Durham College Canerector Foundation Scholarships (Skilled Trades)

What you will need

• ✓ Application submitted using a dcmail.ca email address
• ✓ Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
• ✓ Confirmation of full-time enrollment in an eligible skilled trades certificate or diploma program starting September 2026
• ✓ Evidence of strong work ethic and character from current or previous experience

About this award

You can receive up to $5,000 in total. This starts with a $1,000 entrance scholarship, followed by $1,000 per semester until you hit the $5,000 maximum. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a hardworking person with a strong work ethic who is passionate about building a career in the skilled trades. You must apply between July 20, 2026, and October 2, 2026. You will hear if you were selected on or before October 30, 2026. The Faculty of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship chooses the seven scholarships available. They look at your eligibility, your financial need, and your passion for the trades, as well as your willingness to act as an ambassador for the program in high schools. Ask Durham College / Canerector Foundation during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. To keep your scholarship, you must pass each semester with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You also cannot drop out of your program or the college while you are studying full-time.

Who qualifies

You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. You must be enrolled in a full-time, eligible skilled trade working towards a one-year certificate or two-year diploma program and starting your first semester in September 2026. Eligible programs include: - Automotive Technician – Service and Management (Motive Power Technician) - Carpentry – Building Construction Technician - Carpentry and Renovation Technician - Crane Operation, Rigging and Construction Techniques - Electric Drive Vehicle Technician - Electrical Engineering Technician - Electrical Techniques - Gas Technician 2 - Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC) - Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices - Mechanical Technician – Millwright - Mechanical Technician – Plumbing - Power Engineering Techniques - Fourth Class - Welding Engineering Technician

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to certificate students
• ✓ Studying Automotive Technician – Service and Management (Motive Power Technician), Carpentry – Building Construction Technician, Carpentry and Renovation Technician, Crane Operation, Rigging and Construction Techniques, Electric Drive Vehicle Technician, Electrical Engineering Technician, Electrical Techniques, Gas Technician 2, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC), Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices, Mechanical Technician – Millwright, Mechanical Technician – Plumbing, Power Engineering Techniques Fourth Class or Welding Engineering Technician

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• Work EthicAvoid just saying you are hardworking. Instead, give a specific example from a past job or project that proves your character and dedication. Describe a time you stayed late or overcame a tough challenge to get a job done.
• Ambassador RoleAvoid ignoring the requirement to promote the trades. Instead, explain why you enjoy your career choice and how you would talk to high school students about it. Mention a specific way you can help with community outreach.
• StrategyAvoid using a personal email for your application. Instead, use your dcmail.ca email address as required by the school. Check your inbox after October 2 so you do not miss the message if you are selected — successful recipients are contacted on or before October 30.
• RealismAvoid assuming you will win. Instead, remember there are only seven scholarships available for all eligible students starting in September 2026. Focus your application on showing your genuine passion for the trades to stand out.

Questions students ask

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