Business Administration is one of the most flexible programs you can take at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech). Do you want to develop marketing skills? Or work in personal finance? Or perhaps own your own business – Business Administration can help you get there.

Carol Liang, an international student, and soon-to-be graduate from Business Administration, selected RRC Polytech’s Business Administration program to help build off her existing career in analytics and e-commerce.

“Gaining more financial knowledge will help me to combine my experience as an analyst and what I’m interested in to help organizations to make informed decisions,” said Carol.

Part of the reason for the success of Business Administration is because RRC Polytech prides itself on ensuring students use the same technology, programs, hardware, and tools they would use in the workplace, so they’re prepared from day one.

“As a new immigrant to Canada I didn’t know a lot of the financial policies, or how to do my taxes, so I learned all of that while I was at RRC Polytech. It was really rewarding for me,” said Carol.

Personal Financial Planning, a Business Administration final year course brings together everything that students have learned about financial planning – tax, insurance, estate, and retirement planning – and use this information to help solve client problems or determine the appropriate strategies for their clients.

“There are all these aspects of planning that students are trying to bring together. And if you can imagine trying to deal with those individually and using a calculator to do this, it becomes quite taxing and a lot of work,” said Bruce Eyford, Instructor, Personal Financial Planning.

Enter Conquest Planning.

Conquest Planning is a financial planning software that allows both financial planners and their clients to input financial data with the goal of delivering hyper-personalized advice and strategies that address consumers’ unique needs.

“If I trained students with outdated software, it wouldn’t give them a competitive advantage in the marketplace, so I wanted to make sure we used a product that was modern and state-of-the-art,” said Bruce.

Conquest, a Winnipeg based company, recently gifted RRC Polytech software for the Personal Financial Planning and Financial Selling courses, valued at $208,000 in support of RRC Polytech’s In Front of What’s Ahead comprehensive campaign.

“We believe that supporting the next generation of personal finance specialists is incredibly important, not only for the industry, but for the success of our communities,” said Brad Joudrie, Chief Revenue Officer, Conquest Planning. “Graduates from RRC Polytech will be using Conquest Planning as they progress in their financial planning careers, so providing them access while they were learning was an easy decision. The future of personal finance is changing but the value of advice is not. We’re committed to creating a better financial future for all by arming current and prospective advisors with the right resources to deliver meaningful personalized advice .”

Conquest Planning has been used in Personal Financial Planning since September of 2021 and was introduced to Financial Selling this past fall.

“I feel grateful that we have the chance to use Conquest Planning because, as I understand, this is an industry standard tool,” said Carol. “It’s very easy to use and user friendly and automatically creates chats and analysis that we would share with clients.”

Bruce agrees. “It’s an excellent program and has this AI strategic advice manager that really helps students because it makes recommendations for them to think about potential strategies,” added Bruce.

Conquest Planning has provided RRC Polytech full versions of the software that allows students to truly experience what the software can provide clients.

“I always want to prepare students to the best of their abilities and to be successful after graduation, and providing them access to Conquest Planning not only achieves this goal, but helps them better understand how artificial intelligence-powered tools represent the future of finance,” said Bruce.

Carol is currently looking for employment and is ready to take on whatever challenge comes her way. “I want to use what I learned at RRC Polytech and contribute to the company. I am looking for an analyst related role at a financial institution, I love working with data and with stakeholders and if I can combine all of this, I will feel very satisfied,” added Carol with a smile.

Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech (centred), and members of the Lenovo team with students from Pathway to IT.

A requirement for acceptance to the Pathway to Information Technology (Pathway to IT) program is to have access to a computer. Not just your uncle’s old computer that hasn’t been used for three years, but one with certain memory and speed requirements. Thanks to a recent donation from Lenovo of 43 laptops (ThinkBook 15 Gen4), valued at $50,000, Pathway to IT students, no longer need to worry about this requirement.

“I had taken my laptop to the people that I was applying to, to ask if my laptop is acceptable and if I can use it,” said Joshua Shuttleworth, current Pathway to Information Technology student. “Because I knew that I wasn’t about to go and buy a new laptop if mine wasn’t good enough.”

Joshua’s computer was deemed acceptable, but it was challenging for him and a classmate who both used computers with a different operating system.

“There’d be times when I was in class, and we’re trying to format this thing and the instructor would use keyboard shortcuts. And I would just manually go to where I had to go instead of using the shortcut, or I would quickly Google ‘how to do this on a different operating system’,” said Joshua as he chuckled about the memory.

