The Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba is dedicated to representing the diverse needs and interests of open shop contractors in our province. In line with its commitment to the industry’s success, the organization has made a substantial contribution to the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC Polytech, helping to shape the future of skilled trades for years to come.

Merit Manitoba recently pledged $300,000 to the College, allocating half of the funds to the creation of the Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba Endowment Fund and awards for Apprenticeship Trades students, and the remainder supporting the facilities, equipment, and ongoing programming within the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies.

The awards empower apprenticeship students to complete their programs and achieve their Red Seal designation, enabling them to re-enter industry with the needed skills and classification to help them succeed.

“At Merit Contractors, we believe in empowering the next generation of tradespeople. This investment is not just about creating opportunities to support young students – including women and diverse learners – and the programming for the trades at RRC Polytech, but also to support the future of our industry and community,” says Yvette Milner, President of Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba.  

The connection between Merit Manitoba and RRC Polytech runs deep, as many of the organization’s membership base and board members are RRC Polytech grads and partners themselves.

“This partnership with RRC Polytech is exciting because it’s something we’ve been envisioning for a few years,” continues Milner. “It’s finally come to fruition, allowing us to build a stronger, more skilled workforce for tomorrow.”

Thanks to this investment, students enrolled in the Apprenticeship programs within the Construction Trades have the opportunity to receive five awards of $1,000 each annually. The Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba Construction Trades Apprenticeship Awards aim to recognize outstanding achievement in trades, and to shape students to become future industry leaders.

The award is available to students enrolled in the following eligible Apprenticeship programs: Construction Electrician, Carpenter, Plumber, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, and Heavy Duty Mechanics.  

“Gifts like these are what enable us to continue making a positive impact on our students’ futures. Partnering with organizations like Merit Manitoba not only helps shape our students’ success and strengthen community connections, but also deepens our relationships with industry leaders,” says Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC Polytech. “This aligns perfectly with our commitments to address emerging needs, promote diversity, and foster broader partnerships and opportunities.” 

In recognition of this contribution, a classroom on the second level of the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (T building) at Notre Dame Campus has been named in recognition of Merit Contractors Association. 

Dedicated to supporting open-shop contractors in the province, Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba encourages young people to view trades as a valuable and rewarding career path.