Through fun, interactive workshops, Dragons' Lair showcases how skilled trades, technology and business education can open doors to innovative and rewarding pathways. Students collaborate in teams of 4 to develop a business idea, build a one-page business plan, and pitch their concept to a panel of 'dragons', gaining hands-on experience and real-world business insight every step of the way.
| Dragons' Lair Flyer 2027 | download |
| Dragons' Lair Registration Form 2027 | download |
Recognizing that we live in a northern climate, it is time to have some fun and apply our technical skills!
Energized by a 4 person team (grades 7), students will construct a human drawn sled, consisting of cardboard, 2- 2x4's, and a pull rope. Racing through a moto-cross style course, the competition will consist of two trips around the course alternating riders with the pulling team.
This experience will help with the development of new skills, including: leadership, teamwork, problem solving and design. Students, who are up to this challenge, are guaranteed to come out and have a fun filled day.
Thompson, Manitoba - March 18, 2026
For more information, please contact Emily Pruder at emilyp@skillscanada.com
Delivered by liaison officers in a fun and interactive format, this presentation is offered in a classroom setting. It will introduce students to a variety of trade and technology occupations that exist and will equip them with information to make informed career choices related to skilled trade and technology occupations.
The presentation includes...
For more information or to book a presentation please contact the Skills Manitoba office.
| 2026-2027 Skills Activity Book | download |
| 2026-2027 Skills In-School Book | download |
| 2026 - 2027 In-School Program Information Flyer | download |
Grade 9 and 10 students across Manitoba have an opportunity to use their knowledge, skills, leadership, teamwork and ingenuity to design and build a working model wind turbine in a one-day competition.
Teams of four students from the same school will design and construct a working model wind turbine. The students will be given specific materials to construct the wind turbine and will have approximately two hours of building time at the competition site. However, teams may not pre-construct a model wind turbine to use during the competition.
The model wind turbine will need to be solidly constructed and able to generate electrical power, which will be measured. Wind simulation will be created by a fan situated at a measured distance from the wind turbine being tested.
Model wind turbines are judged in three categories: (a) design; (b) construction; and (c) voltage-generating capacity. Each wind turbine design and construction is judged by a panel of expert judges. Turbine voltage-generating capacity is measured electronically and competitively in a progressive play down. Three trophies are awarded-one for each category.
Model Wind Turbine Competition - Thursday, October 29, 2026
Red River College Polytech, Notre Dame Campus, South Gym
2055 Notre Dame Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
| Model Wind Turbine Competition Flyer | download |
| Model Wind Turbine Competition Registration Form | download |
| Model Wind Turbine Competition Information Package | download |
Skills Manitoba in partnership with our Northern Partners, is working to inform northerners about the skills that they need to fill jobs in the North.
Northern Manitoba Sector Council predicts that the north will need about 2,000 to 2,500 skilled young people ----for all industrial trades----during the next five years. There is a skilled labour shortage looming and unemployment crisis in the north.
Skills Manitoba understands that careers in skilled trades make a great first choice career choice. Our Northern programs will inform students on the hundreds of career opportunities available in the construction, industrial, transportation and technology sectors.
We are pleased to offer engaging, hands on learning opportunities to both middle school and high school students across Manitoba.
