Ten skilled trades students awarded Schulich Builders Scholarships Posted on February 3, 2026 at 2:57 pm. For the third year, Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades have made a profound difference in the lives of 10 Durham College (DC) students. DC partners with the Schulich Foundation to award Schulich Builders Scholarships to students enrolling in full-time certificate and diploma programs in some of the most in-demand skilled trades fields. This year, five students received $20,000 scholarships for one-year programs and five received $40,000 scholarships for two-year programs, covering the cost of tuition, living expenses and tools. For Electrical Engineering Technician student Stephen Pascoa, who hopes to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and become an electrician, the $40,000 scholarship is nothing short of a blessing. “It has already allowed me to focus on my studies instead of worrying about how I was going to source more funding for my tuition, tools, books, and the travel costs to and from school,” he explained. “It also allows me to afford to pay for the equipment and medical help I need to mitigate my learning and physical disabilities.” His classmate Dylan Martin is also preparing for a career in the electrical industry, and he believes the scholarship will have a similar effect for him. “It will have a major impact on my studies and future plans by giving me financial support to be able to start a career in the trades,” he said. “It encourages and motivates me to keep on pursuing this career path and developing my skillset to become a qualified Master Electrician.” This year’s recipients include: Durham College 2025 Schulich Builders Scholarship winners: Ziyad Aboo – Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques Raheem Acheampong – Electrical Engineering Technician Levi Fournier – Crane Operation, Rigging and Construction Techniques Zameer Ghulam Nabi – Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing Nevyn Kempers – Electrical Engineering Technician Bradley Magyar – Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques Connor Marmei – Electrical Techniques Dylan Martin – Electrical Engineering Technician Rishi Matheepan – Mechanical Technician – Millwright Stephen Pascoa – Electrical Engineering Technician Are you planning for a career in the skilled trades? Learn more about the Schulich Builders scholarship and how to apply. Applications open in March and close May 31. Durham College partners to support all-Indigenous Introduction to Millwrighting program Posted on December 19, 2024 at 10:45 am. Durham College (DC) is helping break down barriers to entry into the skilled trades by partnering with industry on an innovative program aimed at helping to prepare people for millwrighting apprenticeships. On December 6, an all-Indigenous group of 11 students successfully completed the UBC Millwright Local 2309 Toronto and Local 1410 Kingston Introduction to Millwrighting (ITM) program. Participants in the five-week program received personalized support and training—including academic upgrading support from DC—to prepare them to write their millwright aptitude test so they could begin a millwright apprenticeship. This program opens new doors to the skilled trades for graduates and offers a pathway to apprenticeships and careers built on excellence. “At Durham College, we’re proud to support the success of the all-Indigenous Introduction to Millwrighting program,” said Meagan Quesnelle, Manager, Academic Upgrading and School College Work Initiative. “Through our Academic Upgrading program, we help students build the foundation they need to succeed in rewarding careers.” Michaela Gervais is among the group of successful students who completed the program, and she said DC faculty made the experience memorable for her. “Durham College played a crucial part in furthering our knowledge and success,” said Gervais. “Thank you for making this amazing opportunity possible.” Quesnelle added that the initiative showcases the power of collaboration and the importance of creating pathways to opportunity. “We’re honoured to be part of this journey, alongside our incredible partners.” The Millwright Regional Council’s (MRC) partners for the Introduction to Millwrighting program included Durham College, Ontario Power Generation, Kagita Mikam Aboriginal Employment & Training, Aecon Group Inc., and Black & McDonald Limited. DC has supported similar programs in the past including providing academic upgrading support for a cohort of women completing the ITM program. Are you interested in a skilled trades career? Explore programs available at DC including our Mechanical Technician – Millwright program. If you’re missing prerequisite courses for a college program, need help improving your grades or attaining your high school equivalency, consider DC’s free academic upgrading services. Learn more online or consider attending one of our upcoming information sessions. Durham College provides academic upgrading support for innovative millwrighting program for women Posted on April 1, 2024 at 11:08 am. Durham College (DC) is supporting a ground-breaking joint initiative designed to help women enter the skilled trades by breaking down barriers, providing essential skills training and empowering women to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Introduction to Millwrighting: 5-Week Program for Women was a joint initiative between the Millwright Regional Council and the national non-profit Build a Dream and supported by DC, Ontario Power Generation and UBC Millwright Local 2309 Toronto. Starting in early February, 10 women received personalized support and training to prepare them to wright their millwright aptitude test so they could begin a millwright apprenticeship. Sue Hawkins, Director of School College Work Initiative and Academic Upgrading at DC, explained that DC’s role was to provide academic upgrading support during the five-week program. “This initiative is a testament to the power of partnerships among individuals passionate about breaking down barriers for women,” said Hawkins. “We are honoured to be part of such a ground breaking program that challenges stereotypes, fosters inclusivity, and paves the way for a brighter, more equitable future in the skilled trades industry.” DC has supported similar programs in prior years, including a program to help Indigenous students enter the millwrighting trade. Mya Benjamin was one of the participants who celebrated her graduation from the millwrighting program for women on March 8. “As a proud participant of the Introduction to Millwrighting Program, I’ve not only acquired essential skills but also redefined what’s possible for women in the trades,” she said. “The program has empowered me to step confidently into a male-dominated field and make my mark. I’m grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received, and I’m excited to pave the way for aspiring women in the trades, proving that gender is no barrier to success.” Are you interested in a skilled trades career? Explore programs available at DC including our Mechanical Technician – Millwright program. If you’re missing prerequisite courses for a college program, need help improving your grades or attaining your high school equivalency, consider DC’s free academic upgrading services. Learn more online or consider attending one of our upcoming information sessions.
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