MOUNT FOREST – Ontario is facing a significant skilled trades labour shortage, and the Schulich Foundation is working to address the problem by donating more than $3 million to train industry professionals.
Inthusan Sivaguru from Mount Forest recently received a $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship to cover his tuition, tools, and living expenses while he studies electrical engineering at Sheridan College.
Sivaguru couldn’t believe it when he found out.
“I read the email a couple of times just to make sure the confirmation was correct, and sent to the right person,” he said.
“And then I replied and said ‘are you sure about this? You got the right person?’ And they said ‘yes, congratulations.’”
Sivaguru was selected for his strong character and work ethic. He volunteers regularly as a way to “give back to the community,” including as a volunteer coordinator at Art of Mobility, a physiotherapy clinic in Mississauga.
In a letter recommending Sivaguru for the scholarship, Arts of Mobility clinic manager Thurginth Sivarajah described Sivaguru’s “exceptional dedication, leadership and passion for community service … [and] unwavering commitment to making an impact on the lives of others.
“He consistently went above and beyond to ensure the smooth execution of various charity events and initiatives,” the letter continues.
Sivarajah said one of Sivaguru’s greatest strengths is “his ability to connect with people from all walks of life” with a warm, approachable demeanor that makes people feel at ease. “Under his guidance, our volunteer team achieved unprecedented success.”
Sivarajah said Sivaguru’s “exceptional skills, unwavering dedication and passion for community service make him an ideal candidate for this scholarship. I am confident that he will thrive in this new chapter of his life and continue to make a significant positive impact on the lives of those he serves.”
The Schulich Foundation selected 100 scholarship recipients from over 1,000 nominees.
INTHUSAN SIVAGURU (Submitted photo)
The foundation states “We rely on skilled trades to build and maintain the infrastructure of our cities and towns. Our challenge is not having enough of these talented people to meet the demands fueled by our growth.”
Sivaguru began his electrical engineering technician program at Sheridan College in Brampton in September.
“Everything’s going amazing so far,” he said, and the classes are “really hands on.”
As a Scholars Builders Scholarship recipient, Sivaguru has a responsibility to act as an ambassador in the skilled trades.
This involves attending college open houses to explain how the Schulich Foundation works, what it’s like to be an ambassador, and how he is progressing in his program, including his grades and future ambitions.
He will connect with potential scholarship recipients to “help other kids get more involved,” and share information about himself and the program on social media.
Sivaguru aims to finish the electrical engineering technician program within the next two years, “and then hopefully obtain my masters technician license.”
Once licensed, Sivaguru plans to work as an apprentice or open up his own shop.
His long-term goal is to return to school to teach, share tricks of the trade and train“the future electricians who will replace me one day.”
Sivaguru said he applied for the Schulich Builders Scholarship “on a whim – I really wasn’t expecting to win the scholarship.”
He recommends others throw their hat in the ring next year – “just go ahead and apply, and you’ll hopefully be as amazed as I am.”
Sivaguru said the scholarship has been a significant help for him “and it’s something I’m truly grateful for.”
He’s hopeful that more students in Mount Forest and the rest of Wellington County will apply for the scholarship.
Centre Wellington District High School Student Carter Hutchison also received a $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship this year, to study welding and fabrication at Conestoga College.
