EFC Scholarships: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
November 13, 2025
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)’s scholarship program continues to champion the next generation of leaders shaping the electrical and automation industry.
This year, 63 students across Canada received scholarships through the support of EFC member companies. Their fields of study span engineering, skilled trades, business, technology, marketing, finance, and more — reflecting the breadth of talent required to power Canada’s electrical industry. Over the past three decades, more than $2.5 million has been awarded to over 800 students, creating a strong foundation for a future-ready workforce.
For many students, the support has an immediate and personal impact. One recipient shared, “While at school, I work a part-time job, and these extra funds will take the pressure off taking extra shifts.” Another added, “I’m a mature student with a young family — you’ve helped lighten the burden of living expenses, tuition, and lack of income while attending school.”
For others, the impact reaches beyond finances and speaks to identity and belonging. As one recipient expressed, “As a woman in an incredibly male-dominated field, despite academic success, I often secondguess that I truly fit in with my peers and in the industry. This award helps me validate that I belong and can succeed as an engineer in my field.” These experiences speak to why scholarships play a vital role in strengthening the talent pipeline and creating a more inclusive industry.
The program continues to open doors to the industry before careers officially begin. Scholarships help students take on co-op roles, research placements, and experiential learning without the added strain of extra part-time work. One student shared that the program “will enable me to work on my research one hundred percent without having to think about money.” Others see the award as a signal that they are already part of the industry they aspire to join.
Honouring the recipients also means recognizing the companies that make these opportunities possible. The relationships formed between students and sponsors shape long-term growth for the industry and help cultivate leaders with the vision to carry it forward. The commitment of the 40 sponsors demonstrates a shared understanding of why investing in students matters.
Their scholarships highlight talent, remove barriers, and inspire future leadership. Eirian Thompson Brown, University of Toronto, received the Sales Outsource Solutions Brenda Knutson Empowering Women Scholarship and reflected on the importance of being connected to a legacy of mentorship and representation. Her award honours Brenda Knutson, whose leadership helped open doors for women entering the industry.
Hammond Power Solutions supports recipients like Ruth Lenido, University of Waterloo, and Jimmy Hulton, University of Prince Edward Island, recognizing academic excellence, resilience, and innovation in the electrification space.
Shawflex supports students like Michelle Wong, University of British Columbia, whose commitment to clean energy and decarbonization aligns with the future direction of the sector.
Together, all of this year’s scholarship sponsors reflect a shared commitment to cultivating people who will drive electrification, sustainability, innovation, and infrastructure renewal in the years ahead. Their involvement reinforces that scholarships are not simply financial awards, but a meaningful way to build relationships with students who are poised to join and shape the industry.
As this year wraps up, EFC celebrates the achievements of its 2025 scholarship recipients and the companies that make their success possible. EFC extends its appreciation to all sponsoring companies for their continued leadership and investment in developing the next generation of industry talent.
Looking ahead, preparations are underway for the launch of EFC’s 2026 Scholarship Program in the new year. This initiative invites organizations to continue investing in the next generation of industry leaders while strengthening the talent pipeline and advancing the future of Canada’s electrical and automation sectors. Participation also gives companies an opportunity to market their brands and our industry to some of the brightest students in the country, helping to attract top talent and keep the electrical sector at the forefront of Canada’s economy.
Learn more about the program at EFC Scholarship Program | Electro Federation Canada.
View a list of scholarship recipients HERE.
