‘People believe in me and want to support my journey’: 10 Durham College students receive a total of $300,000 through Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades

Ten Durham College (DC) students who are passionate about careers in the trades have received a massive boost of support through the inaugural Schulich Builders Scholarships for the Skilled Trades.

Five students received $20,000 scholarships for one-year programs and five received $40,000 scholarships for two-year programs. By launching the Builder Scholarships for 100 Ontario students in 2023, The Schulich Foundation is helping to combat the shortage of skilled trades in the province and amplifying their importance and value to the community. Applications for a second round of scholarships will open to students in 2024.

Fara Shea of Oshawa is the recipient of a $40,000 scholarship. She always had an interest in working with cars, looking up to her grandfather who worked at General Motors for 40 years before he retired. That’s why she decided to pursue the Automotive Technician – Service and Management (Motive Power) program at DC.

“Being able to do something like him really means a lot because now I can see why he enjoyed working in this trade,” she said. “In a way it helps me feel closer to him even with him not being here.”

Shea was thrilled to be selected for the scholarship.

“It has really impacted my life. A big weight was lifted off my chest because I don’t have to worry about earning the money for my tuition each semester and being able to afford all the equipment I’ll be needing for school. I’ll forever be grateful that I was lucky enough to be chosen for such an amazing opportunity.”

Sacha Bertossini, also of Oshawa, always thought fashion design was her future and she holds a diploma in the subject. However, when she began working on renovations in her home, she discovered a new passion.

“I quit my full-time job and joined the DC Trades Fundamentals program to have a solid knowledge base in trades,” she explains. “This solidified my decision to get into the trades industry and now I am currently enrolled in the Carpentry and Renovation Technician program.”

She said the benefits of the scholarship go beyond the $40,000 in financial support.

“The scholarship program will create opportunities for networking, learning leadership skills and meeting people in the industry that will help me shape a successful career in this field.”

Noah DeCicco, of Stayner, said he was privileged to work with custom home builders back home and he fell in love with process from the design work to the finished build. As a result, he enrolled in the Carpentry – Building Construction Technician program at DC.

“Growing up I was always reminded about my attention to detail especially when wood working,” he said. “I’m pursuing and dedicating my life to this trade because of my love for the craft and ambition to be the best of the best.”

He said he was incredibly excited to receive the $40,000 scholarship.

“For me, it was the feeling that people believe in me and want to help support me along my journey.”

Whitby campus principal and executive dean Rebecca Milburn said Durham College is proud to be part of the inaugural Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades.

“These scholarships make a difference for our 10 winners by providing them the financial support to allow them to succeed in their trade,” she said. “Congratulations to all of our scholarship winners who are student leaders on campus and have been selected from a wide variety of our skilled trades programs.”

DC Schulich Builders Scholarships two-year recipients ($40,000): Sacha Bertossini (Carpentry and Renovation Technician); Noah DeCicco (Carpentry – Building Construction Technician); Tristan Flint (Carpentry and Renovation Technician); Fara Shea (Automotive Technician – Service and Management); Boden Somerville (Electrical Engineering Technician)

DC Schulich Builders Scholarships one-year recipients ($20,000): Travis Honey (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Techniques); Inara McConnell (Electrical Techniques); Mason Raymond (Crane Operation, Rigging & Construction Techniques); Melissa Scanlan (Trades Fundamentals); Roswell Virgo (Electrical Techniques)

Find out more about applying for a Schulich Builders scholarship in 2024.