Robert Okabe, Distinguished Graduate Award recipient and Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech

For immediate release: April 27, 2023

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – A Winnipeg engineering technologist who has been a local, provincial, and national leader in the profession is being honoured with the Distinguished Graduate Award from Red River College Polytechnic.

Robert Okabe, CEO and Registrar at Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM) graduated with a diploma in Civil Engineering Technology from RRC Polytech’s Civil Engineering program in 1983. His dedication to technicians and technologists, along with his passion for his community and volunteering has set him apart and made him an outstanding candidate for RRC Polytech’s highest achievement.

“RRC Polytech is proud to honour Robert Okabe with the distinguished Graduate Award. His professional achievements truly embody the kind of commitment and leadership we aim to demonstrate to students. His contributions to Manitoba showcase the difference that RRC Polytech graduates make to our province, especially in the profession of applied science and engineering technology,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO.

RRC Polytech’s Distinguished Graduate Award honours and recognizes the College’s finest graduates – those who have made an impact in their profession and the community around them through outstanding achievements in one or more of the following areas: humanitarianism, professional excellence, and community service. 

Over his career Okabe has been recognized as a Fellow of Engineers Canada FEC by Engineers and by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) in 2013. He has served in various positions for the CCTT and the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB).

Okabe is currently a Program Advisory Committee member with RRC Polytech, Assiniboine Community College, and University of College of the North and has provided invaluable guidance and advocacy with the accreditation of RRC Polytech’s engineering technology programs. He also has a role in all nine of the College’s Engineering Technology Advisory Committees — which provide direction and curriculum support from those working on the ground.

“I am incredibly excited and proud to be receiving this award,” says Robert Okabe. “I believe that giving back to the community is such an important thing I can do as a graduate and am proud to support the next generation. The College provided so much for me in my career, and it’s an honour to be celebrated in this way.”

Okabe understands how important a helping hand can be in propelling students from the world of academia into a lifelong career, and in 2008 he established the Robert Okabe Achievement Award for Civil Engineering Technology.

Always open to new ideas and opportunities to do outreach for student recruitment, Okabe ensures he does what he can to support young women in STEM, and help newcomers pursue this industry. His ongoing partnership with RRC Polytech is a welcome and substantial support in helping to transform today’s learners into a force for change.

One thing is clear looking back at Robert’s life: he believes in the potential of others and will stop at nothing to help them meet it.

Okabe was presented with the Distinguished Graduate Award on April 20, 2023 at the 2023 Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Manitoba Awards of Excellence in Consulting Engineering.

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Competition heated up this week as the annual Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Stirling Engine Competition returned once again at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus.

The competition is the culmination of first-year MET students’ hard work as they built their own Stirling engines from scratch during their Basics of Manufacturing course.

During the noon hour, the halls of the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (STTC) were lined with the student-built engines, running on nothing but the ambient temperature and ice.

A Stirling engine works by converting heat energy into mechanical energy. The engine uses a temperature differential between two surfaces — in this case, one surface is much colder than the other because of the ice — to take advantage of the expansion and contraction of air, which helps move a piston. The engine was named after its inventor, Robert Stirling.

After being treated to a pizza lunch, students placed the base of their engines atop of ice water and left to stabilize before judging occurred. The engines were judged on categories such as Truest Flywheel, or Fastest Engine.

Guests were also invited to participate in the fun during the competition by voting for Best Colour Scheme, and Best Flywheel Design categories.

“For a lot of people, this is really their first time getting their feet wet in this kind of an environment,” Nik Graham, the winner of the Truest Flywheel distinction, said. “So this is more like a celebration, like, ‘you did this, this is a machine that did not exist before you joined this class.’”

The competition is a fun celebration for the MET students and their hard work and dedication to complete their first year and provides them with the emotional boost to get through the exam period, according to their instructor, Serge Broeska, when he gave a speech to start the event.

This was the first Stirling Engine competition to return to RRC Polytech since 2019, after COVID-19 restrictions forced the College to pause the popular event. Leon Fainstein, Serge’s predecessor, started the annual event about two decades ago, and has been a MET tradition ever since.

Here’s the full list of winners:

Best Colour Scheme:

Eduardo Romero

Best Flywheel Design:

Josh Harrison

Truest Flywheel:

Nik Graham

Fastest Engine:

Tyler Cyr

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – In partnership with RBC Future Launch, Indigenous culture takes centre stage today as Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) students, staff, and community members gather for a community celebration that highlights the importance of entrepreneurship in Indigenous culture.
 
RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Food, Fashion, and Music: An RBC Reaction by Collision Community Event will showcase Indigenous culture and arts in Winnipeg. As part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the event is meant to immerse guests in Indigenous culture, featuring talented local entrepreneurs, chefs, designers, and performers.

“Representation and celebration of Indigenous culture is an important way to let Indigenous students, staff and community members know they are welcome here and they belong at RRC Polytech,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “When RRC Polytech connects with partners like RBC, amazing things can happen. This is the second year we’ve had the pleasure of hosting the RBC Reaction by Collision Event in-person, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank RBC for choosing to support RRC Polytech students.”
 
Event highlights include a haute couture model runway, delectable cuisines from local chefs, a crafter’s market with local artisans, and music provided by Juno-award nominated Indian City.
 
“Inclusion is the cornerstone of innovation,” Herb ZoBell, Vice President, Commercial Financial Services, Indigenous Markets at RBC. “When we create bridges between diverse voices to connect with one another, it provides an opportunity where potential may flourish and where we as a nation can rise to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
 
A longstanding partner of RRC Polytech, RBC Future Launch invested $450,000 during last year’s Reaction by Collision event in a new Pathway to IT program, which equips Indigenous Manitobans with the necessary skills and supports to prepare for careers in the rapidly growing IT field. With this generous donation, RBC Future Launch’s overall giving totals $1 million, supporting a variety of College programs.
 
Featured guests include Brownees Urban Bistro, Feast Café Bistro, Olivia Nasikapow, Gayle Grubin, Dawn Harris, Indian City, OGICHIDAA, and many others. To learn more about the feature guests and to view the full agenda today, refer to our Indigenous Education page.
 
Miranda Harper, an RRC Polytech alumni and drummer in the local rock band Venus Man Trap, is taking part in the event’s panel discussion and looks forward to sharing her experience as an Indigenous musician with students and community members.
 
“We’re showing future Indigenous generations that they’re welcome here, that there’s space for them to innovate and be bold,” Harper says. “I get inspired when young people ask me questions, either about my experience as a musician or about my career in commercial banking. It’s important for me to share the path and journey I went on to get to where I am and hopefully motivate others to do the same.”
 
The event will be held today from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. The building was designed with the intent to bring together the community, to build connections and create bridges.
 
The College collaborated with Indigenous artists KC Adams and Jackie Traverse to provide artwork in the Roundhouse Auditorium and on the fourth floor ceiling respectively. The Roundhouse Auditorium, where today’s crafter’s market is stationed, is ventilated for smudging ceremonies and the use of traditional medicines.

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on original lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is partnering with the CWB Welding Foundation to remove barriers for women to pursue a career in the trades by introducing the Women of Steel™: Forging Forward Program. The tuition-free program will foster personal growth and confidence by providing experiential learning for anyone who identifies as female and is interested in exploring welding or working in other welding-related skilled trades.

“Creating more pathways and opportunities for women and members of equity deserving groups in our community to pursue rewarding and prosperous careers in the skilled trades industry is a key priority for RRC Polytech, and for our industry partners,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “We are proud to be one of 14 hosts for the Women of Steel™ program in Canada and to partner with the CWB Welding Foundation because by working together, we are pushing for progress, removing barriers to access and participation in the welding industry, and reinforcing the fact that a career in the trades is one that anyone and everyone can enjoy and excel at.”

This pre-employment program includes practical theory, hands-on welding training, and skills development in a safe and supportive environment. Short training periods will be used to train the participants in several welding processes, with the ability to obtain multiple CWB welding qualifications in various positions with multiple processes making graduates ready for apprenticeship, post-secondary, and employment.

The Women of Steel™: Forging Forward Applied Certificate program is 17 weeks, (15 training, two work placement) running from May 1, 2023 to August 25, 2023. In-person training will be hosted at RRC Polytech’s Skilled Trades and Technology Centre located at the Notre Dame Campus.

As more skilled tradespeople are looking to retire locally and across the country, the pending labour gap continues to grow and opportunities for a career in the industry are countless. Welding and welding fabrication provides a gateway to skilled trades and other related professions and offers a well-paying, stable career choice with many options for women.

