BOLT Financial Awards

BOLT Financial Awards are offered to full-time students pursuing construction-related college or university programs.

Financial assistance for certificate and skill training courses is available and must be applied to prior to commencement and will be assessed on an individual basis. Please contact bolt@tridel.com for details.

The awards are provided both directly through the BOLT Charitable Foundation and through our post-secondary, community and trade partners. To date, BOLT has provided more than 500 scholarships totaling $1.6 million.

Successful candidates receive up to $5,000 dependent on their program/ training.

BOLT also works with our industry partners to help connect BOLT Financial Award recipients to meaningful summer, co-op and full-time employment opportunities related to their field of study.

In partnership with the Rutherford Foundation, two dedicated financial awards of $3,000 are awarded to students who identify as Indigenous, First Nations, or Metis.

In addition, GeoSource Energy Inc. has sponsored an annual financial award of $3,000 for an eligible student enrolled in a program related to Sustainability and Renewable Energy.

Applications for the 2024/2025 academic year will open in January 2024.

If you have any questions, please email us at bolt@tridel.com.

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Eligibility Criteria

Full-time student in a post-secondary construction-related program
Demonstrate financial need
Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
17-29 years old, living in the Greater Toronto Area
Passionate about a career in construction

Frequently Asked Questions

List of Eligible Programs

Architecture or Architectural Technician/Technology
Building Automation
Building Renovation
Carpentry & Renovation
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Construction Boilermaker
Construction Engineering
Construction Management
Electrical Engineering
Electrician: Construction and Maintenance
Electromechanical Building Automation
Electromechanical Engineering
Energy Systems
Engineering Technology
Environmental Design/Studies
Fire Protection Engineering Technology
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
Home Renovation Technician
Industrial Woodworking Technician
Landscaping Technician
Mechanical Engineering
Renovation Technology
Sustainable Energy and Building Technology
Urban Planning/Studies
Welding

*Programs, courses or short-term trade related training that is relevant to construction but does not appear on the list will be evaluated on an individual basis. A link to the course/program should be submitted to bolt@tridel.com for approval prior to completing the full application.

Can I still apply if my program is not listed in the list of eligible programs?

Please email bolt@tridel.com with the website link to the college, university, certificate or skill training program you have applied to and prior to commencement. We will answer you within 2 business days to let you know if the program is eligible.

Can I still apply if I don't have high grades?

Yes! While we review your grades, we look at the whole person, including your responsibilities, committments, jobs you’ve held, volunteer work, and, of course your passion for starting a career in construction. The long-form questions at the end of the application are a great opportunity to tell us about who you are and why you deserve the award.

Can I apply if my program has co-op?

Yes, as long as the program is on our eligible list or you have received prior approval from a BOLT team member. We can also assist with placement for your co-op term.

Can I apply if I'm a part-time student?

No. The BOLT Financial Awards program is open only to full-time students.

Check out the RBC Future Launch Scholarship for a part-time scholarship opportunity.

Can I apply if I'm doing block learning as part of my apprenticeship?

No. The BOLT Financial Awards program is open only to full-time post-secondary students.

Check out our Women in Construction Scholarship and Support Ontario Youth scholarship programs instead.

Can I apply for multiple years?

Yes, you can apply for the entire duration of your program. However, applications are accepted on an annual basis for the upcoming academic year, so you will submit an application for each year of your program.

Can I include an enrollment letter instead of an acceptance letter?

Yes. If you are a student going into subsequent years of your program, you can submit an Enrollment Verification letter along with trascripts from your last completed year.

Is the financial information based on the student or the parents/guardians?

The financial information required is based on the student. If you will be living with your parents, guardians or other family members and/or will be receiving financial support from them, please include that as part of the Budget page of the application.

Who can write a reference letter for me?

We recommend reaching out to a teacher, employer or supervisor at work, coach for a team sport you’ve played, guidance councellors, supervisor for volunteer work you’ve done, social worker, or anyone else who can speak about your character, work ethic, and accomplishments.

When will I find out if I was successful in getting the award?

We will notify both successful and unsuccessful candidates by end of July.

What if I need help completing the application or have more questions?

Email us at bolt@tridel.com with your questions or if you want to schedule a call to review your application with a member of the BOLT team before you submit it.

Can international students apply for the scholarships?

No, applicants have to be a Canadian Citizens or a Permanent Resident.

ADDITIONAL BOLT FINANCIAL AWARDS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR PARTNERS

“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
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
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
Scholarship Recipient, George Brown 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
Scholarship Recipient, George Brown College
“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
Scholarship Recipient, Centennial College
“The financial assistance you provided me will be of great help to me in paying my educational expenses, and it will allow me to concentrate more of my time on studying. This financial assistance will break so many barriers and obstacles that were in my way, preventing me from reaching my highest abilities. Thank you again for your generosity and support. I am beyond grateful and truly humbled. I promise you I will work very hard to become the person that I always dreamed of becoming.”

Khatab
Scholarship Recipient, Ryerson University
“This year I was faced with many financial difficulties, however because of BOLT’s support I can continue my post-secondary education and my dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to pursue a job related to this field. BOLT has truly given me the opportunity to continue my studies in Mechanical Engineering at Ryerson University and the support that BOLT has given me in the past few years will help to achieve my goals and aspirations.”

Zereen
Scholarship Recipient, Ryerson University
“This award means a lot to me, as it will help me financially through the last year of my education journey. I am interested in structural and environmental engineering and was able to publish a paper in a conference titled COVID-19 Modular Construction, which I have been working on since I started the program alongside other courses. I would like to thank you for giving me this award as it enables me to improve my skills and use my time to research.”

Mutaz
Scholarship Recipient, Lakehead University
“BOLT has helped me determine what I really want to do when I finish my program.”

Jill
Scholarship Recipient, George Brown College