Our History
Skills Canada Manitoba (established in 1998) is a not for profit, charitable organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to reposition skilled trades and technology careers, as a first choice career option for Manitoba youth.The Skills organization guides students toward available opportunities in skilled trades and technology through events and programs like the skills competition. Skills Canada Manitoba and its partners in business, industry, labour, education, and government, are helping to secure Manitoba’s future skilled workforce needs by:
- providing unique programs to raise awareness of current and emerging skilled trades and technology careers;
- bringing Canadian youth into a competitive spotlight;
- developing dynamic partnerships with agencies and organizations involved in promoting skilled trades and technology; and
- identifying and using best practices
Mission
To attract young Manitobans to careers in skilled trades and technology
Vision
Skills Canada Manitoba will be a leader and vital partner in meeting Manitoba’s skilled workforce needs
Our Purpose & Goals
Technology, evolving markets and changing demographics are forcing Manitoba employers and educators to re-evaluate how they work together to meet our future labour market needs. Currently, the demand for skilled workers is greater than the supply. We need to take steps today, to avoid a growing shortage of well-trained employees in Manitoba for tomorrow.
To help Manitobans recognize the economic and social benefits of a skilled workforce, we need to show youth, their parents and future employers the profound impact employable skills have on our province’s future.
In concert with private industry and public sector partners, Skills Canada Manitoba is helping to change how Manitobans perceive skilled trades and emerging technology.
Through initiatives such as Provincial and Canadian Skills Competitions, Young Women’s Conferences, Skilled Trades and Technology Showcases, Model Wind Turbine Competition, Cardboard Boat Races, Extreme Sledding Competition and the In-School Program, we strive to show corporate Manitoba and youth how their individual successes will be mutually prosperous for us all.
At the height of our competition season and other program events, we count on the support and expertise of hundreds of volunteers from a variety of sectors; government, education, labour and industry. Working together, the goal of Skills Canada Manitoba is to:
- Change the image of skilled trades and technology
- Increase the awareness of Manitoba’s skilled workforce needs
- Provide effective programs and events that raise awareness of the current and emerging careers in trades and technology
- Create and promote tangible opportunities for the private sector to interact with and enhance education for students
- Provide a positive experience for students who participate in skills activities
- Help improve the expertise and confidence of young individuals pursuing trades and technology careers
- Foster dynamic partnerships with industry, education and governments devoted to developing workplace ready skills in youth
Acknowledgements
Diversity Statement:
Skills Canada Manitoba recognizes the need for a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment in order to attract and retain skilled employees to the trades and technology sectors. We will continue to address these needs by collaborating with students and partners to deliver culturally relevant programs and to facilitate safe and accessible learning spaces for those pursuing a career in trades and technologies.
Land Acknowledgement:
Skills Canada Manitoba offices are located in Treaty 1 and Treaty 5 territories. Our work spans across the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Inuit peoples and the homeland of the Metis Nation. We will continue to develop and deliver culturally relevant programs and to promote Indigenous innovation and invention across Manitoba.
Board Members
2024 – 2025 Board of Directors
President
Jennifer Lowe
Construction Sector
Vice President
Scott Savoy
Education Sector
Secretary-Treasurer
Silas Meeches
Transportation Sector
Past President
Mike Watson
Public Sector
MEMBERS
Waldemar Koos
Transportation Sector
Len Grieve
Education Sector
Emma Lewis
Youth Director
Caroline Sicat
Transportation Sector
Ivan LaRoche
Construction Sector
Evan Colgan
Education Sector
David McCutcheon
Education Sector
Ron Gilfillan
General Member
Contact Us
Address
31 – 1313 Border Street
Winnipeg, MB R3H 0X4
Phone: (204) 927-0250
Fax: (204) 927-0258
Skills Canada Manitoba Staff
Maria Pacella – Executive Director
Lori Royal – Program Director
Charm Shamji – In-School Program Director
Shawna Osadchuk – Office Manager
Ainslee DeVos – Administrative Assistant
Michelle Pruder – Northern In-School Program Liaison Officer
Brette Elias – In-School Program Liaison Officer