Gift from Canerector Foundation unlocks opportunity for skilled trades students

Sheridan is creating enhanced supports to provide skilled trades students with entrance scholarships as well as comprehensive mentorship and leadership opportunities, thanks to a $500,000 gift from the Canerector Foundation.

Over the next five years, the Foundation’s gift will create 147 scholarships for eligible students entering skilled trades programs. Each scholarship recipient will also take part in comprehensive mentorship opportunities that offer them the chance to develop leadership skills and networks to establish themselves in their careers upon graduation.

Additionally, the Canerector Foundation’s gift will support an annual retreat for women in skilled trades at Camp Ak-O-Mak. Each June, this retreat brings journeywomen and students from seven colleges – including Sheridan – together to build a community of support and hone their skills by working on repair projects that help prepare the camp for the summer season.

Dr. Elizabeth Fabbroni, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, says Canerector’s commitment to providing financial support that is embedded with mentorship is critical: both elements are essential to fuel a skilled trades labour force that will drive Ontario’s economic prosperity and future growth.

“I am so grateful to the Canerector Foundation for making this impactful gift. Their contribution will assist in reducing financial barriers to education, which is essential to help many learners overcome obstacles and unlock their dream careers,” Fabbroni says. “Sheridan is committed to working with like-minded partners by investing in meaningful programming that promotes equity and diversity in the trades. We remain resolute and committed to creating inclusive communities for tradespeople, especially women and gender diverse people who remain underrepresented. There is a place for all to be passionate and creative in the trades, and I’m thankful to Canerector for helping us realize that vision.”

“This impactful gift... will assist in reducing financial barriers to education, which is essential to help many learners overcome obstacles and unlock their dream careers.”

– Dr. Elizabeth Fabbroni, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology

The gift is already having an impact across Sheridan’s Magna Skilled Trades Centre. In September, 18 students from programs ranging from plumbing to electrical techniques and welding received entrance scholarships. In June, through Canerector’s support and the project “Women in Red Seal Trades - Advancing the Career Ecosystem,” funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, Sheridan was able to lead the second annual retreat at Camp-Ak-O-Mak. Forty-four women, who were both journeywomen and students, came together to work on construction projects. They also had the chance to connect and learn from each other about how they navigate a career in the trades to find success.

Amanda Hawkins, Director of the Canerector Foundation, is proud to support initiatives that encourage strategic workforce development. “Skilled trades are the backbone of our economy and provide a lot of value to our communities. We hope our partnership with Sheridan will provide meaningful exposure to these impactful careers that are in high demand,” she says.

About the Canerector Foundation

The Canerector Foundation is a registered, non-profit charitable organization. As a Canadian-based foundation, giving adheres to the regulations set by the Canadian government, ensuring that our contributions support charities registered with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). To date, the Canerector Foundation has donated over $20 million to deserving charities, positively impacting communities within Canada and globally.

Pictured above: In June, thanks in part to the Canerector Foundation's support, 44 journeywomen and students in the skilled trades met at Camp Ak-O-Mak for a retreat to enhance their skills and find opportunities for mentorship.