Cambrian College Announces 2025 Schulich Builders Skilled Trades Scholarship Recipients – September 29

SUDBURY – Ten students from Cambrian College are among this year’s recipients of the annual Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades, one of the largest skilled trades scholarship programs in Canada.

Each scholarship is designed to support students entering skilled trades, with $40,000 awarded to students enrolled in trades programs of two years, and $20,000 awarded to students in one-year certificate programs. The scholarships cover tuition, tools, and living expenses.

“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.”

Five students from Cambrian received two-year scholarships, including Belicia Donnan of Stirling, Ontario, north of Belleville. Donnan grew up on a farm and as a high-school co-op student worked at a local farm equipment dealership. She is enrolled in Cambrian’s Heavy Equipment Technician program.

“Ontario needs more women in the trades, and I believe that Cambrian College will help me advocate for younger and smaller females working in these trades and encourage them to follow their passion for improving their skills with heavy/agricultural equipment,” explains Donnan. “The Schulich Builders Scholarship will help me get where I need to be financially to represent and support young trades women at Cambrian College.”

Another five students at Cambrian received one-year scholarships, including Cheveyo Enosse from Moosonee, near the James Bay coast. Enosse is enrolled in Cambrian’s Carpentry Renovation Techniques program.

“Ever since I was young, I was always drawn to working with my hands, and over the years, my interest has grown into a desire to become a professional tradesperson,” says Enosse. “I believe that Canada’s future lies not only in innovation, but in the power of its infrastructure, and I am significantly committed to contributing to that future through a career in carpentry.”

Other recipients of Schulich Builders Scholarships at Cambrian College this year include: Two-year scholarships

• Rylan Griese, New Liskeard, ON
• Curtis Klassen, Tillsonburg, ON
• William McComb, Manitowaning, ON
• Emily Watson, Alban, ON

One-year scholarships

• Silas Anglin-Ramm, Mattawa, ON
• Ashlynn Caporossi, Sault Ste Marie, ON
• Simon Gerow, Hanmer, ON
• Dylan Pagnutti, Sudbury, ON

The Schulich Foundation created the program to address Canada’s skilled labour shortage and to highlight the essential role of trades in building and maintaining vital infrastructure. In addition to scholarships, the Foundation contributes annually to college resources to help advance the careers of recipients.

“We are honoured once again to be part of the Schulich Builders program,” says Kim Crane, Cambrian’s Interim Dean of Trades Training, Engineering Technology, and Environmental Studies.  “These scholarships represent a life-changing investment in our students and in the future of our region. For Northern Ontario, this support helps ensure we are preparing the skilled trades workforce our economy and communities need to thrive.”

Learn more about the Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades, including an article from founder Seymour Schulich, at https://schulichbuilders.com.

Cambrian College is one of 12 publicly assisted colleges in Ontario, and the only one in Northern Ontario, to participate in the Schulich Builders Scholarships program.

To learn more about the trades, technology, and environmental programs at Cambrian that are eligible for a Schulich Builders Scholarship, visit https://cambriancollege.ca/schulich.

 

Rylan Griese, New Liskeard, Civil Engineering Technician

“For me, civil engineering is more than just city building, it’s about building a better future. Building safer, stronger, and much more sustainable, and environmentally friendly communities for the next generations is what pushes me toward civil engineering. I want to be able to make positive impacts on my unserved and forgotten northern communities. Receiving this scholarship would greatly impact allowing this to be my future and enable me to fully focus on my education without financial stress and constraints.”  

Curtis Klassen, Tillsonburg, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Industrial Maintenance

“Some of my earliest memories are of the time I spent working with my dad. He is the main reason I developed a passion for working in the trades. When I was nine, he passed away. His life’s values continue to inspire me and keep me focused at school. For nearly a year, I have been living with my sister. She has become my role model and someone who has given me guidance. I admire scholarships like this one that aim to help people like me achieve their future goals when it is so difficult for us to afford our post-secondary expenses.” 

William McComb, Manitowaning, Powerline Technician

“My Grandpa is a welder and heavy equipment mechanic, my uncle is a heavy equipment operator and mechanic and on the other side of the family, my father and grandfather do wood working as a hobby, so I have been surrounded by it my entire life. I feel we need to encourage our young people to join the trades. I encourage everyone I see to take the trades and explain the simple task as who will fix your car, build your house, and get your power.”  

Emily Watson, Alban, Welding and Fabrication Technician

“I developed a passion for trades beginning in grade 9 when I was enrolled in a construction course at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Sudbury. When I took welding in grade 11, it solidified my decision to pursue the trades post-secondary. I have been invited to be a panelist at Skills in 2023 and 2024 in Sudbury and then was asked to speak at Skills Canada in Toronto,2025. These conferences allowed me to encourage others to seriously consider the trades, especially female students.”  

Silas Anglin-Ramm, Mattawa, Carpentry and Renovation Techniques

“I was raised by a single mother of four. For as long as I can remember my mom has told stories of me building things and telling people I wanted to be a carpenter. Although I am young, I am passionate in my pursuit of a career in custom homes and cottage building, and I don’t want finances to stop me from pursuing my goals and dreams. I have always admired how homes were built, the process of building from design stages to completion; and seeing the final result of what someone can achieve with their bare hands and tools. I hope that you can help me along in my journey to becoming a certified carpenter.”  

Ashlynn Caporossi, Sault Ste Marie, Carpentry and Renovation Techniques

I have a strong passion for carpentry and a clear vision for my future in the trades. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and over the years I have built countless things for friends and family such as decks, houses, garages and so much more and that has strengthened my love for this type of work. This scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden on my family and me. It will allow me to focus more on my studies and long-term goals. I see this scholarship as an investment for my future, and it would help me help people in need.”  

Simon Gerow, Hanmer, Carpentry and Renovation Techniques

“From an early age I have been exposed to the trades, carpentry in particular. Upon completion of my one-year program, I intend to take advantage of the available apprenticeship opportunities to further enhance my knowledge and skills. In the future, I see myself helping others in need with projects large or small.”  

Dylan Pagnutti, Sudbury, Carpentry and Renovation Techniques

” For the last three years I’ve taken part in the construction courses at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School. In both grades 10 and 11 I received the subject awards in that course. I’ve also competed in the Skills competitions at Cambrian College for cabinetry, and I’ve received 3rd place both times. I’m interested in a career in framing, mainly because I love working outside and working with my hands.”