This International Workers’ Day, Ryan Beedie, President of Beedie, is thrilled to announce that his scholarship foundation, Beedie Luminaries is launching a new trades-focused scholarship program (BUILD) for students journeying towards a career in the skilled trades.
In its inaugural year, the BUILD program will select 25 students, each receiving up to $20,000 over four years – for a total commitment of up to $500,000 for the first cohort alone, including two scholarships funded by the RBC Women in Trades and Investment in Skills initiative. The program will initially support students entering BCIT to pursue nationally designated certification programs (under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program), with plans to expand to all 15 public post-secondary institutions offering trades programs in British Columbia.
“Skilled trades offer very rewarding careers,” says Ryan Beedie. “However, there is a significant shortage of skilled workers across BC and Canada. We believe creating the BUILD scholarship program is an important step in addressing that critical skills gap. The program also aligns with our corporate social responsibility promise of Built for Good.”
There is also a personal connection for Beedie. “This new program is very near to my heart. My father built his first home in 1945 when he was only 19 – laying the foundation for Beedie Construction, founded in 1954 (now known simply as Beedie). To launch this new endeavour during our 70th anniversary is particularly meaningful, and we are grateful to our donors and partners, including the Independent Contractors and Business Association (ICBA), BCIT and RBC for investing with us in these aspiring trades people.”
Students will receive financial support for foundation training programs, each level of training, and upon completion of the Red Seal Certification. In addition, through the partnership with the Independent Contractors and Business Association (ICBA) each student will be connected to a business for their apprenticeship, equipping them with the skills they need to launch fulfilling careers, which are in incredibly high demand.
Applications for the 2025 cohort will open in September 2024. Eligible students can enroll in any of the following construction trade roles at BCIT, which are among the top in demand in BC:
- Carpenters
- Electricians (construction)
- Plumbers
- Welders
- Sheet Metal Workers
“As the largest trades trainer in Western Canada BCIT knows how in-demand certified tradespeople are in this province,” says BCIT President Dr. Jeff Zabudsky. “In the next ten 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.”
The BUILD program is Beedie Luminaries’ fifth scholarship stream, joining the SHINE (Soaring Higher IN Education) for Grade 12 students, RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Student Education), SPARK (Single Parent Award for Resilience and Knowledge) programs plus the Graduate Studies Award designed for Beedie Luminaries Alumni.
“Our mission is to remove barriers to education so students have access to the tools they need, including financial aid, mentors, student coaches, paid internships and ongoing support from the Beedie Luminaries community,”
“Our mission is to remove barriers to education so students have access to the tools they need, including financial aid, mentors, student coaches, paid internships and ongoing support from the Beedie Luminaries community,” says Beedie. “In just five years, hundreds of students across the province have now had the chance to pursue higher education with the support of Beedie Luminaries, and we look forward to welcoming our first BUILD cohort to the program.”
Launched on November 13th, 2018 with a $50-million donation from Ryan Beedie, Beedie Luminaries has since awarded 625 scholarships worth more than $27.5 million to Grade 12, single parent, refugee & immigrants, and graduate students in B.C. To date, these students have come from more than 120 high-school schools in 45 communities across British Columbia. The program is expected to award an additional 200 students this spring.
About Beedie Luminaries:
Beedie Luminaries is a registered foundation and a non-profit society that is working to create brighter futures for bright minds. The foundation’s mission is built on the premise that education can enhance future career opportunities, and fundamentally create positive societal outcomes. The program offers financial support to students applying to British Columbia public post-secondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and trade schools. www.beedieluminaries.ca