Schulich ExecEd & Skills/Compétences Canada: Empowering the Future of Leadership and Skills in 2025

Schulich ExecEd and Skills Canada are excited to continue their collaboration in 2025 as an Education Sponsor for the Skills Canada National Competition in Regina, Saskatchewan, happening from May 29^th to May 30^th, 2025. Our ongoing partnership reflects a shared commitment and passion for fostering skill development and readiness among leaders in the skilled trade and technology sectors.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between technical expertise and critical leadership, management, and operational skills. We are dedicated to supporting youth and early-career professionals by empowering them to build their businesses, advance in their careers, and become effective leaders in their industries and amongst their peers.

Focusing on Next-Gen Leadership

Schulich ExecEd is proud to welcome back the National Alumni Committee (NAC) for a series of in-person programs at Schulich ExecEd in Toronto, designed to develop the next generation of leaders.

Our Next-Gen Leadership program will focus on equipping participants with essential skills to inspire teams and lead with confidence. The program includes a highly engaging and tactical approach, focusing on three key themes – coaching and mentoring; supporting the growth of others, authentic leadership; leading with integrity and transparency, inclusive leadership; and creating diverse and empowered teams.

This hands-on program will provide participants with practical tools they can apply in both their careers and personal lives, empowering them to become changemakers in their respective fields.

“At Schulich ExecEd, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders who are already making a difference in their industries and communities,” shares Rami Mayer, Executive Director of Schulich ExecEd. “Our work with Skills Canada reflects our commitment to real-world impact by empowering emerging leaders in the skilled trade and technology sectors with the tools to lead authentically, communicate with purpose, and build inclusive, high-performing teams. In today’s fast-changing world, we believe that these skills are the foundation for lasting success and meaningful leadership.”

Skills for Success: Storytelling and Communication as a Leader

As part of Skills Canada’s Skills for Success program, Schulich ExecEd will enhancing participants’ writing and communication skills by offering a special session on “Storytelling for Team Communication and Leadership in the Trades.” While the Skills for Success initiative traditionally focuses on technical writing skills, our session will help participants connect these essential writing tools to leadership and interpersonal communication.

Thought Leadership at the Skills for Success Forum

In addition to our sessions, Schulich ExecEd is excited to share its thought leadership at the Skills for Success Forum. This session will focus on how storytelling can be a powerful tool for leading teams, building buy-in, and effectively communicating ideas.

By transforming written communication into impactful conversations, we aim to highlight the ongoing importance of interpersonal connection in communication—an essential skill for the next generation of workers. As they enter the workforce and take on leadership roles, mastering the art of communication will be key to their success and ability to inspire others; engaging industry leaders and constituents in a conversation about the Future of Work and the critical role of storytelling and communication in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

“Skills/Compétences Canada is pleased to have their National Alumni Committee (NAC) members take part in a series of in-person leadership programs hosted by Schulich ExecEd, in Toronto. This initiative is a key step in shaping the future of skilled trades leadership across Canada”, said Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer of Skills/Compétences Canada.

Our goal is to inspire a broader dialogue about the importance of communication skills, particularly storytelling, in leadership and team dynamics. By connecting these skills to the trades, we hope to foster stronger, more effective leaders who will be able to adapt to the changing demands of the modern workplace.

Schulich ExecEd and Skills Canada’s partnership in 2025 continues to drive our shared commitment to developing the skills and leadership qualities necessary for the future of the skilled trade and technology sectors. With a focus on next-gen leadership, storytelling for communication, and future workforce trends, we are excited to empower youth and early-career professionals to lead with confidence and take their careers to new heights.

For more about our partnership in 2024, read here: Schulich ExecEd and Skills Canada 2024.