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.

Red River College Polytechnic is welcoming more than 3,000 prospective students tomorrow for Open Doors, its first in-person open house event since 2020.

“After two years of virtual events, we’re thrilled to once again open our doors to future students to introduce the many options available to them through a polytechnic education,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, RRC Polytech. “The landscape of work is ever-changing, and employers are seeking a diverse workforce. Open Doors gives us the chance to demonstrate how diversity drives innovation at RRC Polytech. We’re transforming our learning model, in part to address changes in the workforce, to prepare our students for the future of work.”

RRC Polytech is hosting 13 program-specific tours at the Notre Dame Campus and four at the Exchange District Campus, giving potential students a firsthand glimpse at the College’s equipment and facilities. The Open Doors’ Exhibition Hall at the Notre Dame Campus will feature information booths where attendees can connect one-on-one with staff and instructors to learn more about RRC Polytech programs, campuses and supports.

“We know how important it is to create exposure to RRC Polytech early on, so we’ve been going out into the community to meet potential students where they’re at – now, we’re looking forward to welcoming these students onto our campuses to give them a taste of what they can expect from a polytechnic experience,” says Clint Thiessen, Student Recruitment Officer at RRC Polytech. “RRC Polytech prepares students for today’s workforce because they learn from industry-trained faculty, on the latest equipment, and in environments similar to what they’ll find on the job.”

In addition to full- and part-time learning, RRC Polytech is increasing its micro-credential and flexible learning opportunities to provide more options to learners at any stage in their journey – whether they’re at the beginning of their career or they’re upskilling or re-skilling as a mature student. For more information about programs, visit rrc.ca/explore.

Open Doors – RRC Polytech’s Open House will take place tomorrow, Wednesday February 22, 2023 from 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. For more information, please visit rrc.ca/opendoors.

Sprint to Innovate – The Innovation Challenge may not be an athletic competition but the business and technology students who race against each other and the clock to solve real-world business problems over the course of a weekend feel the same pride, exhaustion and elation as any Olympic sprinter setting a personal best.  

Red River College Polytechnic teamed up with Tech Manitoba, the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Science and presenting sponsor, Access Credit Union to host the latest Sprint to Innovate instalment at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae in late January. The three-day friendly competition brings together post-secondary students and instructors with industry mentors in an exercise designed to spark and inspire an entrepreneurial spirit.

Physical speed and strength aren’t tested in this sprint, instead students must flex their cognitive muscles to reach the podium by presenting a solution or prototype that addresses a challenge submitted by a local business. The judges are looking for the most dynamic thinkers who excel at organization, collaboration, and communication – critical skills for all innovators.   

The judging panel of Noah Wilson, Ashley Richard, Dean Staples, and Ashleigh Lodge had some very tough decisions to make based on the outstanding solutions offered by the student teams.

The top prize of $6000 went to RRC Polytech’s Team Saturno for their solution to the candidates challenge from Canada’s Association of IT Professionals (CIPS) Manitoba. The RRC Polytech students developed a system to evaluate job candidates and candidate resumes objectively and responsibly using the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) Skills Credentialing Framework.

Another College team, Innovate to Elevate took second place and $3000 for tackling the City of Winnipeg’s Snow Clearing Challenge.

Team Better Safe Than Sorry brought students from the U of M and RRC Polytech together to solve the Campus Safety Challenge and shared the $2150 third place prize.

All teams advancing to the semi-finals cashed an additional cheque for $550, including The Squad, InnoBusinessRRC, The Conqueror, and The Rubber Duckies.

In the event’s opening keynote, Managing Director at Ubisoft Winnipeg, Michael Henderson shared advice and guidance based on his global experience working his way up to studio leadership with tech giants like Disney and Dreamworks, and in his current role.             

Organizers would like to thank all the volunteer mentors who supported the students throughout the weekend and the challenge representatives from CIPS Manitoba, Integrationworx, Winnipeg Airports Authority, Access Credit Union, Renterii Inc, City of Winnipeg, and Daniel Saltel. 

The prize pool continues to grow annually thanks to Title Sponsor Access Credit Union, and Event Sponsors inVision Edge, Riipen, Red River Mutual, Red River College Polytechnic, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, CIPS Manitoba, Integrationworx, National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada, City of Winnipeg, and Neo Financial.

Planning is already underway for next year’s event. Sprint to Innovate – The Innovation Challenge gives students from varied disciplines a unique opportunity to learn from mentors and each other, network with future employers and contacts, and apply their skills to solve tangible business challenges under deadline pressure – invaluable experience for the innovative leaders of tomorrow.

Fred Meier, President and CEO, Christine Watson, Vice-President, Academic and David Petis, Executive Director, Advancement had the pleasure of hosting Lisa Stadelbauer, Ambassador of Canada to Israel and others at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae yesterday. They were able to connect with Entrepreneur in Residence, Norm Silver at ACE Project Space who shared all about QDOC and working with RRC Polytech students. 

They were also able to discuss College priorities, including innovative and technology-based collaborations, cultural diversity in education, and more. Thank you to Jewish Federation of Winnipeg President, Gustavo Zentner for organizing the visit and taking the time to meet with us! 

Culinary Arts students and the team from Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) were up bright and early this week to show Global News Morning viewers some examples of what is made possible by Manitoba’s Polytechnic.

A live-on-location tour of RRC’s Polytech’s Paterson Globalfoods Institute (PGI) injected some action and energy into the popular, three-hour, morning news program by highlighting some of the incredible menu items and products created daily in the short order lab, the baking and pastry lab and at PRK.

Veteran reporter, Clay Young’s first stop showcased the College’s applied research capabilities with a visit to PRK – a Technology Access Centre where food science is blended with culinary arts to develop innovative solutions for businesses and entrepreneurs.  

