Manitoba's Top Employers (2026) Magazine - Magazine - Page 50
MANITOBA’S TOP EMPLOYERS (2026)
50
Trades turn into careers at Transcona Roofing
D
erek Young didn’t
always see roofing
as a career. When he
joined Transcona
Roofing Ltd. in 2015,
it was simply a way to support his
family. He had already been in
roofing for years, but “I was still
wondering, what should I do with
my life?”
That changed as the company
began to recognize his technical
ability and leadership potential,
first promoting him to production
foreman in 2018 and two years
later moving him into the service
department. There, Young
discovered he had a real talent
for connecting with customers,
problem-solving and building
relationships.
It’s an environment
where employees are
seen as individuals, not
just numbers, and are
placed in roles that fit
their strengths.
— Derek Young
Service Foreman
“I care so much about my
career and what I do,” says Young,
currently service foreman. “It’s
grown a lot faster than I expected.
I’m helping people understand
about roofing and where their
money is going. It’s about proper
customer service which is a really
good fit for me.”
Headquartered in Winnipeg,
Transcona Roofing is a fullservice roofing and waterproofing
Transcona Roofing supports its crews with company vehicles that are properly equipped for daily site work.
contractor for the installation,
repair and maintenance of
industrial, commercial and
institutional buildings.
“You could start as an hourly
labourer, and within four or five
years, become a foreman, and
continue moving up like Derek,”
says president Rich Marchetti.
“There’s no prior trade experience
required. You just have to come to
us with a good work ethic and a
matching value set.”
The company backs that up
with a comprehensive internal
training program, coupled with
the Winnipeg Construction
Association’s education programs
and Red Seal apprenticeship
training through Apprenticeship
Manitoba.
“Before we train people on
technical, we talk about what
they’re good at first,” Marchetti
explains. “So, employees become
self-aware of their strengths
and also their weaknesses.
Customizing career paths based
on strengths is huge.”
While at Transcona, Young
completed the Building
Supervisors for Tomorrow
certificate offered by the
Winnipeg Construction
Association, as well as additional
programs. He is currently working
toward his Red Seal certification.
“Small goals became big goals,”
Young says. “Going back to school
was a whole new eye opener — so
much learning. Over time, you’ll
definitely succeed, as long as you
keep pushing.”
“We’ll give people as much
training as they can take and as
much responsibility as they can
take,” says Marchetti. “Derek’s
growth reflects what we believe:
that a trade is not just a job, it’s a
pathway to a meaningful career
and leadership. When people
demonstrate strong values, take
ownership of their development,
and are supported with training
and opportunity, they can build
long-term futures that extend well
beyond their starting role.”
Young credits Transcona
Roofing with seeing his potential
before he fully did himself, as
well as for a culture that values
open communication and
continuous improvement.
“Everyone has a voice,” says
Young. “It’s an environment
where employees are seen as
