VanHall Trades Entrance Bursary

For full time Trades foundation or apprentice students.

Award at a glance

Value

$5000/$4000

Type

Entrance award/bursary

Eligibility

Full-time

Donor

John Van Wees

Number of Awards

2 x $5000, 1 x $4000

Award description

This bursary was established by John Van Wees to provide financial assistance to a student in need, who is entering full-time studies in trades training.

Criteria

To be eligible for this bursary you must be;

Application process

Applications are now closed. 2024/25 funds have been awarded and applications will be accepted again starting March 1, 2025.

Selection process

  • The Awards Committee will review applications and recommend a recipient. Incomplete applications will not be considered
  • The successful recipient will be notified by email no later than 6 weeks after their application is received

Instructions

  1. Complete one application form and attach your one-page letter of intention
  2. Review your application form for errors. NO CHANGES are permitted after the application is submitted
  3. Submit your application and supporting documents to Financial Aid & Awards. Only one application per person may be submitted

Application process

  • Describe why you are interested in your program and what your future career goals are.
  • Outline your past work and educational experiences.
  • Speak to any past or current extraordinary personal or financial barriers or challenges.

Additional information

  • Submit your online application to Financial Aid & Awards no 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 to apply prior to the start of your program or as early in your program as possible.
  • Applications will be assessed as they are received and bursaries may be awarded at any point during the application period. Once recipients have been selected, the application will be considered closed and no further funding will be available for the remainder of the program year.
  • 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 foundation@camosun.ca

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