Students pursing a career in skilled trades can apply for critical financial support thanks to BUILD, a new trades scholarship program Beedie Luminaries has launched. More than $5.5 million will be committed to the BUILD scholarship fund, and is projected to support nearly 300 students in the next five years.
Beedie Luminaries was founded by Ryan Beedie, developer and philanthropist, and President of Beedie, and is a social-profit enterprise working to break down financial barriers to education for promising students. A long-time champion of BCIT, Ryan has generously supported fundraising initiatives like the INSPIRE campaign, enabling transformative campus redevelopment through projects like the Trades and Technology Complex. Ryan’s commitment to student success at BCIT highlights the powerful impact of connecting education and industry.
Giving students tools for success
In its inaugural year, BUILD will support BCIT students seeking their Red Seal certification at BCIT. With a commitment of up to $500,000 for the first cohort, 25 select students in the Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, and Sheet Metal programs, will receive up to $20,000 over four years to help cover tuition and living expenses.
“As the largest trades trainer in Western Canada, BCIT recognizes the demand for certified tradespeople in this province,” said BCIT President Dr. Jeff Zabudsky. “In the next 10 years, it’s estimated there will be almost 8,500 job openings for carpenters alone. Translate that demand across all trades, and you understand how critical these jobs are for the future of BC. The new Beedie Luminaries BUILD scholarship fund helps address a critical skills gap, while making a tangible difference in people’s lives as they launch new careers.”
To address the critical shortage of skilled trades workers in BC, the BUILD scholarship program is increasing access to trades education. As BCIT students face increased financial adversity, the generosity of donors is helping students gain a skilled trades education for a complex world.
See the press release from Beedie Luminaries.