We currently are offering:
Northern In-School Program Presentations - September 2026 - June 2027 - Grades 5 - 12
Virtual Young Women's Conference - ONLINE VIA ZOOM - November 6, 2026
Young Women's Conference - Flin Flon - Northern Mining Academy - November 18, 2026
Grade 6 Trades and Technology Olympics - Thompson - Thompson Regional Community Centre - November 26, 2026
Northern Manitoba Skills Challenge - Mary Duncan School in The Pas as well as other schools in the North - February 9, 2027
Extreme Sledding Challenge - Thompson - Thompson Regional Community Centre - March 4, 2027 - Grade 7
Skills Manitoba Competition - Red River College Polytech - April 8, 2027
Grade 8 Northern Skilled Trades and Technology Showcase - Thompson - Thompson Regional Community Centre - April 8, 2027
Grade 8 Northern Skilled Trades and Technology Showcase - The Pas - University College of the North - May 4, 2027 - Grade 8
Young Women's Conference - The Pas - University College of the North - May 5, 2027
Skills Canada National Competition - Calgary, Alberta - May 26 - May 29, 2027
For more information on the Northern Programs, please contact Emily Pruder at emilyp@skillscanada.com
| Northern In-School Program Flyer | download |
| Online Young Women's Conference Flyer | download |
| Online Young Women's Conference Registration Form | download |
| Young Women's Grade 6 Trades and Technology Olympics Flyer - Flin Flon | download |
| Young Women's Grade 6 Trades and Technology Olympics Registration Form - Flin Flon | download |
| Grade 6 Trades and Technology Olympics Flyer - Thompson | download |
| Grade 6 Trades and Technology Olympics Registration Form - Thompson | download |
| Extreme Sledding Challenge Flyer - Thompson | download |
| Extreme Sledding Challenge Registration Form - Thompson | download |
| Grade 8 Northern Trades and Technology Flyer - Thompson | download |
| Grade 8 Northern Trades and Technology Registration Form - Thompson | download |
| Grade 8 Northern Skilled Trades and Technology Showcase Flyer - The Pas | download |
| Grade 8 Northern Skilled Trades and Technology Showcase Registration Form - The Pas | download |
| 2026 Northern Manitoba Skills Challenge Flyer | download |
| 2026 Northern Manitoba Skills Challenge Registration Form | download |
Each year Skills Manitoba and host schools from around the province come together for a week in February for the Skilled Trades & Technology Showcase.
Host schools welcomes grade eight students from around Manitoba to try hands-on activities in different trade and technology areas, learn about their options for secondary schooling and receive guidance on career planning.
The showcase is a combination of hands-on learning, demonstrations, presentations and fun!
Skilled Trades & Technology Showcases
Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School - Thursday, February 4, 2027
| Skilled Trades and Technology Showcase Flyer | download |
| Skilled Trades and Technology Showcase Registration Form | download |
The Conference is a one day event for young women to learn about the many trade and technology careers available in today's employment market.
The conference will highlight different vocations in trades and technology, introduce young women to women mentors working in the trades or technology field and provide employment and career planning information. It will feature entertaining and informative keynote speakers and varied hands-on activities and tours.
The conference will run approximately from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Times may vary dependent upon location.
October 21, 2026 - Assiniboine College - Dauphin, Manitoba - Grade 8
November 18, 2026 - Red River College Polytech, South Winnipeg Campus- Winnipeg, Manitoba - **High School - Grades 9 and 10
April 14, 2027 - Assiniboine Community College - Brandon, Manitoba - Grade 8
April 21, 2027 - Red River College Polytech, South Winnipeg Campus - Winnipeg, Manitoba - Grade 8
June 9, 2027 - Red River College, Notre Dame Campus - Winnipeg, Manitoba - Young Women in Technology Conference - Grades 6, 7 and 8
| Young Women's Conference Program Flyer 2026/2027 | download |
| Young Women's Conference Registration Form 2026/2027 | download |
| Young Women in Technology Conference Flyer - Red River College Polytech | download |
| Young Women in Technology Conference Registration Form - Red River College Polytech | download |
Imagine if you could tour a local company and see the creation of a three dimensional design on a computer, see the transfer of the design to a computer numeric control machine and then get to see the finished product? This program will expose students to manufacturing processes from design to the building and assembling of a product and ultimately the marketing and sales process.
Students in Grades 7 to 10 will have the opportunity to tour an exciting, innovative local industry learning about their manufacturing processes which allow them to compete in the global marketplace. The students will spend the remainder of the day at Red River College Polytech touring areas key to manufacturing. They will then create a special project using the information and insight that they have gained throughout the day.
The experience will allow students to observe and try hands-on activities in the many varied areas key to manufacturing in addition to learning about their options for secondary and post-secondary programs so important for career planning.
Youth in Manufacturing Program - Thursday, November 26, 2026
Red River College Polytech (Notre Dame Campus) - Selkirk Lounge
2055 Notre Dame Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
| Youth in Manufacturing Program Flyer | download |
| Youth in Manufacturing Program Registration Form | download |
Great jobs...Great future!