Centennial College is proud to announce its 10 incoming students who have been named recipients of the prestigious Schulich Builders Scholarship, now in its third year. From a pool of more than 380,000 potential candidates across Canada, over 1,000 students were nominated, with 120 ultimately selected for this celebrated award in 2025. Each award is valued at $40,000 for a two-year diploma program or $20,000 for a one-year certificate program.
Launched in February 2023 by The Schulich Foundation, the Schulich Builders Scholarships award hard-working students aspiring towards a career in a skilled trade through diploma or certificate programs at participating colleges. The program 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,” said 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.”
“The Schulich Builders Scholarship continues to be a game-changer – not only for our students, but for the future of Canada’s skilled trades,” said Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of Centennial College. “At Centennial, we witness daily how this support truly empowers learners to pursue their passion in the skilled trades with confidence and purpose. Scholarships that draw from a highly diverse pool of enthused and focused applicants, support the next wave of skilled technicians and trade professionals, while driving a bold and lasting impact for our communities.”
Meet Centennial College’s 2025 Schulich Builders:
- Pia Banerjee is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A Toronto resident, Banerjee will be entering the Electrical Engineering Technology (Optional Co-Op) program this fall.
- Jaylon Carabon is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Senator O'Connor College in North York, Carabon will be entering the Truck and Coach Technician (Optional Co-Op) program this fall. Carabon was nominated by his high school to apply for this award.
- Meghan Deopersad is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Monsignor Fraser College in North York, Deopersad will be entering the Aircraft Maintenance Aviation Technician program this fall.
- Matthew Ladines is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Pickering, Ladines will be entering the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program this fall. Ladines was nominated by his high school to apply for this award.
- Theo Wood is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Humberview Secondary School in Caledon, Wood will be entering the Motive Power Technician – Heavy Duty Equipment (Optional Co-Op) program this fall. Wood was nominated by his high school to apply for this award.
- Brandy Doan-Goss is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A Toronto resident, Doan-Goss will be entering the Motorcycle and Powersports Product Repair Techniques program this fall.
- Zoe Huang is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Unionville High School in Scarborough, Huang will be entering the Electrical Techniques program this fall.
- Yusuf Nuzzolo is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Nuzzolo will be entering the Electrical Techniques program this fall. Nuzzolo was nominated by his high school to apply for this award.
- Gursewak Singh is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A Brampton resident, Singh will be entering the Truck and Coach Technician Volvo/Mack program this fall.
- Neo Tuazon is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A Brampton resident, Tuazon will be entering the Truck and Coach Technician Volvo/Mack program this fall.
Several Centennial College Schulich Builders from the 2023–2024 cohort have already taken exciting next steps in their skilled trades careers. Arish Mohammad, a graduate of the Truck and Coach Technician program, began his apprenticeship with Penske. Zayn Noorgat, a graduate of the Aircraft Maintenance Aviation Technician program, accepted an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer apprenticeship with Chartright. Quinn Noye, a graduate of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program, secured an apprenticeship with TFS – Food Equipment Services. These achievements highlight the real-world impact of the Schulich Builders program in preparing students for meaningful careers in their chosen fields.
“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,” said the 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.”
An additional resource for students and graduates is Seymour Schulich’s article “Lessons for Success and Fulfillment,” written as an addendum to his best-selling book Get Smarter. The piece offers valuable guidance and inspiration for those pursuing their own paths to success.
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.