We’re a Polytechnic

With the launch of its new strategic plan for 2022-2026, In Front of What’s Ahead, Red River College will embark on a bold new path forward by becoming Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech).

The new name recognizes RRC Polytech’s evolution into a unique post-secondary institution that blends deep, knowledge-based learning with applied, hands-on experience, and highlights the important role our graduates play in growing Manitoba’s economy as our province recovers from the pandemic and looks to the future.

RRC Polytech’s new strategic plan and bold new vision were created in consultation with staff, trusted partners and community supporters over a nine-month period. The process allowed RRC Polytech to shine a spotlight on its strengths, and recognize its blind spots to create three new commitments for the next five years:

• Transform our learning model to meet emerging needs.
• Commit to Truth and Reconciliation. Pursue equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
• Deepen partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community.

As Manitoba’s polytechnic, our top priority is preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work. Achieving this requires that we take a leap into the future, rather than incremental steps – a bold approach that shows our community and partners we’re not only ready to meet rapidly shifting demands, but to lead the way forward.

What is a polytechnic?

The term polytechnic is used around the world to identify institutions that focus on strategic workforce development. A polytechnic education combines the practical approach of a college education and the depth of study usually associated with a university program.

For students, this means more choices, flexible options and opportunities to gain highly sought-after skills — at the start of your career or anywhere along the way –­ along with the confidence of knowing you have what it takes to adapt, thrive and lead through constant change on the job, from day one.

For employers and partners, it means a pipeline to top Manitoba talent and a direct hand in developing a workforce that meets their current and future needs, along with partnerships and applied research collaborations to help position them at the forefront of innovation and growth.

A polytechnic education is:

• Applied, hands-on training combined with deep theoretical learning       
• Flexible and accessible, and recognizes prior learning 
• Industry-driven and responsive to labour market demand
• Built on lifelong, career-focused learning
• Focused on innovation through applied research and collaboration

Polytechnic education is at the core of what we do, and how we can grow to meet the needs of our partners, now, and for generations to come. 

Why become a polytechnic?

Because polytechnic best describes not only who we are, but where we are going.

Embracing the polytechnic model for RRC Polytech helps us better prepare and respond to disruption. It enables us to position ourselves to support your needs and support your success as the Manitoba economy continues to emerge from this post-pandemic recovery. It puts us in the right place, the right time, to help our communities across Manitoba.

Polytechs are agile. RRC Polytech is built to respond nimbly and meaningfully to fluctuations in our labour market. Thanks to formal relationships and strategic partnerships with more than 750 professionals and leaders who power the province, our college is inextricably woven into Manitoba’s economy, the demands of its workforce, and its most pressing challenges and opportunities.

Benefits to being a polytechnic.

Our students will experience improved pathways to, from, and between RRC Polytech and other post-secondary institutions. We will walk alongside students from recruitment through employment, and provide wrap-around supports while they are studying. We will expand opportunities for reskilling and upskilling, increase recognition of prior learning, and eliminate barriers to entry. We will work toward a student body that reflects Manitoba’s diverse population and welcomes the valuable perspectives of Indigenous and international students. 

By strengthening and deepening our strategic relationships, we will create reciprocal value that drives Manitoba forward economically, environmentally, socially, and culturally. Through our partnerships, we will reinforce our prosperity and sustainability by diversifying our revenue sources, maximizing private investment, and engaging our alumni and stakeholders in the future of the institution. 

One of RRC Polytech’s greatest strengths is that we care deeply about the people who work and study here. We will ensure a respectful atmosphere that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable to our students, staff, and partners – a place where we understand, embrace and uplift each other’s culture – a place where all are welcomed for who they are, and for what we can build together.

What’s ahead.

These are urgent challenges facing Manitoba and Manitobans. And solutions are needed – not eventually, not someday. Now.

Only Manitoba’s polytechnic can be responsive to the needs of today that will define our province’s economic viability and global position tomorrow. With a finger directly on the pulse of our economy, and a more immediate ability to operationalize change compared to other post-secondary partners in the province, we are built to respond quickly and effectively to labour market change. 

Recognizing the role that RRC Polytech must play in leading that change, we understood the time had come to assess our future.