September 16, 2021 – Manitoba Building Trades (MBT) unveiled its new $15-million skilled trades training facility—Manitoba Building Trades Institute (MBTI)—located in central Winnipeg.

“A coordinated model of skilled trade recruitment and training is something that our province is in desperate need of,” said Sudhir Sandhu, CEO, MBT.

According to MBT, the institute will support “the critical need for skilled trade workers in Manitoba through a coordinated model of recruitment, training, employment, and advancement to ensure entry and retention in the skilled trades”.

MBT further states this facility is the largest ever private investment in a skilled trades training facility in Western Canada. The facility features 5 technology classrooms, a computer lab, 80-seat auditorium, exhibition hall, 30,000-sf of practical training areas, and more.

MBTI will deliver work readiness training, diversity & inclusion programming, leading technology learning, and “sustainability and future skills”.

Programs are designed to serve the unionized construction workforce.

Manitoba Building Trades represents over 10,000 construction and trades professionals across 13 member unions.

“The opening of MBTI is a shining example of our industry’s long-standing commitment to training and apprenticeships in the skilled trades,” said Sean Strickland, Canada’s Building Trades Unions.

“Skilled trades are high-paying jobs; you work with your head and your hands, you physically see your accomplishments daily,” said Marc Lafond, president, Manitoba Building Trades. “Of course, I’m biased, but the skilled trades are where it’s at.”