Support Ontario Youth Scholarships

“BOLT's continued support and financial assistance through the years have turned my dreams into reality. I will forever be grateful for all they have done for me.” - Melanie K.

“I am honoured and thankful to be receiving a Bolt scholarship that will support me and my passion for plumbing! I will be forever grateful for all their support in helping me get to where I am today through giving me career and scholarship opportunities. Thanks to Bolt I am so much closer to accomplishing my goals and can't wait to see where my career takes me! Bolt played a role in every step of my construction journey and has given me the stability I have today.”

“I am so thankful for being the recipient of this year's BOLT Women in Construction Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship makes me feel like becoming a tradesperson was the right thing to do. Being a young female working predominantly with men has been difficult at times. Thankfully, there are mentorship programs, scholarships and most employers have a strong anti-discrimination culture. In my Union, the Canadian Union of Skilled workers, I can work without worrying about potential harassment or discrimination against me due to my age or gender. I am beyond grateful to have the support from BOLT, SOY and OBCT. These funds will help me purchase insulated tools to better protect myself in the field.”

“These scholarships prove that there is hope and support for women working in the trade sector and overcome my fear of working in a trade full of men.” - Satveer B.

“I am beyond grateful to have been selected to receive this BOLT Women in Construction scholarship. Thanks to BOLT, SOY and OBCT, this opportunity shows that women belong in the trades and there are people who believe in us. I am looking forward to purchasing new tools and additional workwear with this funding.”

“As a single mother and a construction electrician it has been a rough couple of years. I was hit hard by lockdowns and working in an environment that at times can be challenging for women and became far more difficult during the pandemic. I have been feeling derailed in my career, so am really happy to have support to finish up my apprenticeship and write my exam to became a licensed Journeyperson, and get back on track.”

“I remember how scared and worried I was when I decided to start a career in the trades. But as I researched more, I found out there IS community and support for women in this industry. Getting this scholarship is like having a reassuring voice saying, 'Keep it up! You can do this!”

I am very grateful of being chosen to be a recipient of the BOLT Women in Construction scholarship. I have seen so many amazing and inspiring women in the trades via social media and to be one of the ones chosen means a lot. I started working in the trades to help save up money to further my education and learn how to do more hands-on stuff. I quickly realized how much I loved working in the trades as well as the fact that so many people thought it was amazing that I was a girl in the trades. I decided to start working towards a career in the trades, while I struggled in university to make sure I was able to financially support myself. I never felt like I could truly focus on school, receiving this scholarship gives me hope that I can focus on my schooling and lessen my financial burdens”

“As a woman in the trades, finding work clothes that fit is extremely difficult, and especially expensive. With this scholarship, I can finally get some good quality clothes to help keep me safe and warm during my apprenticeship!”

"I am so thankful for Support Ontario Youth for providing me with such a wonderful opportunity!! As a woman coming into the trade world, I am honoured to be chosen to receive the BOLT Scholarship and be part of the support they provide to women in trades. This scholarship will help assist me as I begin my first year as an apprentice & I cannot wait to start this next part of my life. Thanks again SOY!”

“It is especially meaningful to me just knowing the BOLT Women in Construction Scholarship is even available. It reminds me that there IS support, and there are people who believe in us as tradeswomen. As I near the end of my apprenticeship this scholarship is going to be a great financial help to me. I am currently laid off for my last block of in class training, and I am now able to take a few extra days off at the end to study for my red seal exam and prepare to become a Journeyperson. Thank you BOLT, Tridel & Support Ontario Youth (SOY) for selecting me as a recipient of this amazing scholarship and the continued support you bring to women in the trades.”

“I am sincerely honoured to have been chosen to receive the BOLT scholarship. I was grateful and appreciative to learn that I was selected and the recipient of your scholarship. By awarding me with the BOLT Women in Construction Scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden, which allows me to focus more on school and will positively impact my future career and prospects. Therefore, I will work hard to achieve success. Thank you again for your generous support.”