The continued invasion of Ukraine is felt across the world – millions have fled their homes, countless have been evacuated, and others face threats to life. Manitobans are feeling the stress and anguish watching events unfold from afar, all while worrying about family and friends in Ukraine.

RRC Polytech is working to support international students from Ukraine studying in Manitoba. There are currently seven students from Ukraine with a combined tuition of $150,000 who need your support.

We are asking our RRC Polytech community to help students enduring financial hardship due to the war by donating today. Your support will provide resources to the Ukrainian students studying here, while directly impacted by the invasion of their home overseas. Helping others is what we do as Manitobans – please lend your support today.

If you donate before March 31, 2022, the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative (MBSI) will contribute an additional $0.50 to support domestic students for every $1.00 given. This allows you to help even more students in need.

The devastation in Ukraine is not the first-time international students studying at RRC Polytech have been impacted by war. We are committed to supporting international and refugee students in humanitarian crises and emergencies and will continue to make sure aid is provided when needed.

Additional funds beyond the $150,000 goal will be directed to a new fund to support international students, including refugees experiencing humanitarian crises from around the world.

Donating is simple, see options below:

Online (please designate your gift to Ukrainian Student Support)

by phone by calling 204-619-0139

By mail:
RRC Polytech Development Office
C306-2055 Notre Dame Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9

RRC Polytech is fortunate to have a robust community of International students who share their unique perspectives and skills – making Manitoba a better place. With your gift today, students who are experiencing war and other humanitarian crises will be help through additional funding, resources and supports.

Sparks fly between students and industry at Inspire Conference

Jennifer Jimenez had no idea a career at Google was even a possibility for someone living and studying in Winnipeg – until a happy “collision” at RRC Polytech’s Inspire Conference showed her otherwise.

A Business Information Technology (BIT) student, Jimenez says she’d been leaning towards a career in software development, technical writing, maybe project management. But a chance conversation with an employee from Google Cloud who was also attending the conference opened her eyes to more possibilities than she’d ever thought possible.

“That was really awesome and inspiring,” she says. “I’ll be applying to Google when I graduate.”

Applied Computer Education (ACE) instructor Laurie Cutrone says the goal of Inspire, a day-long event that took place on March 10, was to create collisions like these between students in RRC Polytech’s ACE department (of which BIT is a part), and the seasoned information technology professionals attending panel discussions and networking sessions.

“IT is a field that is constantly changing, and hungry for new people,” says Cutrone. “Creating these connections or collisions for our students makes the real world they’ll be entering into a little less intimidating. We want students to gain a deeper understanding of their field from the people already working in it. And we want to give those seasoned professionals a sneak peek at the next crop of student talent. The benefit is mutual.”

Inspire was sponsored by RBC Future Launch as part of its Reaction by Collision initiative that RBC and RRC Polytech have partnered on. The purpose of RBC Reaction by Collision is to enable students to expand their networks, see themselves represented in various fields, and spend time hearing how industry is approaching innovation, solving problems and what are the sought-after skills.  Tech Manitoba provided additional in-kind sponsorship. Cutrone says the “reaction by collision” mantra inspired organizers to seek out ways to “create as many collisions as possible” between learners and established professionals, from interactive platform discussions about innovation to speed networking sessions.

“Research shows that 85% of people acquire jobs because of who they know,” says Jackie Romans, Vice President, RBCx.  Supporting Reaction by Collision with students and industry is instrumental in helping students expand their networks.  We’re excited to be working with RRC Polytechnic to showcase what can happen when we empower and enable young people to be future ready,” said Romans.  “RBC Future Launch seeks to bring Canada together around the potential of youth by collaborating and supporting programs that provide access to work integrated learning, future skill development, mentors, and resources for youth mental wellness.

More than 600 students and 115 industry professionals attended the virtual event. In addition to sparking collisions between people and ideas, Cutrone says she and fellow organizer Manuel Castellon made it the event’s mission to inspire students about their future careers.

