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VanHall Trades Entrance Bursary

For full time trades foundation or apprentice students.

Award at a glance

Value

$5,000 for Foundation students, $2,000 for Apprentices

Type

Entrance award/bursary

Open date

May 1, 2025

Deadline

April 30, 2026

Eligibility

Full-time students

Donor

John Van Wees

Award description

The VanHall Trades Entrance Bursary was established by John Van Wees, who was trained as a pastry chef in Holland. From an early age, he was taught by his mother about the importance of learning a trade.

    Criteria

    To be eligible for this bursary you must be;

    Selection process

    Complete the online application form and include a one-page letter of intention. Your letter of intention should:

    • ٱwhyyou are interested in your program andwhatyour future career goals are.
    • Outline your past work and educational experiences.
    • Speak to any past or current financial barriers or challenges.

    Additional information

    • Submit your online application to Financial Aid & Awardsno later than six weeks before your program end date.Late applications will not be accepted. As this is an Entrance Bursary, it is in your best interest toapply prior to the start of your program or as early in your program as possible.
    • Applications will be accepted startingMay 1, 2025 until April 30, 2026at the latest.Applications will be assessed as they are received, and bursaries may be awarded at any point during the application period. Once available funds for the current year have been exhausted, the applicationwill be closed, and no further applications will be accepted for the remainder of that application window.
    • Adjudication of this bursary will be managed by Financial Aid & Awards. All decisions are final.
    • Students will not normally receive more than one entrance bursary.
    • Entrance bursaries cannot be deferred to a future semester or year.
    • Successful applicants will be notified by email within 6 weeks of applying.
    • Funds will be applied directly to the student account. If tuition and fees have already been paid, any residual bursary amounts will be refunded to the student.
    • Students receiving Persons with Disabilities or Income Assistance should speak with Financial Aid & Awards and their Ministry caseworker to discuss how bursary funds may impact their government assistance.
    • Bursary funds are considered income. A statement for income tax purposes will be sent to recipients by Camosun.
    • Bursary recipients are encouraged to write a thank you letter to the donor; thank you letters can be submitted to Financial Aid & Awards at either campus.

    Awards open May 1, 2025

    Thank you to our donor

    The VanHall Trades Entrance Bursary was established by John Van Wees, who was trained as a pastry chef in Holland. From an early age, he was taught by his mother about the importance of learning a trade. After a five-year apprenticeship, the donor worked as a pastry chef in Holland. On immigrating to Canada with his life partner, Mr. Van Wees started work as a pot washer and then worked as a pastry chef in Victoria, British Columbia.

    He later pursued his passion for antiques and collecting and, together with his partner, opened a successful antique shop in the heart of Fort Street in Victoria. After closing the shop, he has continued to find joy in collecting antiques and art. His experience in the trades laid the groundwork for a happy life.

    John Van Wees wanted to help ensure others have this opportunity, particularly those who may need financial support to pursue their own passions. John passed away in September of 2019.

    Bursary recipients are encouraged to write a thank you letter to the donor; thank you letters can be submitted to foundation@camosun.ca