“There is a constant demand for skilled welders and tradespeople in Southern Manitoba, so the manufacturing sector is excited to see a proactive approach to try and alleviate some of that pressure,” says Audrey Wiebe, COO of Morden-based Maverick Industries. “Adding a supportive program that encourages more women to pursue the trades will not only shift the current industry demographics towards equality but increase the available talent overall – which in turn, allows businesses like ours to increase productivity, take on more projects, and help propel the province forward.”

All those who identify as a woman, including those from racialized or marginalized groups such as Indigenous, Black, newcomers, 2SLGBTQIA+, women with disabilities, or with a prolonged detachment from the labour force are encouraged to apply.

Applicants will be invited to attend a virtual information session where they will receive more details regarding assessment and admission procedures.

To find out more go to: https://www.rrc.ca/explore/skilled-trades/women-of-steel/

The Women of SteelTM:Forging Forward project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Women Employment Readiness Pilot Program.

About the CWB Welding Foundation:

The CWB Welding Foundation is a national registered charity that relies on the support of industry and community organizations to address the welding skilled trade shortage in Canada. Through education-based programs and initiatives, we continue to reduce barriers that affect key groups; elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students and educators, Indigenous People, women, and the underrepresented. We envision a future where all individuals are encouraged and provided the support needed to reach their true potential in a career in welding regardless of identity factors, social and financial status, and lived experiences including gender, age, ethnicity, language, literacy, culture, income, and geographical location.

Gain the confidence to lead and manage strategic communications efforts, with a deeper understanding of how business decisions are made, what influences these decisions, and how they are accounted for.

Business for Communicators 1 gives professional communicators the foundational business knowledge and insight required to provide sound recommendations across the business spectrum.

RRC Polytech is offering this online course during Intersession, from May 1 – June 23, 2023, with two evening classes a week to allow working professionals to upskill quickly.

In this course, you’ll build the business acumen and skills you need to offer holistic communications advice, make the case for communication investment, and demonstrate more of the business value of communication to management. You’ll also study the organizational ecosystem – how political parties, governments, businesses and non-profits inter-relate – to effectively manage communications with all stakeholders.

Topics covered in this course include:

• fundamentals of macroeconomics and major economic indicators
• the intersection of business, government and politics
• government’s role and impact as a regulator
• general organizational structure and governance
• basics of microeconomics and financial management within the organization
• the impacts of communication on the bottom line

Featuring small classes of industry peers, the course structure invites productive conversation and collaboration to accelerate learning and emphasize the value of teamwork.

“There is no better way to become comfortable with something than to actually use it,” says Kathy Hodgson, Community Investment & Public Safety Specialist, Manitoba Hydro. “This course gave me a comfort level I had never had with the finance side of business before – and since taking it, I’ve used what I learned both to help me secure a new position at work, and to have a greater impact in an organization I volunteer with.”

Apply Now: Click for intersession catalogue then scroll to COMM-3053 Business for Communicators 1

For more information, please contact Program Coordinator, Melanie Lee Lockhart mleelockhart@rrc.ca

Students changing their career with the support of Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) isn’t unfamiliar – in fact, many students arrive at RRC Polytech to upgrade existing skills or develop new skills to reach their personal and professional goals.

Stephen Klatt was one of these students. He was a practicing physiotherapist for over five years when he was forced to close his practice for a few months due to the pandemic and wasn’t sure what was next.  

“The fear and anxiety that everyone had surrounding COVID made many of my clients not want to return to in-person treatments, and it was really difficult to get things going again. So, I took the two months off to explore personal interests, including upgrading my computer and building a professional website for myself and had a lot of fun on these projects and I thought ‘Hey, I’m interested in something more technical and hands-on’ – that’s what brought me to the College,” says Stephen, currently in his second year of Electronic Engineering Technology.

“The one thing about healthcare that I really enjoyed is feeling like I helped someone at the end of the day, and I was wondering if I was going to be able to do that moving into a technical career that is not working with the public directly,” said Stephen.

Last summer Stephen was selected as a paid summer co-operative (co-op) student with Manitoba Hydro Working as a Fiber Optic Route Design Assistant where he was a part of the rural broadband expansion. He worked with a team to expand Internet access to small towns and First Nation Communities around the province.

“I realized that the work I’m doing is still making a difference. I’m not helping people through an injury, but I’m helping people get connected and improving their quality of life,” said Stephen.

Stephen felt confident applying for a co-op position after his first year because of the supports provided by Work-Integrated Learning and Career Services, especially by Electrical Engineering Technology Work Integrated Learning Coordinator Hojat Norouzi, who he said encouraged him to apply for co-op placements that he was interested in, but never thought he would get.