To that end, they lined up an impressive list of industry and alumni panelists. The virtual format made it possible to include speakers from across Canada, the United States, and Europe – something that otherwise might not have been possible.

“Watching the alumni panel talk about their journeys helped me see myself in their shoes,” says Jimenez. “They’ve been where I am now, and I could imagine reaching their position later in my career. And listening to panelists like Al McLeod, Adam Gerhard, Leanne Jones and Dawn Benarksi talk about innovation from their respective fields gave me ideas on how to apply innovation to my own path.”

Cutrone says the conference’s third goal was to give students valuable hands-on work experience organizing and running the event itself. Students prepared and coordinated speakers, moderated discussions, developed documentation and instructions for the online event platform, marketed the conference on social media, and more. Student volunteers worked out of the new Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building throughout the conference.

Jennifer Jimenez says she was so impressed by the work her peers put into running the event that she’s considering volunteering next year.

A self-described introvert, she also appreciated the lengths organizers went to encourage participation and engagement from everyone. Throughout the day-long event, attendees could rack up points and win prizes based on the number of interactions they engaged in, including answering polls, asking questions, leaving comments, ranking questions for panelists, and uploading photos and videos.

“It really appealed to the gamer in me,” she laughs. “And it ultimately led to me connecting with the attendee from Google. I can’t wait to see where it leads.”

Watch portions of the 2022 Inspire Conference:

Welcome
RBC Reaction by Collision Panel
Alumni Panel

Visit The Inspire Conference YouTube channel for the complete conference.

An annual award in memory of RRC Polytech alumnus, Carl Ballegeer, will support an Apprentice Sheet Metal student who excels at problem solving, creativity, and teamwork; one who is passionate about their career; and who displays a strong work ethic and positive attitude.

Carl attended RRC Polytech right out of high school, working for a local heating and cooling company, while at the same time pursuing an apprenticeship path that earned him his journeyman and Red Seal designations in 2004. He then started his own company: Ballegeer Heating and Cooling.

Carl spent countless hours teaching and mentoring his younger colleagues and took great pride in his work and his career. His passion and work ethic earned him the respect of everyone he worked with and inspired family and friends to establish this award, which supports skilled tradespeople in training who share and who demonstrate Carl’s values.

“Thank you to Carl’s family and friends for their generosity in creating this award. Students who attend construction trades programs at RRC Polytech show up every day with the willingness to learn and demonstrate their skills. Hands-on applied learning is critical in the trades, and awards like this make it possible for students to focus on their training. In my years working at the College I’ve seen how this kind of support can take the weight off someone’s shoulders, and help a struggling student become a leader in the classroom and their careers.”

Guy Poirier, Chair, Construction Trades at RRC Polytech

Support Carl’s Legacy

Please donate today to the Carl Robert Ballegeer Memorial Award and help support the future generation of skilled tradespeople who, like Carl, pursue their career training with passion, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude.  

You can contribute to the Carl Robert Ballegeer Memorial Award and strengthen the impact of his legacy by donating in the following ways:

Online (please designate your gift in memory of Carl Ballegeer)

by phone by calling 204-619-0139

By mail:

RRC Polytech Development Office
C306-2055 Notre Dame Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9

Award Description

This $1,000 annual award, in memory of RRC Polytech alumnus and entrepreneur, Carl Robert Ballegeer (1980–2020), celebrates friendship and highlights a student passionate about their career; one who excels at problem solving, creativity, and teamwork, while displaying a strong work ethic and positive attitude.

The successful candidate will be an Apprentice Sheet Metal student who has displayed the above qualities, as selected by the faculty.

On November 30, 2021, we launched In Front of What’s Ahead, the single largest fundraising campaign in RRC Polytech’s history. This event outlined a bold new vision: one that calls upon people like you to be the change we want to see in our province. The change we so urgently need.

