This fireside chat explores how provinces – like Alberta, which recently modernized its apprenticeship policy – can expand apprenticeship-style learning models to non-trade sectors, including tech. Panelists will discuss how policy updates, funding frameworks, and cross-ministerial collaboration can enable these programs at scale. 

Cait Drouillard – Senior Director, Public Policy, TECHNATION

Kathryn Andrews – Director, Apprenticeship Education and Pathways, Government of Alberta

This panel will demystify apprenticeship-style learning for employers and demonstrate how companies – particularly in tech – can leverage this model to build long-term talent pipelines. Panelists will share actionable insights on readiness, ROI, and building internal capacity to support this model. 

Fidel Romero – Manager, New Talent Programs, Interac Corp.

Takara Small – National Technology Columnist, CBC

Dan Olesen – Apprenticeship Program Lead, Bow Valley College

This session explores how apprenticeship-style learning models can be adapted through Indigenous Ways of Knowing, ensuring cultural relevance and community leadership in education design and delivery. Panelists will share models, frameworks, and funding recommendations to advance Indigenous-led innovation. 

Lance Scout – Cultural Advisor, Elder and Artist, NorQuest College

Tirzah Swampy – Senior Manager, Digital Skills Development & Training, First Nations Technology Council

Kalie Van Ree – Senior Manager, KPMG

Kaley Ramage – Student / Alumni, University of Calgary / Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Angie Saltman – Saltmedia / IT Horizons

Josh Nilson – Founder and Former CEO, Eastside Games

Paige Peters – Program Coordinator, Indigenous Initiatives, TECHNATION

Post-secondary institutions are key to scaling apprenticeship-style learning, but they face significant financial, structural, and cultural barriers. This panel will explore how institutions can innovate, attract new learner segments, and collaborate with industry. 

Jane Goodyer – Dean, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University

Karsten Mündel – Vice Provost, Learning Initiatives, Professor – Global and Development Studies, University of Alberta

Tony Wigglesworth – Interim Dean of Academic Innovation and Pathways, Bow Valley College

This penultimate panel sets the stage for Canada’s emerging national strategy. Panelists will reflect on provincial innovations, such as Alberta’s policy reforms and industry feedback, and introduce the process of developing a national white paper grounded in stakeholder insights, research, and practical pathways for implementation. 

Brett Hotas – Executive Director, Future Workforce Development Strategy, TECHNATION

Marshal Rodrigues – Associate Director, Blueprint

This interactive session invites participants to contribute to the white paper and national strategy. Breakout discussions – one for academia and third sector, the other for industry and government – will surface actionable ideas and priorities for scaling apprenticeship-style learning in tech. 

Brett Hotas – Executive Director, Future Workforce Development Strategy, TECHNATION

Marshal Rodrigues – Associate Director, Blueprint