Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium

02/13/2026

Sally Morse, founder and CEO of Calgary-based Spectra Supply Inc., is redesigning safety equipment and PPE so it actually fits women in trades and manufacturing—proving that “one-size-fits-all” should never apply to workplace safety.

In this episode, she shares how inclusive design can save lives, the business case for equity, and what she’s learned building a company that empowers women in skilled trades—from partnering with programs like Women Building Futures and Build a Dream to designing gloves that truly fit.

Discover her story and more at

Sally Morse is the founder and CEO of Spectra Supply Inc., a Calgary-based manufacturer creating safety equipment and PPE designed specifically for women in trades and manufacturing. With a background in psychology and business, she’s challenging the “one-size-fits-all” approach to workplace s...

02/12/2026

How inclusive is your workplace for women in skilled trades and manufacturing roles?

EMC’s HerJourney Workplace Assessment gives employers clear insight into what’s working—and what needs to change—to better attract, support, and retain women on the shop floor and beyond. This easy-to-use tool gathers feedback and delivers a customized report with practical, tailored recommendations for your organization.

Learn more and get started:

Are you a woman apprentice, certified journeyperson, ally or employer with experience hiring women in trades? We want to hear fr...

02/11/2026

When everyone does work their own way, admin and office teams feel the strain.

Our Developing Standard Work course on February 26, 2026 helps leaders introduce practical standardization so teams work with more cohesion, consistency, and productivity across processes and departments.

Register your team today: https://tinyurl.com/7smajf4c

02/09/2026

WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing is helping build the skilled workforce Canada’s manufacturing sector needs next. Participants gain hands-on training and mentorship, plus self-directed e-learning in introductory mechanical, electrical, and machining skills.

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, eligible employers can receive a wage subsidy of up to $5,000 to support quality training periods of 8+ weeks. Together we can build the manufacturing workforce of tomorrow. Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/hm88akcp

02/05/2026

Much like MacGyver, health and safety pros are constantly problem-solving with what they’ve got.

Join us on February 25, 2026 at 12:00pm EST for Making Impactful Ergonomics Improvements – MacGyver Style, a virtual session on low-cost, high-impact ergonomics changes that protect worker wellbeing even under financial pressure.

Register here to learn how to leverage the tools you already have:

National Health and Safety Awareness...

02/05/2026

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Janelle Abela to EMC’s International Women’s Day 2026. Known for her work on identity, leadership, and team performance, Dr. Abela brings practical, real-world insight into what it takes to build resilient people and high-performing organizations. Join us for an inspiring day of learning, connection, and conversation on March 3 in London, ON. Register here: https://hubs.li/Q040-kQF0

02/03/2026

From Division 1 softball to leading operations in aerospace and aquaculture, Natasha Henderson has built her career on teamwork, resilience, and moving through fear. Now an operations leader at Industrial Plankton in Victoria, BC, she helps feed over a billion marine organisms each year while supporting sustainable aquaculture.

In this episode of Her Journey, Natasha talks about leading in male-dominated industries, why psychological safety matters, and how mentorship helps more women in manufacturing step into leadership with confidence.

Whether you’re a woman apprentice, an employer, or an ally, explore how you can help shape the future of women in Canada’s manufacturing trades: https://tinyurl.com/ykprteuh
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Presented by Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC), produced by Memory Tree Productions.

Natasha Henderson’s path through manufacturing and operations leadership is built on teamwork, resilience, and breaking through fear. From playing Division 1 softball to managing production teams in the aerospace and aquaculture sectors, she’s learned that confidence and connection go hand in ha...

02/02/2026

Strong health & safety training shouldn’t depend on where your team is or when they can get to a classroom.

EMC is rolling out web-based Health & Safety training—complete with testing and reporting—for workers, supervisors, and managers, helping manufacturers overcome time and geographic barriers to skills development.

Want details or upcoming dates? Contact us.

01/30/2026

For BC manufacturers, this one’s for you.

ManufacturingGPS: BC Manufacturing Insights is a new Labour Market Information initiative to understand current and emerging workforce needs in B.C.’s manufacturing sector, with a focus on youth and internationally trained newcomer talent.

This project will highlight workforce challenges, skills gaps, and recruitment and retention needs—and point to opportunities to better support talent entering and growing within B.C. manufacturing.

Take the survey here: https://hubs.li/Q040ZR6J0

01/29/2026

This International Women’s Day, join EMC and Fanshawe College for a roundtable discussion on moving beyond hiring to creating workplaces where women in manufacturing feel set up for long-term success. https://hubs.li/Q040Z-p00

01/28/2026

Every employee learns differently—and that’s a strength.

Join us on February 25 at 1:00pm EST for a conversation with the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) on how inclusive workplace practices can boost recruitment, retention, and performance in manufacturing.

Plus, explore EMC’s Supporting Learning Differences in Manufacturing initiative—offering a free online assessment, personal coaching, and tailored tools (a $13,000 value) to help employees train smarter and perform better.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2v57dbuz

01/27/2026

As Canada’s manufacturing sector faces growing labour shortages, one solution is standing out — inclusion.

Inclusive workplace training isn’t just helping attract and retain more women in skilled trades — it’s improving performance across the board.

Learn how manufacturers across the country are building stronger, more sustainable teams by leaning into inclusion.

Read more:

As labour shortages threaten the future of Canada’s manufacturing sector, one solution is emerging as both strategic and sustain...