Local Brandon product, Sloane Williams, is poised to pursue education in automation and robotics technologies at Assiniboine, supported by a new scholarship for those coming into the college's new Mechatronics program.
In receiving the new $2,500 Mechatronics scholarship, Sloane Williams shared that it was more than just financial support, it was a spark of confidence and a clear sign that she was on the right path. The award, funded through the proceeds of the Assiniboine Foundation Legacy Gala, aims to help incoming Mechatronics students begin their studies with momentum.
For Sloane, it arrived at the perfect moment.
"I was very surprised to learn I would be a recipient," she says with a smile. "It relieves a bit of pressure. I don't have to worry as much financially, and I can focus more on school."
Beyond easing stress, the award also gave her something equally meaningful: reassurance. "No matter how accomplished you might be, there's always that little bit of imposter syndrome. This scholarship is that extra bit of confidence that I've earned my spot here."
That spot is in Assiniboine's new Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, where Sloane will join the second ever cohort in fall 2026. The scholarship, with multiple available, supports applicants who have exhibited high academic achievement.
At just 19, Sloane is already a graduate of Assiniboine's Automotive Technician program, with multiple Skills Manitoba gold medals and a national Skills Canada podium finish to her name.
Her journey into hands-on work began early. Growing up near Brandon, Sloane was surrounded by the world of cars through her father's work as a dealer. That exposure sparked a curiosity about how things fit together, a curiosity that would shape the trajectory of her young career. Enrolling in Assiniboine's Automotive program felt natural.
"I really love working with my hands," she says. "I had a job for a while where I was just doing computer work, and I was so fidgety. I love being able to build something or fix something and visually see the progress happening."
As the only woman in her Automotive Technician class, she pushed past moments of self-doubt, trusting in her abilities. "I've learned to prove myself through my work. My work speaks for itself, and I think that helped me find my place in a new environment."
After graduating, Sloane spent time working in a shop in Pipestone. Though the experience was valuable, she sensed that something different was calling her. A conversation she'd once had with another Skills competitor came to mind, about a field neither of them knew much about at the time: mechatronics.
"We both got talking about this program called Mechatronics. I really didn't know a lot about it, but I thought, that sounds so cool. That sounds exactly like what I want to do."
Initially, her research suggested she might have to move to Ontario to pursue Mechatronics, a leap she wasn't ready to make. Then she learned that Assiniboine would soon launch its own Mechatronics program. For Sloane, an alum who already felt at home on campus, the timing couldn't have been better.
"If I can take it at home where I'm comfortable and already know the college, why wouldn't I?" she says. "I had a great experience here before, and I know the instructors are knowledgeable, so it just made sense."
With strong family and community ties, staying close to home mattered, and the scholarship further solidified that this new chapter was meant to be.
Now, as she looks ahead to joining the Mechatronics program, Sloane is energized by its possibilities.
"You can really take these skills anywhere," she says. "Biomedical engineering, robotics, physics or chemistry. Mechatronics opens so many doors. I can't wait to see where this leads me."
Want to find out more about mechatronics scholarships at Assiniboine? Visit assiniboine.net/awards.