By helping us transform our learning spaces, attract research talent, and enhance our student experience, you will create more pathways for students and industry partners to make a meaningful difference in our communities and around the world.

This campaign is your opportunity to shape the next generation of skilled professionals, problem solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs, community leaders.

At this event, our community heard from four alumni speakers whose lives have been changed by their experiences at RRC Polytech.

Chef Joseph Alex, a graduate of our Culinary Arts program, shares the story of how RRC Polytech helped him transform a Grade 9 education and limited restaurant experience into a professional career, and inspired him to give back – by teaching Indigenous culinary arts students how to realize their own dreams.

Allison Enns tells the story of how RRC Polytech said YES when other post-secondary institutions said NO to her learning disabilities, opening the door to a career in civil engineering that has allowed her work on innovative, high-profile building projects.

Sean Rayland, now a successful entrepreneur and full-time business owner with his own line of streetwear, explains how our Social Innovation and Community Development program gave him a second chance in life after a struggle with gangs, drugs, and time in prison.

Yuriy Hlukh P.Eng. recounts how RRC Polytech’s language skills and engineering technology programs made it possible for him to overcome communication challenges and build on his previous education in Ukraine to become a manager and project engineer, stewarding some of Manitoba’s largest Infrastructure projects.

When it comes to mapping out the road ahead while leaving a lasting legacy in Manitoba for its staff and future employees, Birchwood is a driving force.

Manitoba’s largest auto group is once again generously supporting RRC Polytech automotive students through the Birchwood Automotive endowment fund while simultaneously recognizing some of its dedicated, long-serving staff.

“We wanted to give with a purpose and create a lasting legacy for our team members while giving back to our community,” says MaryAnn Kempe, Birchwood’s chief human resources officer. “We’re excited for the graduates, their futures, and our entire industry, it’s an exciting time to be part of the automotive sector.”

In 2016, Birchwood Automotive started the endowment fund at RRC Polytech with a $30,000 donation, with future contributions dedicated to retiring long-serving team members.

Recently, Birchwood contributed $10,000 to recognize the retirement of long-time parts manager Jess Bowyer. More than 45 years ago, Bowyer began his automotive career as a parts consultant and then later promoted to parts manager and served in this role at several dealerships, most recently at Birchwood Infiniti Nissan.

“Jess spent many years serving Birchwood customers with dedication; he exemplifies our principles and values by his professionalism, commitment to his team and customers, and service to our community,” says Kempe.

Above all, Kempe says, Bowyer’s tenure at Birchwood will be best remembered for the way he helped new hires learn the ropes.

“His legacy was his ability and willingness to mentor and teach new people,” Kempe says, noting Bowyer likely trained “hundreds” of new service and parts team members over the course of his lengthy career.

The endowment fund is available to students graduating from the Automotive Technician Certificate program. To qualify, students must show satisfactory academic achievement and leadership qualities.

Since it was established, the Birchwood Automotive endowment fund has helped pave the way for 10 RRC Polytech Automotive Technician Certificate students as they continue the road with further training, which can include an additional one-year RRC Polytech diploma program and several years of apprenticeship.

The endowment fund is one of many ways that Birchwood has provided support to the RRC Polytech community. A long-time partner of the Automotive Technician programs, Birchwood accepts students on work experience placements, provides dealership tours, and participates in both classroom visits and recruitment sessions.

A supporter of the Manitoba Skills Competition since its inception, Birchwood generously supplies new vehicles for the annual April event, hosted at RRC Polytech, and every year, the company sends several team members to help judge the competition.

“We really appreciate the relationship with RRC Polytech and what the College offers for Manitoba,” Kempe says.

This strong partnership is “a two-way street,” says RRC Polytech Transportation Program Coordinator Dustin Blackwell, noting Birchwood is a major supporter of the College’s automotive programs.

“We connect our industry partners like Birchwood with students who’ve had hands-on, practical training in our workshop, and they provide the opportunity for our students to gain industry work experience, apprenticeships and ultimately, quality jobs,” says Blackwell.

