Sector Council Program

Finding and keeping skilled workers is one of the biggest challenges facing Manitoba businesses, especially in fast-changing industries. The Sector Council Program is designed to address that challenge by helping industry-led organizations work directly with employers to identify current and future skills gaps and turn those insights into practical training solutions. Supported by the Government of Manitoba, the program focuses on building a more adaptable and competitive workforce across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and agri-food, information technology, construction, transportation, tourism, clean technology, and creative industries.

Rather than funding individual hires, the program supports collaborative projects that benefit entire sectors. Funding support is used to develop short-term training for existing workers, help entrepreneurs strengthen their business skills, and ensure training aligns with real-world employer needs. Sector councils also work closely with post-secondary institutions to influence curriculum updates, and with schools and community partners to improve school-to-work transitions. For businesses, this can mean access to better-trained employees, improved productivity, and training programs that are shaped by industry input instead of generic offerings.

Funding is non-repayable and varies by project, with applications generally ongoing through sector organizations. For Manitoba businesses interested in workforce development or sector-wide training initiatives, exploring the full details of the Sector Council Program can help determine how it fits into your growth and talent strategy.