Just over a month into the program, Joshua’s instructor began handing out Lenovo laptops to all students.

“I’ll admit at first, I was sketched out, and it took me awhile to understand that it was real, and we didn’t have to return [the computer] at the end. I was just very grateful, and it took a huge ease off my mind,” said Joshua.

“Our vision is to help create a world where every person has access to the technology that allows them to achieve their goals,” said Libby Richards, Community Engagement Manager, Lenovo. “Connecting students with technology is crucial in innovation and moving society forward. This program aligns with our goals and provides students with the foundational knowledge to be successful in the rapidly growing field of IT.”

Lenovo team members were able to tour Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and were able to see their gift in action, when meeting students in Pathway to IT.

“It’s clear to see why these students selected this program,” said Warren Beleyowski, Client Executive, MB/SK Public Sector, Lenovo Canada. “Providing them with laptops was an easy decision, as these students are going to be the ones who are meeting the ever-changing needs of tomorrow.”

Pathway to IT was created in partnership with RBC Future Launch as a preparatory and exploratory program to Indigenous Manitobans to succeed in post-secondary education and be ready for a career in information technology, information security, or IT operations.

Joshua joined Pathway to IT after hearing about it from his older sister who took Pathway to Business, Creative Communications and Digital Technology Programs.

“I tried university in 2018/2019 and I didn’t like it at all, but I really liked computer programming, which was one of the courses I took,” said Joshua. “My sister told me to check out the pathway programs and I found out about the Pathway to IT program, which was brand new, and I saw that it helps you get into Business Information Technology program after. They said you learn a lot about programming and software and computer stuff – and that was the stuff that I was interested in.”

Joshua is almost finished his first term of Pathway to IT, and once he’s completed, he’s planning on enrolling in RRC Polytech’s Business Information Technology program and eventually the Game Development – Programming program and hopes to work in game development one day.

Loewen apprentices in front of the display wall they created.

An apprentice at Red River College Polytechnic only spends a few weeks in the classroom – the rest of the time is paid, on-the-job training. Recently Loewen Windows and Doors (Loewen) donated a display of premium luxury windows and doors to the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre, these displays are used for in-classroom learning by apprentice students. Five Loewen apprentices spent part of their time in the classroom building the display wall.

“Seeing the product and actually getting to do the finished millwork was really cool,” says Ashely Berard, Apprentice Cabinetmaker. “It was a different take on what I would usually do.”

“Having the model and the wall provided was very helpful, because you learn how to work around the issues that you only read about,” added Josh Johnston, Apprentice Cabinetmaker.

As the leading manufacturer of premium windows and doors in North America, Loewen understands the importance of quality materials and skilled artisans who meticulously craft each made-to-order piece. Their commitment to expert craftspeople has continuously resulted in an award-winning business. Apprenticeship training provides on-the-job skill development at Loewen with levels of technical training at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech).

“Coming to the College allows you to go through the whole spectrum of jobs and techniques and you can try new things,” said Josh. “It helps to develop new skills and learn the theory compared to just building, so you can adapt your knowledge that you’ve read into actual work you do.”

Ashley and Josh just completed their second level of training and are currently working full-time at Loewen before they return to RRC Polytech to complete their third of four levels this fall.

“Loewen works hard to create a culture where team members succeed,” said Todd LeRoy, Vice President, Manufacturing, Loewen. “We know that apprenticeship students have the know-how to be successful when they get here and we’re ready to help them grow into whatever role they’re hoping to achieve as their careers develop.”

Loewen’s apprentices are offered a top-up program where they can earn 95 percent of their wages while attending RRC Polytech for approved apprenticeship programs.

“When you go back to work [at Loewen], you’re utilizing all the things that you’ve learned in school and you’re like ‘oh, wow, why didn’t I think about doing it this way before?’ and you’re using your skills and you can feel and see your own progression, which is so important,” said Ashley. “Having the school experience give you the standards of what things should be, and it helps you connect your skills and quality with things like time management. School helps put it into perspective.”

Loewen recently pledged $40,000 towards RRC Polytech’s In Front of What’s Ahead campaign over the next five years. Funds will be used towards three key funding priorities including transforming learning and research spaces, amplifying RRC Polytech’s impact and enhancing the student experience.

