Though viewed as second-class until fairly recently, Canada's system for providing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) now provides relevant post-secondary education that meets the needs of highly skilled professionals in all job categories. As the system evolved, it changed the public view of skills education. This article analyses four lessons from that experience: on the importance of decentralised authority, close partnership with employers, attention to the needs of learners, and innovative leadership and language. It also reflects on the interests and needs of international partners with respect to the decentralized Canadian TVET system.