NFI Group’s learning culture inspires loyalty

Tanya Liahusha dreamed of moving to Canada while working as a real estate agent in her native Ukraine. She realized her dream when she immigrated to Winnipeg in 2019, and one year later, landed a position with NFI Group after earning a marketing management diploma through the continuing education department at the University of Winnipeg.

“NFI promotes personal growth and development, collaboration and employee recognition,” says Liahusha, a digital marketing specialist. “The company cultivates a positive work environment where everyone feels valued. NFI treats its employees as its greatest asset.”

NFI is in the business of moving people, says Matt Banera, director of human resources for one of its seven divisions. The company manufactures transit buses, single- and double-decker buses, and motorcoaches.

NFI employs a diverse workforce that includes production workers, a range of skilled tradespeople such as tool and die makers, welders and painters, as well as professional engineers and sales, marketing, finance, IT and supply chain specialists, among others.

The company has a comprehensive onboarding program, particularly for its manufacturing employees. “Before they join their team in manufacturing, they receive classroom and on-the-job training with mentors,” says Banera. “As well, they go through production readiness orientation where we do checks from one week, one month, two months and three months at the start of their employment journey with us.”

NFI spends over $10 million annually on employee development. The educational assistance program is designed to provide partial- to full-financial support for business specific programs.

“NFI has supported my growth and helped me expand my professional knowledge,” says Liahusha. “I’ve completed several marketing courses and earned a digital marketing certificate which was fully funded by NFI. My experience is a testament to how an employer can support a young professional.”

The company also has an internal NFI Learning Institute that includes resources for employees in manufacturing and warehouse operations all the way through to senior management and executive-level leadership. As well, all employees moving into leadership roles must complete a training program comprising seven modules, says Banera.

“We have an emerging leadership program where leaders identify employees with the capacity, interest and drive to become leaders,” he says. “They are partnered with a senior leader who provides mentorship.”

He adds that in 2025, the company is introducing a talent management program that will assist in understanding individualized development needs for all administrative team members.

The company recently partnered with RRC Polytech to introduce an industrial paint training program. “Our first cohort just went through the four-week program,” says Banera. “It was designed to enhance employee industrial painting skills in a manufacturing environment. Employees receive industry-recognized credentials.”

NFI is also committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and it starts at the top, where 50 per cent of the company’s independent board directors are female, he says. “We partner with colleges and universities to recruit the next generation of our workforce, and community-based organizations to hire from historically disadvantaged, underserved and under-represented groups to work towards a workforce that is representative of our communities.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing the winners of this year's Manitoba's Top Employers competition, published March 11, 2025 in the Winnipeg Free Press. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, who did not write or review the content.