The following was submitted by Loyalist College.
Thanks to a generous gift from the Canerector Foundation, nearly 100 Loyalist College students in the skilled trades will be set up for success over the next five years.
Starting this year, 20 Loyalist students will receive bursaries and mentorship as Canerector Scholars. That number will grow to 40 students in year two, with as many as 96 students benefiting from the program.
“We are immensely grateful to the Canerector Foundation for their substantial commitment of nearly $500,000,” says Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “The Canerector scholarships will be instrumental in empowering more students to access post-secondary education at Loyalist and underscore the vital role of the skilled trades in advancing economic development and growth in our region and beyond.”
The Canerector Foundation was established in late 2019 as a way for Canerector and the Hawkins family to give back and help communities in Canada and around the world thrive. The Scholarships in the Skilled Trades program represents a return to Canerector’s roots. The company was founded by skilled tradespeople and continues under Hawkins family leadership under CEO Amanda Hawkins, who is also a director of the Canerector Foundation. Recognizing the shortage of trades professionals in the economy and the opportunities available to those who pursue these fields, the Canerector Foundation funded the scholarships to draw attention to the wide variety of careers that begin with skilled trades education from leading community colleges.
“We are pleased to partner with Loyalist College on scholarships promoting and supporting skilled trades education,” says Amanda Hawkins, Director of Canerector Foundation. “The Canerector Foundation is investing in students and encouraging the pursuit of skilled trades careers which benefit the individuals, as well our economy and communities.”
As Canerector Scholars, students will receive financial assistance up to $5,000. They will also benefit from mentorship and support to ensure their academic success and seamless transition into a career in the skilled trades.
Loyalist is the fifth college in Canada to join the Canerector Foundation Scholarships in the Skilled Trades program.
