About Us

History

BOLT was launched by Tridel in 2009 and was established as a charitable foundation on January 1st, 2013. It started as a simple concept – to provide awareness and learning opportunities for youth associated with The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto to the field of construction. By establishing additional community, government and industry partnerships, BOLT has since expanded to reach an even broader range of youth.

Through various fundraising events supported by our industry and trade partners, and through Tridel’s internal fundraising initiatives, BOLT has provided over 500 scholarships for postsecondary education and training for deserving youth interested in pursuing a career in construction.

In September 2014, BOLT provides the framework to assist youth in embarking on a career in construction. BOLT goes ‘beyond the classroom,’ to help connect under-resourced youth to meaningful and rewarding employment in the industry.

BOLT Mission Statement

Our mission is to assist under-resourced youth connect to careers in construction.

BOLT Goals & Objectives

To create awareness and offer exposure to the diverse career opportunities in the construction industry by hosting Speak Outs, Days of Discovery, and Job Shadowing.
To raise funds to offer financial awards to under-resourced youth wishing to pursue training or a post-secondary program leading to a career in construction.
To foster trade and industry partnerships to provide employment, training and mentorship opportunities for youth and to secure the support of community and government partnerships required for the success of the program.

“I just want to thank you for running this scholarship. I love how it did not just look at academic achievements but you as an overall person. It gives people like me an opportunity to succeed in college and beyond.”

Clint Matos
Scholarship recipient, Centennial College
“I am very grateful and honoured for receiving your scholarship. I hope that with the education I have earned, I can become a successful and a well-known Project Manager. If the situation ever rises in the future where I can be of assistance to your company, just remember I am forever in your debt and will gladly help the partners that held my hand throughout this entire journey.”

Franc Fishka
Scholarship recipient, George Brown College
“Thank you very much again for your generosity, support, and investment in my education. This award is changing people’s lives and it would not be possible without you. I guarantee you that I will work extremely hard and give back something back to others in the future. Your generosity has inspired me to do so.”

Roberto Ortiz
Scholarship recipient, George Brown College
“This scholarship gives me the opportunity to pursue a new education pathway which I enjoy and will hopefully bring much benefit overall. As a passionate person towards the environment, becoming an architect will provide me the chance to give towards our community by helping to build and promote more sustainable buildings. My goal is to help make the society we live in more environmentally friendly, while maintaining a comfortable and safe setting for all.”

Jessica Vazquez
Scholarship recipient, George Brown College
“I feel extremely fortunate to have been selected to receive this scholarship and your generous contribution will help me pay for my tuition and expenses for the academic year. As a fourth-year student in the Construction Management program at George Brown College, I have had the opportunity to study various aspects of the construction industry. I aspire to continue to further my studies and obtain a Master’s Degree in the construction industry. Without a doubt, this scholarship will play a key role in achieving my educational dreams.”

Daniela Garcia
Scholarship recipient, George Brown College
“BOLT has helped me determine what I really want to do when I finish my program.”

Jill Stagg
Scholarship recipient, George Brown College
“The kids learn about what it’s like to be a landscape architect or designer and they see a whole new world of possibility in terms of where they can go with their future.”

Carla Cernic
Student Support Services, TDSB

Clint Matos

Franc Fishka

Roberto Ortiz

Jessica Vazquez

Daniela Garcia

Jill Stagg

Carla Cernic

Meet the team

Leo DelZotto

Raly Chakarova

Stephanie Andreucci

Asal Afshar