George Wallace
BA, MA
Skills for Trades Program Manager
Learn More Skills for Trades Scholarship
Removing barriers for talented youth and young adults with learning and brain-based differences to succeed in the skilled trades.
Many capable learners are excluded from high-opportunity trades due to complex application processes, financial barriers, and a lack of continuous, individualized support. The Skills for Trades Scholarship Program offers wraparound support to improve access and increase successful completion for learners, employers, and British Columbia’s skilled trades workforce.
Scholarship Opportunities
Each year, three applicants are selected for the Skills for Trades Scholarship Program through the Bright Futures Skilled Trades Scholarship and the Stewart McCuaig Memorial Scholarship.
The Bright Futures Skilled Trades Scholarship is awarded to two motivated youth and young adults with learning or brain-based differences who demonstrate the potential to succeed in the skilled trades and would benefit from individualized learning and executive functioning support. This scholarship is designed to reduce barriers, increase persistence, and support learners from training through to sustainable employment.
The Stewart McCuaig Memorial Scholarship honours the life and legacy of Stuart McCuaig, remembered for his kindness, integrity, dedication to family, and unwavering belief in others’ potential. This scholarship reflects the values Stewart embodied: patience, encouragement, responsibility, and compassion. It is awarded to one learner each year, providing the financial assistance and long-term guidance needed to successfully pursue a career in the skilled trades.
Wraparound Support
Unlike traditional scholarships that focus on tuition, the Skills for Trades Scholarship Program provides wraparound support throughout a learner’s journey. Over two to four years, the program combines financial assistance with individualized educational and career support to help learners successfully transition from application to long-term employment.
Career Exploration and Planning
• Identifying suitable skilled trades based on strengths, interests, and goals
• Navigating applications and admissions processes
• Planning timelines and meeting important deadlines
• Accessing accommodations and supports
Training and Apprenticeship
• One-to-one academic and executive functioning support
• Study skills and learning strategies
• Test-taking strategies and exam preparation (Red Seal and certification exams)
Transition to Employment
• Resume and cover letter development
• Job search support
• Workplace readiness and self-advocacy
Community and Networking
• Peer connections
• Mentorship opportunities
Financial Assistance*
• Tuition and mandatory educational fees
• One-to-one learning and executive functioning support
• Required books, tools, equipment, and assistive technology
• Psychoeducational or other learning assessments, when appropriate
*Each scholarship has an approximate value of $17,000, and funding is spread across these areas to provide the greatest overall benefit to each learner. As a result, some expenses may be partially funded rather than fully covered to ensure ongoing support throughout the learner’s pathway.
Questions about the Stewart McCuaig Memorial Scholarship Fund, or about supporting and honouring his legacy? Contact us here!
