Georgian College is welcoming its third cohort of Schulich Builders, with 10 students receiving scholarships to support their education and careers in the skilled trades.
The 2026 Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades, established by The Schulich Foundation, provide $20,000 to students in one-year programs and $40,000 to students in two-year programs. The scholarships can help cover costs including tuition, tools, and living expenses.
This year’s one-year scholarship recipients are:
- Ahmad Virk of Barrie, Gas Technician, Barrie Campus
- Ryan Skiffington of Tiny, Cabinetmaking Techniques, Barrie Campus
- Connrad Miller of Tottenham, Electrical Techniques, Robbert Hartog Midland Campus
- Sydney Ritson of Thunder Bay, Construction Techniques, Barrie Campus
- Ryker Skimming of Glen Williams, Construction Techniques, Barrie Campus
The two-year scholarship recipients are:
- Justin McGrath of Stouffville, Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician, Barrie Campus
- Rachel Ready of Mildmay, Power Engineering Technology, Owen Sound Campus
- Finley Marritt of Shallow Lake, Power Engineering Technology, Owen Sound Campus
- Jake Coffey of Georgetown, Electromechanical Engineering Technician – Mechatronics, Barrie Campus
- Josh McIntee of St. Catharines, Electromechanical Engineering Technician – Mechatronics, Barrie Campus
The Schulich Builders program was launched at Georgian in 2024 and recognizes students who demonstrate strong character, commitment to their chosen field and financial need. Recipients also receive leadership development and mentorship opportunities and can serve as ambassadors for skilled trades education.
“Congratulations to this year’s Schulich Builder Scholars,” says 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.”
Georgian College has also expanded its skilled trades facilities at the Barrie Campus, creating new and enhanced hands-on learning environments designed to reflect industry workplaces.
Together with the Owen Sound Campus and Robbert Hartog Midland Campus, Georgian says its skilled trades facilities provide students across the region with access to industry-relevant programs, hands-on learning and apprenticeship training.
“At Georgian, skilled trades graduates are meeting critical workforce needs of the communities and employers across the regions we serve,” says Kevin Weaver, President and CEO of Georgian College. “From building homes and essential infrastructure to supporting advanced manufacturing, transportation and energy, their expertise is central to Ontario’s continued growth and prosperity. 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.”
Since joining the program in 2024, Georgian College says it has welcomed 30 Schulich Builders across three cohorts, representing more than a dozen skilled trades programs across the college.
If you have a news tip or story idea, you can now send us a heads up via email at:
- News1013@LocalRadio.ca (Milton)
- News1015@LocalRadio.ca (Orangeville)
- News92@LocalRadio.ca (South Simcoe)
- Rick.Sargent@LocalRadio.ca (Bolton)
If you’d like to get ahold of me personally, shoot me a message at Cameron.Wilkinson@LocalRadio.ca. We’re in the business of content creation, so no idea is a bad idea.
