Skilled Trades Scholarships: Opening doors. Supporting the full journey. Building futures that last.

Learn. Develop. Succeed. (LDS) is excited to launch the Skilled Trades Scholarship Program.  This initiative supports youth with learning differences who are well-suited to rewarding careers in the skilled trades but often face barriers to accessing and completing post-secondary education and training.

These scholarships provide more than just financial support. In addition to covering full tuition for post-secondary programs leading to skilled trades certification, LDS offers ongoing, individualized learning and transition support to help students thrive at every stage – from high school planning to securing meaningful employment.

A Full-Cycle Approach to Success in the Skilled Trades

Each Skilled Trades Scholarship includes:

• Full coverage of post-secondary tuition and training support
• Ongoing, specialized LDS learning support from LDS experts
• Multi-year, individualized wraparound services tailored to the student’s needs

Support covers the complete skilled trades pathway, including:

• High school transition planning
• Guidance on post-secondary program and course selection
• Assistance with applications and accessibility accommodations
• Continuous support for  learning, executive functioning, and skill development
• Navigation of apprenticeships
• Preparation for certification and Red Seal exams
• Employment readiness training, job search assistance, and early career stabilization

Our goal is to ensure not only access to training but also successful completion, certification, and long-term career success.

Available Scholarships

Bright Futures Skilled Trades Scholarship

This scholarship is for motivated students who demonstrate readiness for skilled trades pathways and would benefit from structured, individualized support. It aims to remove barriers, improve retention rates, and guide students from training into sustainable employment.

Stewart McCuaig Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honours the life and legacy of Stewart McCuaig—a man remembered for his kindness, integrity, devotion to family, and genuine care for others.

It embodies the values Stewart lived by: patience, encouragement, responsibility, and belief in people’s potential. The award supports a student pursuing a skilled trades pathway with the sustained guidance needed to succeed.

To contribute to the Stewart McCuaig Memorial Scholarship Fund and honour his legacy, please donate through our charity (online or via cheque). For more information or to arrange a meeting, please contact our Development Officer, Katherine Withnall, at KatherineW@ldsociety.ca

2026 Launch: Invitation-Based

In its inaugural year (January-December 2026), the program will award:

• Two Bright Futures Skilled Trades Scholarships
• One Stewart McCuaig Memorial Scholarship

Applications will be by invitation only, extended to current LDS students and families demonstrating financial need. This focused approach ensures strong alignment, student readiness, and maximum impact during the program’s launch.

Why Skilled Trades — and Why This Model Works

Skilled trades offer fulfilling, high-demand careers with excellent opportunities. However, many talented students with learning differences face challenges such as complex application processes, inaccessible systems, and insufficient ongoing support for academics and executive functioning.

By combining comprehensive financial assistance with long-term, personalized learning support, these scholarships create a seamless, learner-centred pathway. This proven model enhances  access, persistence, and outcomes—for the benefit of students, families, employers, and communities alike.

For questions about the Skilled Trades Scholarship Program or to support the Stewart McCuaig Memorial Scholarship Fund, please contact KatherineW@ldsociety.ca

– Rachel S. Forbes, Executive Director

LDS is a community of dedicated professionals who write collaboratively. We recognize the contribution of unnamed team members for their wisdom and input.