Learn more about Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries, including how to apply.

Fortinet donates $150,000 to RRC Polytech information security program

As cyberattacks continue to make headlines around the world, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions is fighting back – by supporting Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) security program with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

Fortinet provides cybersecurity solutions to some of the world’s largest enterprises, service providers, and government organizations. This month, the firm stepped forward with a $150,000 donation to RRC Polytech that will place tomorrow’s cybersecurity professionals at the leading edge.

A long-time partner of RRC Polytech, the company is investing most of its donation into the Fortinet Information Security Classroom, a state-of-the-art new facility located on the third floor of Manitou a bi Bii daazigae (formerly known as the Innovation Centre).

“It’s critical for information security students to gain direct, hands-on experience working with equipment they’ll be using throughout their careers to fight the increasing global cyber threat,” says Rob Rashotte, vice-president of Fortinet’s NSE (Network Security Expert) Training Institute.

But the rise in cyberattacks is only part of the problem. The war is now being waged on the home front as well, thanks to the growing number of employees working from home offices.

“Businesses of all shapes and sizes are coming to recognize the impact of cybersecurity on their operations,” says Rashotte. “The threat landscape keeps changing, which places huge demands on IT departments who are now having to act as cybersecurity operations. The problem is, there simply aren’t enough people working in cybersecurity to meet the growing size and complexity of the challenges we face.”

Fortinet has ambitious plans to fill these skills and workforce gaps. In addition to expanding its public awareness and outreach efforts, the company recently pledged to train one million people in cybersecurity over the next five years. Fortinet already supports educational institutions worldwide through a variety of programs, and by providing institutions with access to its NSE Certification Program content.

“Investing in programs at post-secondary institutions like RRC Polytech helps us achieve our mutual goals even faster,” says Al Nasturzio, the NSE Training Institute’s director of programs and partnerships. “It takes time to develop new programs and adapt old ones to current realities. RRC Polytech is already doing that work, and doing it well. Our investment will enhance RRC Polytech’s proven expertise in delivering applied, hands-on training by providing access to our equipment, as well as to career development opportunities.”

Fortinet’s Security Academy Program bridges the gap between learning and careers through access to industry-recognized training and certification courses. The Security Academy Program collaborates with higher education institutions and schools around the world to help learners become skilled cybersecurity professionals.

That includes veterans, women and minorities, who often don’t think of cybersecurity when considering careers, or encounter barriers to accessing the training they need to pursue such a career. According to one study, for instance, women make up approximately 25 per cent of the cybersecurity workforce while minorities make up only 26 per cent.

Melonia da Gama, Fortinet’s director of marketing for the NSE Training Institute, says partnering with RRC Polytech will boost the company’s ability to attract more people from under-represented groups.

“RRC Polytech is already doing so much to reach women and minorities by removing barriers and enhancing access to its programs. That helps us close the workforce gap while ensuring tomorrow’s workforce reflects the full diversity of the communities we serve.”

After waiting nearly four years, Mhamad Dale Aldale is in Canada and pursuing his dream career, thanks to the support of RRC Polytech’s Student Refugee Program (SRP).

Aldale, who goes by Dali, had what he humorously calls a “double personality” before arriving in Winnipeg this August, as he had passions in both humanitarian and engineering fields. Now, he’s decided to go for the latter in the College’s Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) program, where the 24-year-old Syrian native is finishing up his first semester.

“It was a tough decision for me, but when I arrived here, I finally made it,” he says.

In August, Aldale arrived in Canada from Jordan, where he’d spent the last eight years since leaving Syria. During that time, he studied for his future and began to figure out his career goals — including work with an NGO and taking online courses exploring electronics and artificial intelligence.

“I’ve been well prepared, because I heard that if you’re applying for something that you’re passionate about, you should start reading and looking things up. I had that base knowledge before I arrived in Canada and all of that has paid off,” he says.

