Behind every strong apprentice is someone who took the time to teach, guide, and support them.
That’s what mentorship looks like in the Voyageur Trades Program—real people, with real experience, committed to helping the next generation find their place in the trades.
The program is built on the belief that skills are best learned side by side—with experienced journeypersons who understand not just the work, but the journey it takes to get there.
Meet the mentors helping make that happen.
Chris Sawchuk brings nearly two decades of experience into his role as a mentor—experience shaped by hard work, persistence, and learning in environments that didn’t always offer guidance.
He began his apprenticeship in 2006, following in his father’s footsteps, and went on to build his career across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. After spending close to ten years working on a major industrial site, he took the next step and started his own business—continuing to grow through hands-on experience and determination.
But what stands out most about Chris is not just his experience—it’s what he didn’t have when he started.
“I didn’t always have that guidance starting out, so I want to make sure others don’t have to go through the same challenges.”
That reality shaped how he approaches mentorship today.
Chris understands how difficult it can be to enter the trades when expectations are high but support is limited. Through the program, he is focused on creating a different kind of experience—one where apprentices feel comfortable asking questions, learning at their own pace, and building confidence step by step.
“There are no dumb questions. That’s the biggest thing I want apprentices to know.”
Confidence is central to his approach. He wants apprentices to leave not only with technical skills, but with the belief that they can step onto any job site and hold their own.
Proud of his Métis heritage, Chris sees mentorship as a meaningful way to give back—helping create opportunities for others while contributing to stronger career pathways within the community.
Francois Forestier’s path into the trades started the way many apprentices do—hands-on, learning as he went, and taking every opportunity to build his skillset.
Beginning in general labour and framing, he was introduced to the electrical trade through wood-frame residential construction. Early in his career, working within a smaller company gave him broad exposure to the full scope of the trade—learning how systems come together, how problems get solved, and how to think beyond individual tasks.
As his career progressed, Francois moved into commercial and industrial work, contributing to large-scale projects including base build electrical systems, healthcare facilities, and light industrial environments. These experiences required precision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of complex, integrated systems—skills he now brings into his mentorship.
What defines Francois as a mentor is perspective.
He’s seen what strong mentorship looks like—and what it doesn’t. That contrast has shaped how he shows up for apprentices today.
“Mentorship is about giving someone a space to ask questions, grow, and build confidence.”
He is focused on creating a learning environment where apprentices feel supported, not judged—where they can take the time to build real knowledge and develop confidence in their abilities.
For Francois, mentorship goes beyond the job site. It’s about helping people think ahead, make strong decisions, and build a future they’re proud of. He sees the program as part of something bigger—one where success builds on itself and creates momentum within the Métis community.
With more than 20 years in the trades, Pat Sestito has built a career grounded in experience, consistency, and a genuine passion for the work.
Starting at a young age and formally entering his apprenticeship in the early 2000s, Pat earned his Red Seal certification in 2003. Since then, his work has spanned high-rise concrete construction and residential renovations, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the trade.
Over time, something else became clear—he enjoyed working with apprentices just as much as the work itself.
His own path into the trades required him to figure many things out on his own. That experience shaped how he mentors today.
“Everyone makes mistakes. That’s how you learn and grow in the trades.”
Pat believes that learning is a process—one that requires patience, encouragement, and the freedom to try.
Through the Voyageur Trades Program, he is focused on creating an environment where apprentices feel supported throughout that process. He wants them to know they have someone they can rely on—not just for technical guidance, but for support when they need it.
“It’s about giving people the support and confidence to move forward.”
For Pat, mentorship is about opening doors. It’s about helping people who may not know where to start take that first step—and then supporting them as they build momentum in their careers.
What connects these mentors is not just their experience—it’s their intention.
They know what it feels like to start out.
They understand the challenges.
And they’ve made a deliberate choice to be part of something different.
Together, they are helping shape a program where apprentices are supported, challenged, and set up for long-term success.
Because in the Voyageur Trades Program, mentorship isn’t an add-on.
It’s the foundation.
Follow along as these mentors—and the apprentices they support—build something that goes far beyond the job site.
“I’m really proud of my heritage, and this is a way for me to give back and support the next generation.”
“I get a lot of joy from seeing apprentices grow and succeed in their own careers. For me, this is an opportunity to giving them the support and confidence to move forward.”
“I want apprentices to leave with skills they can take anywhere and a mindset that sets them up for success.”