Unifor and Coca Cola Partner to Offer New Scholarships for Tradeswomen at Sheridan

Unifor and Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada have come together on an initiative that will provide 15 new $2,000 scholarships for women enrolled in Sheridan College’s skilled trades programs. The announcement was made May 24 at Sheridan College’s Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies. 

“There are tremendous career opportunities available in the skilled trades and manufacturing industries, and we hope that this generous initiative by Unifor and Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada will encourage more women to consider this exciting career path,” said Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, Sheridan’s President and Vice Chancellor. 

The scholarships will be awarded based on a number of factors, including financial need, and will be open to any woman enrolled in one of Sheridan College’s six trades programs or two post-graduate manufacturing management programs including: Electrical Engineering Technician, Electrical Techniques, Mechanical Technician – Tool Making, Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing, Mechanical Techniques – Tool and Die Maker, Welding Techniques, Quality Assurance – Manufacturing and Management, and Manufacturing Management. 

  "I want to congratulate Unifor, Coca-Cola and Sheridan College for helping 15 young women have better access to valuable training,” said Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey. “These scholarships will foster equality in the trades and the workplace. I am proud that they have chosen the City of Brampton to ‎lead this change."

“It’s important for women to see skilled trades as a viable career option,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “Statistics show that typically less than 3% of all apprentices in the construction, automotive and industry trades are female. Unifor is committed to changing the perception of who a skilled tradesperson is, to one based on competency and not gender.”

“As we continue to grow our business, it is vitally important that we have a wide pool of skilled talent to bring into our organization,” said Bill Schultz, President, Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada. “These scholarships are not only a way to give back to a community that has been an extremely important partner, but also an investment to help create a bright future for a community where our employees, customers and consumers live and work.” 

The Awards will be available for the 2016-2017 academic year.

Photo L to R: Bill Schultz, President, Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada; Jeff Bowman, City Councillor; Mayor Linda Jeffrey; Jerry Dias, National President, Unifor; and Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President and Vice Chancellor. Photo by John Jones.