CREATING OPPORTUNITIES AND UNLEASHING CREATIVITY IN NORTHERN MANITOBA:
SKILLS SHOP NORTH IS THE NEW MAKERSPACE IN THOMPSON
Imagine a great community space, fully equipped with technology and tools to support skills development in woodworking, metal working, industrial sewing, 3D printing, computer programming and robotics, and open to anyone in the community. Skills Shop North is the newly branded, 4,500 sq ft makerspace that has place, equipment, people and programs ready to support community members of all ages and abilities and is gearing up for its formal launch this spring.
"We have been very pleased with the high level of support and enthusiasm from the community and local industry partners", said Jordan llott, President of Skills Shop North. "UCN and North Forge have laid the foundation for an amazing resource here in Thompson, and we look forward to continuing to build on that great work." Skills Shop North is also a key asset to support economic development as start-ups, entrepreneurs and local businesses will also have access to the space to create new products, and in the competitive landscape of talent
Initiated through a partnership between University College attraction, Skills Shop North is a game-changer. Young of the North and North Forge Technology Exchange, the facility (previously called North Forge North) has already run a variety of programs for seniors, elementary and high school students, as well as trades people seeking to upgrade their skills. With well over $800,000 of investment in state-of-the-art machinery, cutting-edge technology and tools, the final commissioning of the wood shop and metal working areas is now complete. A new not-for-profit organization has been created to take the facility forward, designing programs to meet the specific needs of the northern Manitoba communities and businesses. Skills Shop North is dedicated to delivering high impact programming through a variety of partnerships to support skills development, youth employment opportunities, community projects and entrepreneurship experiences
Chamber of Commerce www.thompsonchamber.ca Ph. 204 677 4155
SAVE THE DATE!
September 5-6, 2024 in Thompson, MB
AIR AIRSHIPS. DRONES RAIL RAILBUS HIGHWAYS. WINTER ROADS
A comprehensive two day Symposium on all aspects of transportation for northern Manitoba -
Exploring challenges and opportunities to improve sustainable growth, economic development, to seek partnerships and better health and social parameters. Topics covered will be-
Developing an intermodal hub for the North.
• How will climate change effect the northern road system?
• What will new transportation technologies hold for the future?
• How to partner with and service Indigenous remote communities?
professionals, skilled artisans, and tech-savvy individuals are drawn to places that foster a culture of innovation. "By providing a space where creativity knows no bounds, we are not only retaining our local talent but also attracting individuals from far and wide who seek an environment that nurtures their inventive spirit". said llott.
Skill Shop North invites organizations to tour the space and to explore the potential for new partnerships. Contact them at: [email protected], or visit them on the web at www.skillsshopnorth.com
Career Trek is a registered charity that helps young people discover the importance of education and career development. Career-focused programming, complete with hands-on activities, ignites participants' passion for learning and curiosity.
Participants explore careers across a number of key sectors such as healthcare, trades, technology, engineering, mining, entrepreneurship, agriculture, science, and so much more! This type of exploration is vital as they chart their path forward and plan for the future!