“I didn’t think I had many relevant skills, but going to the Career Services helped me put together a functional and skilled-based resume – which doesn’t focus as much on your previous experience, as it does the skills that you have. Because I had no experience in the electronics industry, it was all physiotherapy related, I was able to talk more about my soft skills, abilities, and relevant skills, rather than my industry specific knowledge,” said Stephen.

Work-Integrated Learning and Career Services provides students and recent graduates with everything from accessing labour market information, to developing cover letters and resumes, and preparing for interviews. They also offer group and one-on-one meetings to develop effective and transferable skills statements and opportunities to connect and engage with employers recruiting students recruiting students for work-integrated learning and career opportunities. Work Integrated Learning coordinators mentor and guide students through the entire process from setting learning goals for the workplace to final reflections of how skills have improved and developed further during the work term. 

“Career Services really helped me build my confidence in applying for jobs that I thought were out of my league, and then actually landing them which was great,” added Stephen.

Stephen’s determination paid off, as he was recently named the Co-operative Education Manitoba (CEM) Student of the Year for 2022 and has the opportunity to represent RRC Polytech for the national Co-operative Education Work Integrated Learning Student of the Year Award.

“[My] co-op experience has helped me gain confidence in myself as I change careers. Working at Manitoba Hydro taught me that my previous work experience as a physiotherapist is actually quite valuable. The co-op program has been instrumental in preparing me for my second year, and for my future as an Electronic Engineer Technologist,” said Stephen.

Stephen will be heading back to Manitoba Hydro for a second co-op placement this summer before finishing his last year at RRC Polytech.

“Last year I worked with the fiber route planning and design team, and now I’ll be working with network operations. One team lays down the fiber optic cable, the other team implements the Internet network on that cable. So, now I get to experience the technical aspects of network administration,” added Stephen. “I’m really excited to get back to that work environment, they’re always very supportive and take the time to educate me – it made me want to go back there.”

Stephen’s future is bound to be a busy one, with a four-year-old daughter and a son born less than a week ago, he’s thinking about what’s next.

“I was concerned getting into this field that I wouldn’t have as many opportunities as university graduates, but working at TACAM has made me see everyone is there. Some project managers are university trained engineers, but a lot of my co-workers are technologists from RRC Polytech. It’s really inspiring to see them doing research and design with a diploma and some are straight out of the program,” said Stephen, who’s currently employed with Technology Access Centre for Aerospace & Manufacturing (TACAM) part-time until April.

Feeling confident about his career prospects, Stephen noted how important work integrated learning is and the importance placed on co-ops and the reason he’s glad he chose to study at RRC Polytech after having to pivot his career path.

“I was excited to jump in to RRC Polytech, as I knew their career-oriented approach would help me achieve my goals, while also supporting my family,” said Stephen.

Fred Meier, President and CEO and Christine Watson, Vice-President, Academic had the pleasure of hosting Senior Trade Commissioners from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands and Canada at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae last week.

They were able to share about the incredible things happening at RRC Polytech including projects currently underway managed by students. The group discussed College priorities, including commitments to Indigenous education, research and innovation, international education and technology-based collaborations.

The meeting included a tour of the Roundhouse, Sandbox and the ACE Project Space where the Commissioners were able to hear from students about the projects they are working on. Thank you to the Manitoba & Saskatchewan Regional Office Trade Commissioners for coordinating this visit.

Throughout the month of March, RRC Polytech is supporting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) #ImmigrationMatters initiative, which encourages Canadians and established immigrants to engage with and welcome newcomers to their communities.

As part of RRC Polytech’s support for this awareness campaign, the Language Training Centre is highlighting a number of events and initiatives taking place that promote positive interactions between Canadians and newcomers.

On Thursday, March 2, more than 500 newcomer and international students, along with their families, friends, and RRC Polytech staff, took part in an evening of fun, learning, and exploration at the Manitoba Museum.

Participants learned about Manitoba’s rich and diverse history while practicing their English and connecting with their community and new friends.

“Building relationships between Canadians and newcomers is essential in successfully integrating newcomers and building strong, inclusive communities,” says Kerri Korabelnikov, RRC Polytech’s Dean, School of Education, Arts & Sciences. “This event is the perfect example of communities coming together to connect, have fun, learn, and share knowledge.”