“Partners like Loewen make such a difference to the College,” said Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades & Technologies. “They not only provide apprenticeship opportunities, but they employ apprentices through their training and beyond; they have truly invested in the College’s future for all students.”

RRC Polytech currently offers over 35 apprenticeship trades through Apprenticeship Manitoba including three programs that partner with Loewen. Loewen has opportunities for students in almost all business areas, but consistently employs engineering, drafting, and marketing graduates.

“Our partnership with RRC Polytech isn’t just about filling vacancies,” said Carrie Jones, Director, Human Resources, Loewen. “Our partnership means we can invest in our community and support students in their education and in their career. Our province is changing and that means we need to support the future of today’s learners.”

Only through partnerships with companies like Loewen is RRC Polytech able to provide access to training, supports and certification of skilled students to help meet the needs of Manitoba.

Richard Chisel felt a pull to pursue the Environmental Engineering Technology program at RRC Polytech. It wasn’t the prospect of employment or his passion for chemistry – it was his Indigenous culture.

“The whole field gets me right in the heart, being Indigenous, we’re supposed to be land defenders, and yet corporations are polluting the lands and only getting minor fines for doing so much damage,” said Richard. “There should be more responsibility to the damage done.”

His path to RRC Polytech wasn’t linear, but that’s what makes Richard so passionate. Richard suffers from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and is on medication to manage the trauma he experienced at a young age. After run-ins with law enforcement and feeling held back, Richard made a choice to do something different.

“I grew up in the North End [of Winnipeg] and I saw a lot of stuff happen when I was younger,” said Richard. “And when I got older, I started looking into education – I wanted to be able to support myself and realized it was time to get educated.”

Richard started his journey at RRC Polytech with the Pathway program, which he said prepared him to enter the Environmental Engineering Technology program. Pathway programs help to provide the skills and support needed to transition into college programs.

“The Indigenous supports that are available are amazing and they go above and beyond to make sure that you fully understand the content,” said Richard of his favourite part of studying at RRC Polytech.

Richard is currently working on a project for one of his classes where he’s reviewing the Brady Landfill’s plan to have a greater focus on composting.

“I love chemistry, I excelled in chemistry, and I made the decision to purse this field because it made sense – environmental organic chemistry – it just seemed to fit,” said Richard. “After I’m done at RRC Polytech, I think I want to take the joint program called Applied Environmental Sciences.” 

With graduation only being one year away, Richard is getting ready for what’s next.

“I want to help counteract climate change by reducing emissions from waste,” said Richard. His passion coming through as he goes on to explain the damage people are committing. “By educating people to reduce the amount of waste and begin composting, things can be processed in a controlled environment and the gases are captured and used for energy,” Richard shared.

With no shortage of future plans, Richard is incredibly grateful to Akman Construction for a $1,500 scholarship towards his program.

“I would like to thank Akman Construction for selecting me as a recipient of this award. The additional financial support contributed to my learning outcomes by assisting with my medication costs which aided in regulating my sleep schedule and helped me focus on my learning,” said Richard.

Richard is the first recipient of the Akman Construction Environmental Engineering Technology award. The award is given to a student who has a focus on the environment and sustainability. Akman Construction recently pledged $150,000 to RRC Polytech to create the scholarship as well as support for the College’s In Front of What’s Ahead Comprehensive Campaign.

“Akman Construction is proud of our commitment to LEED goals in building construction, and we believe being sustainable is imperative to our company,” said Jared Akman, Director of Operations, Akman Construction. “Richard is the perfect recipient of our first award. He truly embodies the spirit of building a sustainable community. I look forward to working with him one day.”

In 2018, Akman Construction began working on RRC Polytech’s newest building, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, which one of the most innovative buildings in Canada featuring little to no carbon emissions. Another stipulation in this project was the Indigenous Employment Strategy, which ensured that 20 per cent of all workers were to be of Indigenous decent – Akman Construction went beyond that, estimating 45 per cent Indigenous participation, as well as offering training, support, and mentorship for those on site – many of whom are RRC Polytech grads. 

“We are constantly looking for talented people who share our values when it comes to sustainable construction, and the grads that come from RRC Polytech constantly meet the industry needs,” said Akman. “We are excited to be supporting the next generation of students who will shape the future of construction in Manitoba.”

