Ten Loyalist College students receive Schulich Builders Scholarships to support skilled trades education

Belleville, ON, Nov. 13, 2025 – Loyalist College proudly congratulates 10 skilled trades students as recipients of 2025 Schulich Builders Scholarships. The scholarships provide financial support for tuition, tools and living expenses as students complete their education and pursue their careers. 

Launched in February 2023 by The Schulich Foundation, Schulich Builders Scholarships award hard-working students aspiring towards a career in a skilled trade. These students will pursue a diploma or certificate program at a participating college before entering the workforce. The program also serves as a catalyst to amplify the lucrative and in-demand job opportunities that exist across Canada.

“We are proud to support students in the skilled trades and open doors to this meaningful career path,” says Judy Schulich, Director of The Schulich Foundation. “Behind every home built and every community strengthened are the tradespeople who make it possible. Today, the shortage of these skilled workers is holding Canada back, and that’s why investing in young people who choose this path is one of the most impactful ways we can build a stronger, more prosperous country for all.”

Out of a pool of over 380,000 potential candidates across Canada and more than 1,000 nominated students, Loyalist’s recipients are among 120 students awarded a Schulich Builders Scholarship this year. Awards are valued at $40,000 for a two-year diploma program and $20,000 for a one-year certificate program. 

Loyalist College’s 2025 Schulich Builders Scholarship recipients are:

• Milo Barnett, Mechanical Techniques 
• Doug Carr, Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Techniques 
• Cole Carruthers, Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician 
• Keegan Gallant, Mechanical Techniques 
• Stephanie Howell, Electrical Engineering Technician – Industrial 
• Neil Kirby, Mechatronics 
• Brayden MacIsaac, Welding and Fabrication Technician 
• Clarence Madden, Motive Power Fundamentals – Parts and Counter Personnel 
• Shyann Sidey, Carpentry and Renovation Techniques 
• Evan Westerman, Mechatronics 

Loyalist’s 2025 recipients join four returning 2024 Schulich Builders Scholarship recipients, Dylan Ramnarine (Carpentry and Renovation Technician), Emily Desjardins (Welding and Fabrication Technician), Conlan Hutchinson (Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician) and Allie Quinn (Welding and Fabrication Technician).

Returning recipient Dylan Ramnarine reflects on how the financial support opened the door to new career opportunities, allowing him to pursue entrepreneurship while he studied: “As a recipient of the Schulich Builders Scholarship, I’ve been able to focus on my program and expand on learning in and out of the classroom. Schulich has given me the funds to invest in good quality tools, which allowed me to start a small business this summer where I could apply and expand on my learnings from my program. Without a need to work throughout the school year, I have the time to involve myself in many events with the college and capitalize on all it has to offer.”

Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick observes that support provided through the Schulich Builders Scholarships can be transformative for students, particularly those in small and rural communities who are training for careers urgently needed in their regions. 

“The Schulich Builders Scholarships relieve financial pressure and recognize the hard work and potential of students choosing skilled trades careers, which are essential to Ontario’s growth and prosperity,” says Kirkpatrick. “We are deeply grateful to The Schulich Foundation for its continued investment in the next generation of skilled professionals, and proud of our students for the dedication and leadership they bring to their studies and workplaces.”

As Ontario continues to prioritize the development of a strong skilled trades workforce, colleges play an essential role in preparing students to meet that demand.

“Ontario needs more skilled trades workers, and every day across the province, our world-class colleges are equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in this in-demand career,” saidthe Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “The Schulich Builders scholarship is breaking down barriers so more students can access the training they need to launch successful careers in the skilled trades, keeping Ontario moving and growing for decades to come.”
 

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. 

About The Schulich Foundation
The philanthropy of The Schulich Foundation is focused on raising the standard of living for Canadians by supporting high-performing people with promise. The Schulich Foundation is one of Canada’s largest foundations, having committed over $500 million to philanthropic endeavours. Seymour Schulich established and funded The Schulich Foundation. He holds Canada’s highest civilian award, the Order of Canada, and is among Canada’s greatest philanthropists. Having benefited greatly from a scholarship that enabled him to do his MBA, Mr. Schulich has built a well-earned reputation as a champion for education and access to education in Canada and around the world. The Schulich Foundation has endowed university faculties of business, engineering, medicine, law, education, music, chemistry, nursing and dentistry; libraries, dormitories, courtyards, medical health centers, lecture and music halls. Over 6,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students in Schulich Schools. 

The Foundation’s largest initiative is the $200 million Schulich Leaders Scholarships program, spanning 25 universities across Canada and Israel, in support of students pursuing STEM education. 

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Contact: 
Hannah Brown 
Director of Marketing and Communications 

hbrown@loyalistcollege.com