A one‑year electrical training program for First Nations applicants has been announced by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) in partnership with McCaine Electric Ltd. and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 2085. The program is scheduled to begin in September 2026. SCO posted the opportunity and it was shared in the Peguis Youth Movement Facebook group.
Training will be delivered at the IBEW Local 2085 Training Centre in Winnipeg. Organizers say the curriculum will include classroom and hands‑on training; work placements are expected to be arranged with McCaine Electric, though placement details are still being finalized. SCO has indicated two sponsored spots for First Nations applicants; SCO has used federal Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) funding for similar sponsorships, but the exact funding source for these two spots should be confirmed with SCO.
Peguis residents interested in applying should contact the Peguis First Nation Training & Employment (PFNTE) office for details on eligibility, application deadlines and relocation supports. PFNTE contact numbers: Main office (Peguis) (204) 645‑3405; Peguis urban office (Winnipeg) (204) 784‑5591. PFNTE’s website lists current staff and its sponsorship policy for off‑reserve vocational training.
This initiative follows a 2024–2025 community‑based five‑month electrical program in Peguis run with RRC Polytech. Community leaders say moving to a year‑long, union‑based apprenticeship pathway can provide access to higher‑wage, long‑term careers in Manitoba’s electrical sector.