Akman Construction was established in 1912 by the Akman family after Aaron Akman immigrated to Winnipeg from Russia and has been a family business for over 100 years. Akman Construction began by constructing single family homes and has grown to develop residential apartment building and several commercial projects across Manitoba, including RRC Polytech’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and Roblin Centre at the Exchange District Campus and the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre at the Notre Dame Campus. Akman Construction has been a proud supporter of RRC Polytech since 2002.

“Snow-body” embraces winter fun and teamwork like our students, faculty and staff – now here’s your chance to prove it!  

You’re invited to team up with your classmates, colleagues or co-workers to create an epic snow sculpture at NDC for a chance to win cash and prizes in RRC Polytech’s Snowbuilding Contest.

Our goal is to create a welcoming “snow village” along Route 90 in front of the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology and Research Centre (VTRC) and near the main entrance off Notre Dame Avenue.

• Staff, students and faculty are encouraged to register teams (family members are welcome to participate) and make use of snow reserves that our facilities staff will stockpile nearby to build their creations.
• Deadline to register is Friday, February 10^th at noon.
• Snow building for the contest can take place at the assigned locations any time between February 13 at 8:00am and February 16 at 12:00pm.
• Snap a photo of your finished work of art and submit your entry by noon on February 16.
• Winners will be announced at a lunch hour wrap up celebration on Friday, February 17 at NDC. Chili, soup, and hot beverages will be provided.

What you build is totally up to you. A classic Frosty-style snowperson is a great place to start – but here in Manitoba, we continually prove that creativity never freezes, so all entries that are made out of snow will have an opportunity to win.

You must register properly to be eligible to win prizes. Assemble your team, collect each member’s email address and decide on a team name. Elect a team captain who will formally register your group. Prize money will be awarded to the captain on behalf of the team. You may also register as an individual.

A full list of rules and regulations for participants can be found here.  

Our judge is Maria den Oudsten, a generous member of our donor community who has a passion for snow and has been organizing similar competitions through her Sweet Sorrow Snowman Foundation for years. Her main goal with these competitions is to raise awareness about global warming and to encourage climate action around the world.

Her family’s generosity for helping spread the word is extended to you in the way of prize money for the most creative, elaborate and impressive designs.

The winning team at NDC will split $1000 and the runners-up will be awarded $500.  Eight more prizes of $250 will be won by participating teams selected at random. If you register and submit an entry your team will be entered in the draw, so everyone has a chance to cash in – Snow Me the Money!

*Teams from EDC are encouraged to come to NDC to build your masterpieces where space and snow are more accessible. Teams from Stevenson and some of our regional campuses can take part at designated locations on their property. The top snow sculpture built by a team away from NDC could also win $500 and all registered teams are eligible for the eight randomly drawn prizes.        

Our Advancement Team will gather other prizes and souvenir shwag to reward your efforts, but every participant will feel like a winner as you show off your creativity and collaboration skills, enjoy a break from your daily routine, beautify the campus and encourage climate action around the world.

Our Culture Champions network is engaged, eager to connect and excited to see your creations during this friendly competition.   

Our partners from Peak of the Market have even generously donated carrots that will be available at NDC upon request, if your snowperson is in need of a nose!   

There is snow time to waste, so choose your “winspiration” – an animal, an object, a landmark, a symbol, a vehicle, a superhero or an abstract interpretation of a feeling or emotion – big, small, short or tall, we’ve got enough snow to build them all!

You’re invited to team up with your classmates, colleagues or co-workers to create an epic snow sculpture at Notre Dame Campus (NDC) for a chance to win cash and prizes in RRC Polytech’s Snowbuilding Contest – Snow Me the Money!

Our goal is to create a welcoming “snow village” along Route 90 in front of the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology and Research Centre (VTRC) and near the main entrance off Notre Dame Avenue.

You must register properly to be eligible to win prizes.

Assemble your team, collect each member’s email address and decide on a team name.

Elect a team captain who will formally register your group by completing the entry form that includes each team member’s name and email address.

Prize money will be awarded to the captain on behalf of the team.

Team captains must be a student or staff member at RRC Polytech, but anyone is eligible to participate as a team member: family members, friends, etc.

There is no limit on the number of members per team.

Your team must answer the skill-testing question of (12 × 5) – (16 ÷ 4) =? that is provided on the entry form to be eligible for the randomly drawn prizes.

You may also register as an individual.

Deadline to register is Friday, February 10^th 2023 at noon CT.

