2026 Indigenous Scholarship Awarded
At Strike Group, we believe that building a stronger industry starts with investing in people. As part of our commitment to fostering inclusion and supporting the next generation of skilled trades and energy professionals, Strike annually offers a variety of $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing their education and career goals.
Our Indigenous Scholarship is designed to promote opportunity and inclusion by investing in Indigenous students across Western Canada who are pursuing pathways in the skilled trades or energy sector. We recognize the value that different experiences, perspectives, and journeys bring to our communities, workplaces, and industry.
This year, we are thrilled to award the 2026 Indigenous Scholarship to Dylan Michael Wray.
Dylan is pursuing an Electrical Apprenticeship at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), with the goal of becoming a Journeyman Electrician. His application stood out for his determination, leadership experience, strong work ethic, and clear passion for the skilled trades.
In 2025, Dylan made the significant decision to leave a career of more than 10 years as a Service Supervisor and Lead Installer in the fuel pump data industry to pursue an electrical apprenticeship. He taught himself first-year electrical theory, successfully challenged Alberta’s first-year electrician apprenticeship exam, and is now a second-year apprentice.
Through reference letters, two experienced Journeyman Electricians also strongly endorsed his commitment and capabilities. They described Dylan as hardworking, reliable, safety-conscious, eager to learn, and technically capable, with the character and potential to build a successful career in the electrical trade.
Beyond his career, he demonstrates an incredible commitment to his family. While working and completing his apprenticeship, he is:
- A dedicated dad to three young children, including 2½-year-old boy/girl twins and a 10-month-old baby.
- A committed source of support for his older brother, who was recently paralyzed in an accident, visiting him regularly and helping with his care.
I am committed to completing my apprenticeship, love doing all electrical work, desire to become the best electrician, and have high praise and respect from my journeymen. I would be honoured to represent the values of Strike and demonstrate the impact that supporting First Nations apprentices can have.
— Dylan Michael Wray
Dylan’s enthusiasm for the skilled trades, commitment to continuous improvement, and determination to build a strong future for his family stood out to our scholarship selection committee. He also hopes his journey will encourage other Indigenous people to consider careers in the skilled trades.
Strike wishes Dylan all the best with his educational journey and future endeavours!