The Manitoba Museum generously hosted this inclusive event, free of charge for LTC students, staff, faculty, and their families. Follow along with the #ImmigrationMatters campaign on social media.

RRC Polytech has lowered its flags across our campuses today to mark one-year since the war began against Ukraine and its people.  

The war continues to affect thousands of Ukrainians and their families all over the world. However, news from Ukraine no longer dominates our headlines, and many of us have the privilege of carrying on with our lives – secure in the knowledge our family and loved ones are safe. We know this is not the reality for so many members of our community with deep ties to Ukraine. The war remains all-consuming.

RRC Polytech continues to condemn these attacks on Ukraine. We stand with those of you who are directly impacted by the war, and our thoughts are with you as this tragedy persists.

Manitoba has one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the country, and this population is growing as more and more Ukrainians migrate to Manitoba in search of stability and a new life. Many of us at RRC Polytech call Ukraine home or have close ties to family and friends still living there.

Even if we are not directly affected by the war, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and sad at this time. Know that RRC Polytech has many supports in place if you find yourself needing help, or if your work or studies are impacted by the war. Our Student Support Services and Employee Family Assistance Program are available free of charge for students, staff, and faculty. I encourage you to reach out and get the help you need, and to connect with loved ones who may need extra support at this time.

Let’s keep taking care of each other.

Sincerely,
Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer

Red River College Polytechnic is ready to boost Canada’s resilient recovery, with the introduction of Quick Train Canada: a fully-funded series of micro-credentials from post-secondary institutions throughout the country. RRC Polytech is part of a coalition of Canadian colleges, polytechnics and cégeps called Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) that worked together to secure federal funding for this important training initiative, and is the only Manitoba institution to offer Quick Train courses.

C2R2 formally launched Quick Train at Mohawk College in Hamilton this morning, with the announcement of a $46.5 million investment from the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.

“One of our strengths as a polytechnic is offering agile, relevant training that empowers people to excel in their fields,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, RRC Polytech. “This funding creates access to important upskilling and re-skilling opportunities throughout their careers, ensuring Manitoba has a workforce that contributes to a more sustainable and equitable economy.”

Quick Train programming is designed to enable workers and employers to update their skills quickly through multi-week, virtual, and in-person learning. Each of the 14 C2R2 institutions offer Quick Train courses specific to their areas of expertise, all of which support Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy while fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Through this partnership, Manitobans have access to Quick Train micro-credentials from C2R2 institutions across the country – many courses are offered in-person for local learners, while others are entirely virtual.

“The transition to the new low-carbon economy will demand a well-trained workforce and Canada’s colleges and aligned institutions are well-equipped to develop and deliver the programs to prepare people for those exciting new careers,” said Ron J. McKerlie, President and CEO of Mohawk College, where C2R2’s administration and secretariat are managed. “The Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery coalition has developed Quick Train Canada to provide Canadians with a direct link to thousands of training and research opportunities to help Canadians access good jobs. We are excited to support the transition to the low carbon economy while fostering inclusion, diversity, and equity throughout the process.”

RRC Polytech currently offers six Quick Train courses through the C2R2 initiative: three that focus on Clean Tech (Introduction to Electric Vehicle Technology, Electric Vehicle Communication and Computer Systems, and Building Envelope Science: Principles and Practice), and three that focus on Social Innovation (Engagement and Relationship-Building with Indigenous Communities, Indigenous and Canadian Government Relationships, and The Consultation Process). The tuition-free courses are currently full, though the College plans to launch more Quick Train courses this Spring.

“The Quick Train initiative demonstrates that Canadian institutions thrive when we work together,” continues Watson. “As the only post-secondary institute in Manitoba involved with C2R2, it was important for us to work with our partners to establish a resource that will benefit not only Manitobans, but anyone across Canada looking to update their skills,” continues Dr. Watson. “Our partnership with C2R2 allows us, in particular, to showcase RRC Polytech’s significant contribution to electric vehicle applied research and training on a national scale.”

RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) is a local leader in EV technology, having recently worked with Frontiers North Adventures, a Churchill-based touring company, to convert their fleet of diesel-powered tundra buggies to battery electric vehicles, as well as providing supplemental training to Winnipeg Transit on electric bus maintenance.

Since 2020, 14 leading Canadian post-secondary institutions have worked together as C2R2 to lead Canada’s transition to a clean economy by bridging the skills gap for a strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, visit rrc.ca/quicktrain.