Teams are encouraged to make use of snow reserves that our facilities staff will stockpile at NDC to build their creations.

Snow building for the contest can take place at the assigned locations any time starting at 8:00am CT on February 13, 2023 and ending at 12:00pm CT on February 16, 2023.

Teams from EDC are encouraged to come to NDC to build your masterpieces where space and snow are more accessible.

Teams from Stevenson and some of our regional campuses can take part at designated locations on their property and submit their remote entries.

Snap a photo of your finished work of art and submit your entry to Taryn Michie tmichie@rrc.ca by noon CT on February 16, 2023.

Winners will be announced at a lunch hour wrap up celebration at NDC on Friday, February 17, 2023.

Participants must not interfere with the building of competing sculptures or deface, devalue, or destroy them in any matter.

Sculptures will not be monitored and contest organizers are not responsible for any random acts of vandalism.

No power tools can be used in the construction of your sculptures.

Participants who fail to comply with RRC Polytech’s safety guidelines and our respectful College and legal policies as outlined at RRC.ca may be removed from the contest.

No need to purchase anything from the College and no fee will be charged to enter this contest.

Prize Structure

$1000 for the most creative, elaborate and impressive design at NDC as judged by Maria den Oudsten.

$500 for the Runners-up at NDC as judged by Maria den Oudsten.

$500 for Maria den Oudsten’s favorite build away from NDC.

Eight prizes of $250 for registered teams (any campus) selected by random draw.

The odds of winning the grand prizes or raffle are dependent upon the number of entrants.

Additional prizes may include donated souvenir plates, small amount gift cards and various small tokens of participation.

Manitoba’s skilled trades and technology sector is experiencing significant labour shortages, and RRC Polytech graduates – including those from underrepresented groups – are the key to sustaining and strengthening its workforce.

That was the message delivered to more than 250 students attending the kick-off event for National Skilled Trade and Technology Week at the Notre Dame Campus on November 2. A panel of industry reps who spoke at the event said they hope to build a stronger workforce by embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) across the sector.

For instance, speakers at the event described how companies are changing the way they operate – by designing gender-appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment, updating hiring practices and policies, supporting employees from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and more.

“So much has changed in our industry over the past 10 years. Companies have come to recognize that a strong, sustainable future depends on attracting and supporting people from groups often underrepresented in the trades, including women, Indigenous people, new Canadians, and people with disabilities,” says Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC Polytech. “As Manitoba’s only polytechnic, we have a critical role to play in bridging those gaps.”

The event was sponsored by RBC Future Launch as part of its Reaction By Collision series in partnership with RRC Polytech. Its goal was to build connections between skilled trades and technologies students and representatives from 16 companies that hire graduates in those fields.

“The world needs talent who believe in the power of their dreams like never before.  Canada stands at the cross-roads as we look to a horizon with the potential to shine bright through a restart,” shares Raj Patel, Vice President, RBC.  “To reach this horizon, Canada needs the people and skills to build and innovate for the future economy.  This is particularly true when speaking to skilled trades and technology.  But none of us can go it alone.  We are at our absolute best when we go together. That is why we at RBC proudly partner with Red River College Polytechnic in delivering RBC Reaction by Collision.”

One of the event panelists was Jamie McMillan from KickAss Careers, who became an ironworker in 2002 when women only represented two per cent of the workforce across Canada and the United States.  She talked about the strong determination it took to keep going and the people who didn’t let her give up.

For CNC Machinist Technician student Jesse Lindsey, the event affirmed his own convictions about the importance of EDI in the workplace.

“An interest in working with your hands is not limited to any sex, race, or creed,” he says. “I’m happy to see those who would otherwise feel unwelcome be encouraged to follow their passion.”

Automotive Technician student Mithat Singh says she spoke to several industry reps who highlighted promising career opportunities for women in a range of fields. She moved to Canada from India for a hands-on education that would hit the gas on her employment options.

“I’m the only woman in my class, but I’m treated like an equal. I’m excited that I could turn my love of luxury sports cars into a career after this.”

For Automotive Technician student Leon Mann, the event opened his eyes to opportunities outside his field he might consider pursuing after he graduates.

