On November 7, 2023, the South Gym at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus was abuzz with activity as hundreds of skilled trades and technologies students participated in the RBC Reaction by Collision event.

RBC Future Launch has supported future generations of workers in Manitoba for many years at RRC Polytech. The event was a unique opportunity for students to meaningfully connect with industry players and future employers through networking, gaining insights from the speaker series, and refining their interview skills at the RBC mock-interview booth.

This is the third year RBC has supported the RBC Reaction by Collision event series, having previously partnered with RRC Polytech on events such as the School of Indigenous Education Food, Fashion and Music event, and the RBC Roundtables at the Directions Conference.

Ade Akanni, a first-year student in the construction management program, described the event as an “eye opener.”

“It gives you exposure, so you have an idea of the career you want before you finish school,” he said. “It helps channel your strengths, so you can figure out where you want to go.”

Akanni, who’s originally from Nigeria and moved to Canada last year after living in the UK, has plans to work in construction project management following graduation. He was looking for a career that built on his strengths, after having previously worked in IT and construction.

His favourite part of the day was meeting with different companies to get a sense of how they manage their projects, and whether their business had room for growth.

Both Akanni and Andrew Dupré, a first-year student in the cabinetry level one accredited program, participated in the RBC mock interviews.

“It made me feel more comfortable and confident,” said Dupré, while gained a new perspective, as the interviewer gave him advice, identified his strengths, and provided advice on areas for improvement.

Akanni attended the “financial literacy for entrepreneurship in the trades” speaker session, led by Mehmood Batla, Manager of Business Markets at RBC.

“It was helpful. The speaker really broke down where you can get help and apply for grants when starting a business,” he said. “There’s support out there.”

Other speaker sessions included conversations on electric vehicle charging installation, a panel discussion on automotive industry changes, and the use of drones in construction.

Students were also invited to let off some steam throughout the day, playing games such as a beanbag toss, landscape puzzle, and Jenga, as well as tricycle races that took over the track overlooking the gym.

On top of the valuable connections the students made, Dupré also walked away with tickets to a Winnipeg Jets game – the result of his enthusiasm and participation at the event.

It’s safe to say that every student in attendance left the event well-equipped with the confidence and encouragement needed to kick-start a successful career in the trades. You can check out photos from the event here.