The journey to get to Winnipeg was a complicated one, with over 24 hours of travel plus COVID-19 testing and paperwork every step of the way. After arriving at James Richardson Airport, though, Aldale says he definitely sensed a new beginning.

“Once I arrived, I was very satisfied that it had come through and I felt good about opening a new chapter in my life.”

The College’s Student Refugee Program was launched in 2015, when the first sponsored student arrived from Malawi, Africa. A joint initiative between Student Services, the RRC Students’ Association and World University Service of Canada (WUSC), the program provides a 12-month scholarship for one sponsored student at RRC Polytech each year.

The continued success of the program has also been the result of generous donations from stakeholders like Albert El Tassi. The CEO of Peerless Garments, El Tassi has been a champion of SRP since its inception, not only providing financial assistance, but giving students a head start on arrival — including gifts of winter coats and information on how to get around Winnipeg.

El Tassi cites education as his main motivation for support, noting industries looking to innovate and the refugees themselves benefit mutually from the program.

“Students are important to me because learning is the key to keeping nations advanced and to keep the world moving forward,” he says.

“You’re taking [student refugees] from a camp or a country they’re not from — Syrians in Jordan, Turkey or Lebanon — and that’s important to me. Some of them come in, they get their degree and they’re very happy, they’re working and doing really well, and I’m delighted to see their success.”

Outside of school, Aldale is adjusting well to Manitoba, including the experience of his first winter — which included, as he puts it, “layers and layers and layers”.

“I kind of like the cold, though, I don’t know why,” he adds. “Maybe because it comes with the coffee and all that. In summer when it was warm it didn’t feel like Canada, but now it definitely does.”

While living in residence, his EET classmates have been helpful, and he’s been able to find some to connect with in his first few months in residence and on campus.

“As you know, so many people who have been interrupted just take a college course instead of going to university,” he says. “I’m able to find matches with those people.”

After graduation, Aldale hopes to work as a creative electrical engineer, citing Manitoba Hydro as an example of an organization where he eventually wants to get his foot in the door. In an ideal world, he can combine his humanitarian experience in Jordan with his new technical passion.

He recognizes, though, that the opening of those doors starts with the SRP and those who make it possible.

“This program has changed my life,” he said. “Everything I’m getting here is because of them; I’m really grateful for what they’re doing, and I hope that someday I can help them.

“They’re providing something great in the field of education, bringing people who are really hopeless and giving them hope, in all areas of the world.”

Those interested in supporting the program through the WUSC Local Committee as a member or a volunteer can contact Parmeet Ghatoaura, International Student Support Coordinator, at pghatoaura@rrc.ca or 204.632-2174

Profile by John Gaudes (Creative Communications, 2012)

Informanix Technology Group, a Winnipeg-based information technology firm, has made a $100,000 commitment to Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) aimed at bolstering big-picture thinking and in-depth technical knowledge in tomorrow’s IT workforce. An additional $12,500 donation will fund a scholarship for eligible students in the College’s information technology programs.

“We know first-hand how RRC Polytech prepares students to hit the ground running on day one of their careers,” says Informanix President and CEO Kyle Molotkin, “and we appreciate how the College continues to adapt to changing industry needs by creating new programs, including IT Security and IT Infrastructure. We’re glad they’re stepping forward to fill a critical gap in Manitoba’s labour market.”

Today’s information technology sector already faces an increasingly complex set of challenges, says Molotkin. These include cyber security threats, the expansion of the remote workplace, and the rise of cloud computing.

“Compounding all these problems is an urgent need for talent in the sector,” he says. “As information technology gets more and more complex, it’s harder to find people who really understand the nuts and bolts, and how all the pieces fit together.”

The scholarship, the Informanix Future Information Security Architect Award, will provide $2,500 each year to an information technology student. Molotkin and Informanix VP of Operations Brad Olbort both graduated from the program in 2006.