“My ultimate goal, however, is to return to my home community in Lake Manitoba First Nation with the certification I need to run my own garage and pass on what I’ve learned to others.” On the same day, RBC Future Launch also sponsored a parallel event at RRC Polytech’s Stevenson Aviation Winnipeg campus. There, panelists and representatives from several local, national, and international aviation, aerospace, and manufacturing companies underscored the wealth of opportunities available for qualified workers in those fields and related disciplines.

Do you have the top job skills employees will need in the year 2025?

Students in Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) Business, Information Technology, Creative Communications, and Indigenous Education programs had the chance to find out at a unique roundtable event on November 3.

Part of RRC Polytech’s annual Directions Conference, the roundtable session moved students through a series of intensive discussions with local industry experts about the attributes needed to succeed in their chosen field as businesses respond to constant economic and technological change.

“You don’t have to be strong in every area, but you need to know where to put in the most work to build those muscles,” says Business Information Technology (BIT) student Don Zhu, a member of the conference’s planning team.

For instance, building up leadership, negotiation, and communication skills can put  students ahead of job candidates or coworkers who struggle to demonstrate those qualities.

The roundtables were sponsored by RBC Future Launch as part of its Reaction by Collision initiative, a partnership between RBC and RRC Polytech aimed at helping students expand their networks, explore roles in various fields, and discover how industry is innovating and solving problems.

 “Opportunity is that special space where we can create exciting new tomorrows for ourselves today,” shares Laurie Cox, RBC Community Manager. “Opportunity is ours for the taking by knowing our worth and stepping outside of our comfort zone to form new connections.  A spark of opportunity also goes by another name – RBC Reaction by Collision.  It is the spark that brings industry and students together in a collision to grow networks and launch careers.”

More than 1,000 students and 200 industry representatives took part in this year’s conference. During the roundtable event, students circulated between four tables according to their field of interest while exploring four different skill areas in 25-minute sessions. Planners assigned topics to the experts hosting each table according to the skillsets most relevant to their industry.

“Diplomats”, for instance, promoted the value of leadership and negotiation in their field, while “Analysts” highlighted the importance of analytic thinking and problem solving. “Explorers” emphasized the need for employees capable of critical thinking and creativity. “Sentinels” championed resilience and emotional intelligence.

The roundtables also presented an invaluable opportunity for students to network with potential employers, and for industry representatives to get to know future candidates.

“This was the first in-person Directions Conference since the pandemic, and the energy was unbeatable,” says Amanda Gibson, a Business Administration student and planning team member.

Students eager to know more lined up to ask questions during the conference’s breakout sessions, where experts discussed topics such as growth and strategy, entrepreneurship, inclusive and diverse leadership, and digital transformation.

Students were also active on social media during the event, sharing their experiences and connecting with companies attending the conference, says Business Technology Management (BTM) student Victoria Llumiquinga Zaldumbide, who helped manage the conference’s marketing and social media.

In fact, Directions 2022 had students included in every aspect of planning and executing the event. A team of 60 volunteers managed everything from marketing and hospitality to session moderation and risk management.

“The college gave us the freedom to focus on topics we could relate to, and people really responded,” says Victoria.

One of those topics was the conference’s theme, Smashing Stereotypes, the focus of the morning’s panel discussion where speakers demolished preconceptions about the kind of people who work in particular fields and the pathways that lead to success.

BIT student and event volunteer Sam Lee says she was inspired by keynote speakers Cassandra and Stefanie Lepp, founders of The Tulepps, a grain farming operation in southwestern Manitoba.

“They smashed the stereotype that only men can run farms, drive trucks, get their hands greasy. They taught me that the worst anyone can say to me is no – and if they do, I go on to the next person until someone says yes and takes a chance on me. That was incredibly empowering.”

As 2022 comes to an end and Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) In Front of What’s Ahead comprehensive campaign turns one, we want to take a moment to thank you for your kindness and support. Your generosity is supporting a new generation of learners at RRC Polytech, while creating a better province for all Manitobans.

In just one year since publicly launching our fundraising campaign, staff, alumni, parents, friends, and countless supporters have embraced our bold course forward and we have raised $31.5 million towards our $60 million goal. Thank you for being a part of the largest fundraising initiative in our history.

