Voyageur Trades

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Rupertsland Voyageur Trades Program supports Alberta Métis apprentices in building careers in the skilled trades through mentorship, experience & community-focused work.

06/06/2026

Big dreams. Solid plans. Real futures.

We asked our apprentices about their long-term goals — and the answers were inspiring:
✅ Get their Journeyman ticket
✅ Achieve their Red Seal certification
✅ Start their own businesses
✅ Become master electricians
✅ Take their skills across the country — and even internationally!

The Voyageur Trade Program isn't just about learning a trade. It's about building a life. We are so excited to watch this group thrive.

Share this post to support these incredible apprentices on their journey!

06/05/2026

Ask an apprentice what they're most excited to learn and you'll get inspired.

From mastering electrical systems to learning every type of water piping, to the more refined and detailed side of carpentry — our apprentices at the Voyageur Trade Program are soaking up every bit of knowledge their mentors have to offer.

As one of our apprentices put it: "There's always more to learn in every single trade. There's so much to know."

That kind of attitude? That's what builds great tradespeople.

06/04/2026

Meet the Next Generation of Skilled Trades!

We sat down with some of the incredible apprentices at the Voyageur Trade Program — and we are blown away by their passion and drive.

From Tristan jumping into plumbing, to Logan and Lucas building their carpentry skills, to Madi making her mark as an apprentice plumber, and more — each of them found the program for their own unique reason.

Some were looking for long-term, stable careers. Others were searching for a pathway after school. Some were already in the trades but needed guidance to level up. The Voyageur Trade Program is giving ALL of them a solid foundation and a clear road ahead.

We couldn't be prouder of this group. Stay tuned for more of their stories!

Meet François Forestier — Red Seal Electrician & MentorFrom general labour on construction sites to working on healthcar...
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/

Introducing Pat Sestito — Mentor, Red Seal CarpenterPat Sestito has been in the trades for over two decades. He earned h...
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/

Introducing Chris Sawchuk — Mentor, Red Seal PlumberChris didn't always have someone in his corner when he was starting ...
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/

Mentorship is at the heart of the Rupertsland Institute: Métis Centre of Excellence Voyageur Trades Program.And these th...
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/

05/26/2026

We are so proud to have partnered with Métis Chef Brad Lazarenko from Culina Catering for the launch of our Voyageur Trades Program!

Chef Brad crafted an incredible spread that celebrated Indigenous ingredients and honoured the deep history and ingenuity behind Indigenous food traditions. His approach to cooking connects the past to the present — drawing on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that have been at the heart of Indigenous cuisine for thousands of years.

Here's what was on the menu:
🥩 Cured meats & seasonal vegetables
🦬 Bison sliders & bison meatballs
🍗 Chili chicken wings
🍞 Métis baked bannock with Saskatoon butter & Saskatoon berry jam

From the perfectly prepared bison to the bannock served warm with Saskatoon butter and berry jam — every dish told a story of culture, creativity, and pride.

Thank you, Chef Brad, for bringing so much heart and flavour to our table. 🙏

https://2iaiph-ar.myshopify.com

05/25/2026

The Métis Sash — Woven with Purpose, Worn with Pride 🧵

At the launch of our Voyageur Trades Program, we had the incredible honour of welcoming Shauna, a Métis artist and sash weaver, who wove onsite and shared the rich cultural significance of the Métis sash.

The Métis sash is one of the most recognizable symbols of Métis culture and identity. This hand-woven wool belt was historically worn by men as a belt around the waist, but today it is embraced across Métis communities in a variety of meaningful ways.
The sash was never just an accessory. It was a tool. A symbol. A story.

We chose the Métis sash as one of the central symbols of the Voyageur Trades Program because it represents the strength, craftsmanship, and deep cultural roots that inspire everything we do.

🎥 Watch our full interview with Shauna as she walks us through the sash, its history, and what it means to her as a Métis artist and weaver.

We are grateful for Shauna's time, talent, and knowledge. 🙏

Shauna and Shawna's Quilts
https://www.shaunaandshawnaquilts.com

05/21/2026

This is just the beginning. 🎉

We brought together mentors, apprentices, partners, and community to mark the official launch of the Voyageur Trades Program at Rupertsland Institute: Métis Centre of Excellence. Seeing everyone face to face, hearing their stories, and watching these connections come to life made it all feel real.

To everyone who showed up to celebrate with us — thank you. This program is built on belief, and you've proven that from day one.

Food provided by
Photo booth provided by Hip Image
Sash weaving and trappers cabin by

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