Olbort says the scholarship values critical thinking over grades. “We want to reward and encourage students who understand how all the pieces fit together, who can anticipate how one IT solution impacts other areas. These are the skills that are going to make for the successful architect-level IT professionals our industry needs to thrive and grow in the future.”

“The recipient will be an IT visionary: someone who lives, breathes, and is inspired by technology,” adds Molotkin.

The remainder of Informanix’s donation will support Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, formerly known as the Innovation Centre. In honour of their generosity, RRC Polytech is renaming a computer lab in the Roblin Centre the Informanix IT Networking Lab. Molotkin and Olbort chose this space because it has personal significance to them.

“It’s where we spent so much of our time learning what we needed to start our careers and eventually launch our own company,” says Molotkin. “We’ve been fortunate, and now we want to give back. Having our name on this space brings everything full circle.”

The two founded Informanix in 2013 after successful careers in the corporate sector. As a full-suite information technology service provider, the company provides managed services to small and medium-sized businesses who don’t have capacity for an in-house IT department of their own. Informanix also provides highly technical and specialized project-based support for enterprise-level clients.

So far, the company has added has more than a hundred clients across Manitoba and Western Canada to its roster. It employs a team of 17 – including several RRC Polytech grads.

A new workspace at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) offers a welcoming space for students to explore new ideas and opportunities, and encourages collaboration between students, industry partners and visitors.

The CPA Manitoba Collaboration Workroom, located on the second floor of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, is a bright, modern space designed for study, work, community meetings, breakout sessions and small group activities. The space can be used during events or ceremonies as a private place to reflect, or for small groups to connect and collaborate.

“We’re very supportive of post-secondary education, so the more we can do to enhance that experience for students, the better,” said Geeta Tucker FCPA, FCMA, president and CEO of CPA Manitoba.

“It’s a way to enhance student learning by showing them what opportunities are out there in the world and connecting students to opportunity. And if students see the signage and wonder what CPA Manitoba is, maybe that encourages them to find out more and eventually pursue a CPA designation,” she said.

Tucker has held her title with CPA Manitoba since 2019, and is the executive sponsor of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the CPA profession in Canada. She also sits on an accounting advisory board that advises on the curriculum of the accounting and business programs at RRC Polytech.

“I appreciate RRC Polytech’s focus on Indigenous engagement, and one thing that has really attracted me to the College is the innovation in its teaching approaches and delivery. It produces students who really add value in the workforce, and we want to be a part of that by being a donor” said Tucker.

She notes that while Indigenous students make up a low percentage of those in accounting and finance programs, she hopes the new CPA Manitoba Collaboration Workroom will foster collaboration and curiosity in students, inspiring them to explore new opportunities.

“Having this beautiful space to enhance and encourage Indigenous learners to come to the College is exciting for us, and if it ladders into the steps that lead to a CPA program, we’re helping contribute to improving the diversity in Manitoba,” she said.

Supporting the new space complements CPA Manitoba’s Indigenous Understanding Initiative, which represents the start of the organization’s learning journey towards making the CPA designation more inclusive and representative of Manitoba’s population, as well as to reduce barriers of entry to the accounting profession in Manitoba.

The Initiative also includes an Indigenous mentorship program, launched in 2021, which connects University of Winnipeg students with mentors from CPA Manitoba. The pilot program has been incredibly successful, and the organization hopes to continue growing it by partnering with other post-secondary institutions in the future.

“The hope for the future is that CPA Manitoba supports a profession that reflects the diversity of the working population in Manitoba. It’s going to be a long journey, and there are many barriers, but it’s something that we strive toward. We’ll know we’ve gotten there when CPAs feel they can bring their true, authentic selves to work,” said Tucker.  

The Chartered Professional Accountants of Manitoba (CPA Manitoba) is a regulatory body that represents more than 9,000 members, candidates and students. CPA Manitoba protects the public interest through rigorous educational and certification programs and ensures its members uphold the highest professional and ethics standards.