Our goal this year was to increase campaign awareness with our community. It is with much gratitude and joy, we announce that our College community engaged more than 2,000 conversations around partnerships this year, which resulted in more than 700 supporters of our Comprehensive Campaign and over 300 of those being new donors to RRC Polytech. That’s more than 2,000 opportunities that are having a direct impact and helping us share the incredible accomplishments happening on campus, which include:

• hosting the largest-ever Directions conference which saw more than 1,000 students making connections with potential employers;
• funding of a first-in-Manitoba Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and Community Services Simulation Centre where students will be able to train in an immersive lab that simulates real-life scenarios, mock disasters, in-home emergencies and care in community health spaces;
• and supporting 4,438 students with scholarships, awards, and bursaries, including 54 new awards. For one example, read about the impact donor funded scholarships have on students like Manjar Kaur, recent Electrical Engineering Technology graduate.
• With the support of a donor, we have created a new Indigenous Pathway to Information Technology program, providing the opportunity for Indigenous students who are interested in computers and technology to jumpstart their post-secondary education and prepare for a rewarding and challenging career in information technology.

Your generous support has taught our students that we can achieve amazing things when we work collaboratively and with intention toward common goals.

While we still have important work ahead of us and many critical targets to reach, we are grateful for the support of our staff, donors, alumni and friends. Only through your investment is RRC Polytech able to produce job-ready graduates, who are ready to be tomorrow’s innovators, professionals, leaders and change makers. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students and we invite you to celebrate our donor community here.  

Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,
Fred Meier, President & CEO and David Petis, Executive Director, Advancement

“Donors like you make life brighter for us and I can only hope that one day, I too will be able to bring a smile to future students.”

Scholarship recipient

“Thank you so much for everyone’s generosity who made this bursary possible and was able to provide a student like me support.”

Scholarship recipient

“It was January 2020 when I arrived for my education,” said Manraj Kaur, former international student and Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) Electrical Engineering Technology graduate, “And right after COVID hit.”

Some students would be nervous about starting an engineering program without the support of their family in a new country with a global pandemic on the horizon – but not Manraj. Her family back home owns a company that makes different kinds of roads, so she was raised in an environment with large machinery and mechanical work.

“I always wanted to be an engineer, and I chose electrical because that was the one which fascinated me most,” said Manraj. “[and] RRC Polytech makes you ready for the after-school things,” said Manraj on why she enrolled at RRC Polytech and how she knew she would be ready to hit the ground running after she finished her program.

When asked about her favourite part of learning at RRC Polytech, Manraj quickly responded with the instructors.

“The teachers would give you thousands of assignments, and as a student you feel like you couldn’t do them, but then they always help you push through it. So, the teachers give you work and motivate you at the same time,” said Manraj.

Manraj received four scholarships while studying at RRC Polytech, including two general awards that are fully supported by individual donors. Your support on Giving Tuesday goes towards furthering these awards and supporting the next generation of learners.

“There’s so many other things we are a part of at the college, you’re not just developing your hard skills, but the soft skills that you get from talking to other people, going to events, and other things,” said Manraj about her experience at RRC Polytech over the last three years.

Manraj is currently employed as a Junior Electrical Designer with a new job lined up next week as a Junior Electrical Technologist.

“It’s just the start of my career and it sometimes feels overwhelming because I am the least experienced person working here. I constantly apply what I learned in school, but I am also constantly learning. I want to be good at what I do, and obviously the more experience you have, the more valued you are,” said Manraj when asked what she wanted to achieve now that she’d graduated.

It has been one year since launching RRC Polytech’s largest fundraising initiative where staff, alumni, parents, friends, and countless supporters have embraced the College’s commitment to transform today’s learners into a force for change. Your generosity shows students that we can achieve amazing things when we work collaboratively toward common goals.

Manraj is just one example of this force for change. Just before getting ready to cross the stage and collect her diploma a few weeks ago, she shared her appreciation of the financial support she received with the donors who made it possible, and more recently she shared why she thinks it’s important that RRC Polytech’s community support the College.

“Giving to RRC Polytech is basically giving to yourself, and students in return. The students coming out of [the College] are gonna be the future of Canada, I would say at least Manitoba. So, it’s like investing into your own city’s future,” said Manraj. “Some students want to study but then due to resources, lack of money, they are not able to. But they have the potential to do everything. It’s not like donating to RRC Polytech – it’s like donating to society.”

Only with donors is RRC Polytech able to produce job-ready graduates, who are ready to be tomorrow’s innovators, professionals, leaders and change makers. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us, there’s another day to celebrate – Giving Tuesday.

During this time of year, Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the season, and support RRC Polytech and creating a positive impact on the next generation.

Click here to give today.