Building Brighter Futures: Loyalist College hosts free event with Scott McGillivray

Belleville, ON, Feb. 16, 2024 – Loyalist College is pleased to announce the “Building Brighter Futures” event on Feb. 26, featuring HGTV star and renovation expert, Scott McGillivray. Whether attendees are curious about exploring a career in the skilled trades, seasoned professionals or aspiring entrepreneurs, McGillivray’s perspective as a leader in the home renovation industry will highlight the boundless possibilities and diverse pathways to success available to skilled trades professionals.

With a passion for helping people make smart investment and renovation decisions to build wealth through real estate, Scott McGillivray has been an HGTV star and executive producer for almost 20 years. Along with starring in hit series such as Income Property, Moving the McGillivrays, Buyers Bootcamp and Scott’s Vacation House Rules, McGillivray is a skilled contractor, accomplished entrepreneur and author of the bestselling book How to Add Value to Your Home.

Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick emphasizes McGillivray’s journey as an example of how expertise in the skilled trades can serve as a springboard to entrepreneurship and success. “McGillivray’s trajectory illustrates how a career in skilled trades can be leveraged into opportunities for leadership, creativity and innovation,” he adds. “We’re thrilled to welcome our community to campus to hear about his unique road to success.”

The free community event begins at 6 p.m. in the Loyalist College gymnasium. The evening coincides with the culmination of the Loyalist College Skills Competition, in which Ontario secondary students showcase their knowledge and talents in the world of skilled trades and technologies. With competition categories such as carpentry, electrical, welding, esthetics, baking, photography and more, Skills Competition winners will be honoured for their achievements at the “Building Brighter Futures” event.

President Kirkpatrick also underscores the overwhelmingly positive employment outlook for learners training in the skilled trades. “Across the country, there is an urgent need for skilled trades professionals,” he notes. “As our communities grow and the need for new infrastructure expands, Loyalist is helping the next generation of skilled trades professionals prepare for their essential role in the workforce. The Skills Competition and the ‘Building Brighter Futures’ event allow interested individuals to explore a pathway to building a thriving career in this in-demand market.”

Space at “Building Brighter Futures” is limited. Register online to secure a spot at loyalistcollege.com/buildingbrighterfutures.

About Loyalist College

Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, Tyendinaga and Toronto, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities.

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Contact:
Hannah Brown
Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com