and the transformative impact of a scholarship of this value. It empowers our best and brightest to become advocates for future generations and to pursue their dreams in the skilled trades. The impact of this scholarship goes far beyond individual achievement; it helps build a stronger future for our communities and for Canada’s workforce.”

Georgian College’s 2025 Schulich Builders Scholarships cohort includes:

1-year ($20,000 scholarship)

• Morgan Aldebert of Oro-Medonte – Cabinetmaking Techniques (Barrie Campus)
• Annette Atkinson of Barrie – Cabinetmaking Techniques (Barrie Campus)
• Liam Dinatale of Orangeville – Plumbing Techniques (Robbert Hartog Midland Campus)
• Max Bisson of Barrie – Electrical Techniques (Robbert Hartog Midland Campus)
• Sebastian Barrios of Everett – Welding Techniques (Midland Campus)

2-year ($40,000 scholarship)

• Jordan Young of Orangeville – Electrical Engineering Technician (Barrie Campus)
• Amber Shular of Southampton – Power Engineering Technology (Owen Sound Campus)
• Makhaya Lewis of North York – Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician (Barrie Campus)
• Joshua Robinson of Barrie – Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician (Barrie Campus)
• Amber MacDonald of Pontypool – Mechanical Techniques – Precision Skills (Barrie Campus)

Two graduates from the inaugural 2024 Schulich Builders Scholarship cohort at Georgian – James Worona (class of 2025, Marine Small Engine) and Tyler Johnson (class of 2025, Electrical Techniques) – successfully completed their programs in April 2025 and are underway with industry apprenticeships in Trenton and Orillia.

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Media: For further information or to arrange an interview, contact Media Relations at mediarelations@georgiancollege.ca.

The philanthropy of The Schulich Foundation is focused on raising the standard of living for Canadians by supporting high-performing people with promise. The Schulich Foundation is one of Canada’s largest foundations, having committed over $500 million to philanthropic endeavours. 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 Scholarships program, spanning 25 universities across Canada and Israel, in support of students pursuing STEM education.