Ten Loyalist College students receive Schulich Builders Scholarships

Loyalist College congratulates 10 skilled trades students as recipients of 2025 Schulich Builders Scholarships. The scholarships provide financial support for tuition, tools and living expenses as students complete their education and pursue their careers.

Launched in February 2023 by The Schulich Foundation, Schulich Builders Scholarships award hard-working students who aspire a career in a skilled trade. These students will pursue a diploma or certificate program at a participating college before entering the workforce. The program also serves as a catalyst to 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,” says 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.”

Out of a pool of over 380,000 potential candidates across Canada and more than 1,000 nominated students, Loyalist’s recipients are among 120 students awarded a Schulich Builders Scholarship this year. Awards are valued at $40,000 for a two-year diploma program and $20,000 for a one-year certificate program. 

Loyalist’s 2025 recipients join four returning 2024 Schulich Builders Scholarship recipients, Dylan Ramnarine (Carpentry and Renovation Technician), Emily Desjardins (Welding and Fabrication Technician), Conlan Hutchinson (Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician) and Allie Quinn (Welding and Fabrication Technician).

Returning recipient Dylan Ramnarine reflects on how the financial support opened the door to new career opportunities, allowing him to pursue entrepreneurship while he studied. “As a recipient of the Schulich Builders Scholarship, I’ve been able to focus on my program and expand on learning in and out of the classroom. Schulich has given me the funds to invest in good quality tools, which allowed me to start a small business this summer where I could apply and expand on my learnings from my program. Without a need to work throughout the school year, I have the time to involve myself in many events with the college and capitalize on all it has to offer.”

Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick observes that support provided through the Schulich Builders Scholarships can be transformative for students, particularly those in small and rural communities who are training for careers urgently needed in their regions.

“The Schulich Builders Scholarships relieve financial pressure and recognize the hard work and potential of students choosing skilled trades careers, which are essential to Ontario’s growth and prosperity,” says Kirkpatrick. “We are deeply grateful to The Schulich Foundation for its continued investment in the next generation of skilled professionals, and proud of our students for the dedication and leadership they bring to their studies and workplaces.”

As Ontario continues to prioritize the development of a strong skilled trades workforce, colleges play an essential role in preparing students to meet that demand.

“Ontario needs more skilled trades workers, and every day across the province, our world-class colleges are equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in this in-demand career,” said the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “The Schulich Builders scholarship is breaking down barriers so more students can access the training they need to launch successful careers in the skilled trades, keeping Ontario moving and growing for decades to come.”