Stories from the Trades

Chris Sawchuk

Trade: Plumbing

With nearly two decades of experience across residential, commercial, and industrial work, Chris Sawchuk has built a strong foundation in the trades through hands-on experience that began at a young age. Following in his father’s footsteps, he started his plumbing apprenticeship in 2006 and has since expanded his skillset to include steamfitting and pipefitting. After spending close to ten years working at a major industrial site, he went on to start his own business, continuing to build his career through hard work and dedication.

The Rupertsland Voyageur Trades Program represents an opportunity for Chris to offer something he did not always have when he was starting out. Entering the trades without consistent mentorship, he experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to learn in environments where patience and guidance are limited. Through this program, he is focused on creating a more supportive path forward, helping apprentices build confidence, develop skills, and feel prepared for the realities of the job.

Chris takes great pride in his Métis heritage and sees mentorship as a meaningful way to give back to his community and support the next generation of tradespeople. He is passionate about creating an environment where apprentices feel comfortable asking questions, learning from mistakes, and growing into their roles. For Chris, success is simple: ensuring that those he mentors leave with the confidence, knowledge, and support they need to build strong, lasting careers.

Pat Sestito

Trade: Carpentry

With over two decades of experience in the trades, Pat Sestito has built his career as a journeyperson carpenter working across a range of projects, including high-rise concrete structures and residential renovations. He began working in the trade at a young age and formally started his apprenticeship in the early 2000s, earning his Red Seal certification in 2003. Since then, he has continued to grow his skills while developing a strong foundation through hands-on experience in the field.

Throughout his career, Pat discovered a passion for working with and supporting apprentices. While his own path required him to learn through experience, often navigating challenges on his own, those moments shaped how he approaches mentorship today. He understands that every apprentice starts somewhere, and that learning comes with mistakes, questions, and growth over time. Through the Rupertsland Voyageur Trades Program, he is focused on creating a supportive environment where apprentices feel encouraged to learn, ask questions, and build their skills with confidence.

For Pat, mentorship is about more than just teaching technical skills. It is about giving people the opportunity to try, to grow, and to achieve their goals. He takes pride in being someone apprentices can rely on, whether they need guidance on the job or support beyond it. Through his work with the program, he hopes to help open doors for Métis apprentices who may not otherwise see a clear path into the trades, giving them the confidence and opportunity to succeed.

François Forestier

Trade: Electrical

With experience spanning residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work, Francois Forestier has built his career through hands-on learning and a steady progression across increasingly complex projects. He began in construction doing general labour and framing before being introduced to the electrical trade, starting as an apprentice on wood-frame condominium builds. Working within a smaller company early on allowed him to develop a broad skillset, gaining exposure to all aspects of the trade rather than repetitive, task-based work.

As his career evolved, Francois expanded into commercial and large-scale projects, including base build electrical systems, healthcare facilities, and light industrial installations. His experience includes work in complex environments where precision and a strong understanding of integrated building systems are critical, as well as exposure to specialized industrial processes. Alongside his trade work, he has also applied his skills to personal projects, including full home renovations and property redevelopment.

Francois’ approach to mentorship is shaped by his own experience working alongside both exceptional and less supportive journeypersons. He understands the impact that patience, guidance, and practical teaching can have on an apprentice’s trajectory.

Through the Rupertsland Voyageur Trades Program, he is focused on creating a supportive learning environment where apprentices feel comfortable asking questions, building confidence, and developing both technical and life skills that will serve them throughout their careers.

He sees this work as part of a broader opportunity to strengthen the Métis community by creating visible pathways into the trades. By helping individuals gain skills, confidence, and stability, he believes success can extend beyond the individual and contribute to stronger families and communities. For Francois, mentorship is about paying forward the support he received and helping others build a future they can be proud of.