RONA Helps Develop the Next Generation of Skilled Trades Professionnals

The company is investing $40,000 and launching a new initiative to connect graduates with contractors

 

Boucherville, Québec, September 9, 2026 — RONA inc., one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers, operating and servicing over 425 corporate and affiliated stores, announces that it is renewing its partnership with Skilled Trades College (STC) for a second year. The goal of this collaboration is to support the next generation of skilled trades professionals by helping them access training programs and enter the workforce.

As part of this agreement, RONA is once again investing $40,000 in the RONA Future Trades Bursary program, which helps reduce financial barriers that can hinder access to specialized training. The company and STC are also taking their partnership a step further by launching a program that will connect graduates with contractors seeking qualified labour.

This new initiative addresses a growing need in the construction and skilled trades industry, while also providing students with concrete opportunities to kick-start their careers with companies seeking talent.

“At RONA, we believe that supporting the next generation goes beyond simply funding training. Indeed, we must also create opportunities for emerging talent to put their skills into practice and build their professional future. By investing in access to training and connecting graduates with contractors, we are helping to build a stronger ecosystem for the skilled trades industry as a whole,” said Jamal Hamad, Senior Vice-President, Professional Services at RONA inc.

"According to the government of Ontario's projections, by the year 2034, one in six job openings in the province will be in skilled trades. For young people thinking about their future, this is a field full of opportunities. By providing financial assistance and connecting students to professionals, our partnership with RONA supports the entire journey from training to employment," added Mike Di Donato, Chief Operating Officer at Skilled Trades College.

Contractors who are interested in this program can find more information on https://www.rona.ca/en/skilled-trades-workforce.

Recipients of the RONA Future Trades Bursary:

Vaughan Campus

  • Robert Walilko
  • Matthew Rodrigues

    Cambridge Campus

  • Michael Stephenson
  • Noel O'Sullivan

    Ajax Campus

  • Evan Tibbles
  • Andreas Evans-Adamecz

    Oakville Campus

  • Samantha Beamish

    Toronto East Campus

  • Franklyn Browne

    Toronto West Campus

  • Leonardo Lima
  • Corie Gayle

 

To share this news on social media, please use @RONAEN (Facebook), @RONA (LinkedIn), and @RONAinc (X). 

 

About RONA inc.

RONA inc. is one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers, headquartered in Boucherville, Québec. The RONA inc. network operates and services over 425 corporate and affiliated dealer stores under the RONA+ and RONA banners. With a long and rich history, RONA inc. has been supporting Canadians in their home improvement and construction projects since 1939. To achieve this, the company relies on a team of 21,000 employees, to whom it strives to provide an inclusive workplace where everyone is invited to contribute. As a result of its ongoing efforts in sustainable development, the company is recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. To learn more about the company, visit www.ronainc.ca.  

 

About Skilled Trades College of Canada

Founded in 2008, the Skilled Trades College of Canada (STC) is a registered career college under the Private Career College Act, 2005. STC has earned a reputation for excellence in construction training and is acknowledged as best in class for its industry-relevant programming. As the Canadian leader in training youth for the skilled trades, STC offers year-round, hands-on pre-apprenticeship programs in Electrical, Plumbing, Home Renovation, and HVAC. Training takes place across six campuses in the Greater Toronto Area, preparing students to be job-ready from day one—with expansion now underway into the U.S. market. For more information, visit www.skilledtradescollege.ca.