Watch the PRK Segment

Research Manager, Elena Gomez Haro described a current project for Pulse Canada that is exploring the wide variety of applications for pea fibre, a by-product of the protein industry, that is grown in Manitoba.

To demonstrate its nutritional properties and functionality, Research Assistant and proud RRC Polytech alumnus, Anna Borys cooked up an experimental pea fibre breakfast patty that once perfected, could become a sustainable retail product.     

By that time, the breakfast rush at the Culinary Exchange, PGI’s public food court was well underway providing an opportunity to put Chef Instructor, Jordan Carlson’s Short Order class into the TV spotlight.

Watch the Short Order Lab Segment

While the orders are short as far as the time needed to prepare them, the menu focuses on freshness and quality making it more of a gourmet than fast food restaurant.

While flipping eggs, first year student, Trevor Walld explained how each student must take turns mastering cooking, prepping, and serving tasks in a rotation of kitchen stations to develop real industry skills and experience.

Fittingly dessert was the last item served up, no doubt leaving Global viewers craving a Berry Charlotte Royale – a sponge cake with a berry compote, custard cream and lemon filling after witnessing the 19 future chefs in the Professional Baking and Pastry Program apply the final fruit garnish.

Watch the Baking & Pastry Lab Segment

Student, Dayna Hall said she shares a passion for baking and artistry with her classmates and insisted on presenting her completed Berry Charlotte Royale to the Global News Morning crew as a thank you for sharing their story.

With 8 months of lab/theory followed by a 4-month work term, Professional Baking and Pastry Instructor, Lylah Erkau credits the experiential learning offered in the one-year certificate program for attracting students from all over the world and prompting a waiting list for the next uptake.

Food culture is not a trend, it’s become a way of life. As our appreciation for food as an art form evolves, both in taste and appearance, demand has never been higher for great experiences at our private dining tables and in the hospitality, tourism, and retail industries.

Through a combination of available courses and applied research, RRC Polytech is proudly preparing the next generation of talent that will take Manitoba’s growing culinary industry to the next level.

Partnerships propel polytechnic to 11^th best in the country

RRC Polytech is once again one of Canada’s top research institutions, as announced last week in Re$earch Infosource’s annual ranking of the country’s top 50 research colleges. The College jumped three spots from last year’s 14^th place position.

RRC Polytech comes in first place in the prairies in the Spotlight on College Research Activity – Medium Tier category, and third place for research partnerships nationwide. The College completed 93 applied research projects in the 2021 fiscal year.

“Partnerships are at the heart of everything we do at RRC Polytech. We work with industry everyday to come up with innovative, sustainable solutions to business problems. Thanks to the support from our partners in the community, industry, and government, we can continue to make positive change here in Manitoba and throughout the country,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“This national recognition reinforces that ground-breaking work doesn’t happen in a silo. It takes a community of creative staff, students, and industry partners to achieve the results that place us so high on this list.”

Read the full release here.

February is Black History Month, an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities, who have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity. Throughout February we will be highlighting and sharing the stories of Black staff, students, members of our Board of Governors as well as alumni. Stay tuned to the Diversity blog and RRC Polytech’s social media to learn more about members of our College community.

Tanya Hansen Pratt, CET, Instructor, Mechanical Engineering Technology at RRC Polytech

As an engineering technologist, I’ve always worked in male-dominated spaces with very little diversity. I spent many years of my career before coming to RRC Polytech being the only woman and only person of colour in my department. My lived experience has always been vastly different from that of my coworkers. I am reminded daily of my female-blackness, whereas their male-whiteness rarely crosses their minds. Microagressions, sexism, and racism have been common occurrences in my life, so I’ve learned to navigate the world as a person who is constantly othered.

As an instructor, I hope my presence as a woman of colour does two things: First, I hope I can add to the diversity of thought and experience among the staff at the college to provide the best possible education for our increasingly diverse student body. Secondly, I hope my presence gives our students permission to be their authentic selves. There is someone out there, maybe in my classroom or maybe someone thinking about attending RRC Polytech, that sees me and sees a little bit of themselves, and it helps them stand taller and stronger knowing that someone else has walked the path in front of them and made it a little safer to follow along exactly as they are.

Tanya Hansen Pratt

Read Tanya’s full story here.

Fred Meier, President and CEO, joined in on the Celebration of Culture with RRC Polytech’s Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships on Friday, January 27, 2023.

It was frigid outside, but it was nothing but warm inside – where hundreds gathered to celebrate the incredible cultures, languages, food and community found at RRC Polytech.

Brazilian music, Canadian hoop dancing and drumming, West African drumming and dancing, Chinese face-changing artist performing from the Chinese Sichuan Opera, and a Latin band all shared their talents providing no shortage of shoulder movements and head bobbing from the crowd.

Over six different food stations provided no lack of options when it came to trying out something new and delicious. The night ended with a dance party that took over the Voyageur Dining Room.

RRC Polytech flags are lowered today in observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

On January 27, 1945, the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where more than one million people were killed during the Holocaust, was liberated by the Red Army. In 2005, the day was officially designated as the International Day of Commemoration. January 27 now presents us with an annual opportunity to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and remember its many victims.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights features a permanent exhibition: “Examining the Holocaust” that explores the fragility of human rights. Admission to the CMHR is free on Fridays after 5:00 p.m., and the museum is also marking the day with a free noon-hour performance and conversation, “Remembering through Music.” Learn more here.

The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion is offering a webinar on “Antisemitism: How to Prevent it in the Workplace” on Feb. 16. To learn more or register, please click here.