CREDIT: FANSHAWE COLLEGE
Ten Fanshawe Students have received scholarships to help cover tuition, tools and living expenses.

Ten students, including three from London, have been named as Fanshawe College’s inaugural recipients of the Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades.

The scholarships are part of a newly created program that has committed an annual investment of more than $3 million to combat labour shortages and highlight the importance of skilled trades in Canada.

Out of a pool of 350,000 potential candidates across Canada, more than 1,000 students were nominated.


One hundred students across 10 Ontario colleges have received this award and are referred to as Schulich Builders.

With a $325,000 gift from the Schulich Foundation as part of this new program, Fanshawe has been able to provide five $20,000 scholarships for students in a one-year certificate program and five $40,000 scholarships for those pursuing a two-year diploma program.

“We are grateful to the Schulich Foundation for their support in helping us unlock the potential of these talented students pursuing careers in the skilled trades,” said Stephen Patterson, Dean of Fanshawe’s Faculty of Science, Trades and Technology.

The scholarships cover tuition, tools and living expenses. Schulich Builders will also receive leadership training and mentorship to enhance their student experience and assist with their entry into the skilled trades upon graduation.

“We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path,” said Judy Schulich, director of The Schulich Foundation. “Canadians rely on the trades to build and maintain infrastructure critical for prosperous communities. Our challenge today is not having enough of these talented people to meet the demand.”

Fanshawe’s Schulich Builders recipients include:

1. Va’quwyen Beals, 18, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. (Welding and Fabrication Technician)

2. Haley Benoot, 18, is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. (Welding Techniques)

3. Brandon Buckingham, 19, is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. (Welding Techniques)

4. Emily Holmes, 19, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. (Welding and Fabrication Technician)

5. Ethan Kopas, 18, is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. (Electrical Techniques)

6. Fenton Loker, 18, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. (Carpentry and Renovation Technician)

7. Sebastian Marshall, 17, is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. (Electrical Techniques)

8. Ava O’Neil, 18, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. (Welding and Fabrication Technician)

9. Emily Pollak, 18, is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. (Welding and Fabrication Technician)

10. Erik Qualie, 18, is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. (Electrical Techniques)