06/03/2026
Meet François Forestier — Red Seal Electrician & Mentor
From general labour on construction sites to working on healthcare facilities, commercial builds & industrial installations — François built his career one project at a time.
"This program gives people a real head start. The kind of training and support here can change the trajectory of someone's life."
He knows what it looks like to work alongside both great mentors and unsupportive ones — and he chose to be the former.
Through the Voyageur Trades Program, François is creating space for apprentices to ask questions, build confidence, and develop skills that travel with them anywhere.
For François, this is bigger than the trade. It's about strengthening families and communities — one apprentice at a time.
👉 Learn more about François and the Voyageur Trades Program: https://voyageurtrades.ca/
06/02/2026
Introducing Pat Sestito — Mentor, Red Seal Carpenter
Pat Sestito has been in the trades for over two decades. He earned his Red Seal in 2003 and has worked across everything from high-rise concrete structures to residential renovations.
He didn't always have the support he needed early on — and those experiences taught him exactly what kind of mentor he wanted to be.
"I get a lot of joy from seeing apprentices grow and succeed in their own careers. For me, this is an opportunity to give them the support and confidence to move forward."
Through the Rupertsland Institute: Métis Centre of Excellence Voyageur Trades Program, Pat is focused on being the person he wishes he'd had — someone apprentices can count on both on the job and beyond it. He's passionate about opening doors for Métis apprentices who may not see a clear path into the trades, and giving them every reason to believe they belong there.
👉 Learn more about Pat and the Voyageur Trades Program:https://voyageurtrades.ca/
06/01/2026
Introducing Chris Sawchuk — Mentor, Red Seal Plumber
Chris didn't always have someone in his corner when he was starting out. That experience shaped the kind of mentor he is today.
With nearly 20 years of experience across residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing — plus expertise in steamfitting and pipefitting — Chris knows the trades inside and out. After spending close to a decade at a major industrial site, he went on to start his own business.
But when the opportunity came to mentor through the Rupertsland Institute: Métis Centre of Excellence Voyageur Trades Program, Chris saw something bigger than business — a chance to give back.
"I'm really proud of my heritage, and this is a way for me to give back and support the next generation."
As a proud Métis tradesperson, Chris is focused on creating a space where apprentices feel confident, supported, and ready to hold their own on any job site. For him, it's simple: leave every apprentice better than you found them.
👉 Learn more about Chris and the Voyageur Trades Program: https://voyageurtrades.ca/
05/27/2026
Mentorship is at the heart of the Rupertsland Institute: Métis Centre of Excellence Voyageur Trades Program.
And these three Red Seal Journeypersons are bringing it to life every single day.
The trades can be a tough world to break into — especially without the right support. That's exactly why this program exists.
As Dylan Turner, Associate Director of Provincial Projects and Initiatives, puts it:
"At its core, this program is about lowering the barrier to entry for people who want to get into the trades but don't have a clear pathway in."
Meet the mentors who are making that pathway real for Métis apprentices across the province.
🌐 Want to learn more? Visit our website: https://voyageurtrades.ca/
06/01/2026
05/27/2026