George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Selected from over 1,000 nominees across Canada, these recipients will receive life-changing financial support—$40,000 for two-year diploma programs and $20,000 for one-year certificates—removing tuition barriers and allowing complete focus on skill development.
Meet George Brown College’s 2025 scholarship recipients:
- Cacilda Athayde – (T161) Construction Engineering Technician
- Amanuel Kassaye – (T160) Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Technician
- Bianca Cordero – (T173) Mechanical Technician – CNC and Precision Machining
- Angel Jay – (T180) Carpentry and Renovation Technician
- Daniel Jiang – (T167) Electrical Techniques
- Leonard Tooley – (T176) Construction Techniques
- Kyle Rabbon – (T176) Construction Techniques
- Jason Zhang – (T180) Carpentry and Renovation Technician
- Kuthula Mzungwana – (T166) Welding Techniques
- Oscar Daniel Rivera Martinez – (T166) Welding Techniques
The Schulich Builders scholarships
Launched in February 2023 by Seymour Schulich and 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 help amplify the lucrative and in-demand job opportunities that exist across Canada.
Addressing Ontario’s critical skills gap
With hundreds of thousands of unfilled skilled trades positions across Ontario, these graduates will enter a thriving job market where their expertise is both valued and essential. The Schulich Builders Scholarship program invests over $3 million annually across top Ontario colleges, graduating 120 skilled professionals yearly to fill crucial roles in construction, electrical work, HVAC, and other vital industries.
"We are proud to support students in the skilled trades and open doors to this meaningful career path. 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.” Judy Schulich, Director of The Schulich Foundation
"Ontario needs more skilled tradespeople, but we can’t build the future of the province and the country without first building up our students. The Schulich Builders Scholarships give our students the financial breathing room to commit fully to their programs, allowing them to focus on developing their skills and pursuing their career goals. Congratulations to the GBC winners!” - Dr. Adel Esayed, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science, Engineering. And Technology
Alumni Success
2024 graduates Beatrice Palling (Electrical Techniques) and John Hemani (Welding Techniques) both credit The Schulich Builders Scholarship with helping make their career transitions possible.
For complete program details and a list of eligible programs, visit Schulich Builders: Scholarships for Skilled Trades.