Communications and Marketing

News and Events

RRC Polytech hosts Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland at Notre Dame Campus

June 8, 2023

Last week, RRC Polytech was pleased to host Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland at the Notre Dame Campus. Minister Freeland participated in a roundtable discussion with industry partners, toured spaces across the campus, and had the opportunity to speak with students, faculty and leaders about the important work we are doing at Manitoba’s Polytechnic.

The visit began with an economic roundtable discussion with Minister Freeland and industry stakeholders from across Manitoba, hosted by RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier, VP Academic, Dr. Christine Watson, and VP Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development, Jamie Wilson.

Following the hour-long discussion, President Meier and Derek Kochenash, Dean of Skilled Trades and Technology, toured Minister Freeland around the campus and met with staff and faculty in RRC Polytech’s Smart Factory and Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology Research Centre, MotiveLab, and spoke with students in our Transportation Technology and Women of Steel programs. 

This visit provided RRC Polytech the opportunity to invite key community and business leaders on Campus, and to highlight to our national leaders how RRC Polytech’s programs and applied research directly benefits priorities in the federal budget related to clean technology, EV technology and support for critical minerals and mining.

RRC Polytech Raises Flags of Treaty One Nation, Red River Métis and New Inclusive Pride Design

June 5, 2023

Recognizing these two distinct sovereign nations an important step in Reconciliation; new Pride design creates inclusive environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – Today, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is raising three flags in an act of unity, pride and inclusivity to mark the beginning of National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month. The Treaty One flag, Red River Métis flag and RRC Polytech’s new Pride flag will now fly year-round at the Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg to acknowledge the history of the land, respect for the treaties made on the land, and representation of the people who live here.

“RRC Polytech is committed to enacting Truth and Reconciliation and equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. A large part of that is creating representation and inclusive spaces on our campuses,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech. “By raising these three flags we are demonstrating to staff, students and community members that this is a place where you belong. We know that there are still institutions and situations where 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous and Métis people don’t feel welcome or recognized – but at RRC Polytech we are giving a firm message that everybody belongs and is welcome here.”

The three flags will be raised at 1:30p.m., with support from Joan Ledoux, Minister of Provincial Education at the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) – the National Government of the Red River Métis; David Beaudin, Associate Minister of Provincial Education at the MMF; Knowledge Keepers Barbara Bruce and Albert Mcleod; Vic Savino, Treaty One Nations Director of Communications, Peguis First Nation; Frank Beaulieu, Cultural Advisor, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation; Elders and Knowledge Keepers from Treaty One Territory; and members of the RRC Polytech community. Ray “Coco” Stevenson will be providing a hand drum Flag Song for the ceremony

Treaty One Flag

Treaty One represents Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Nehiyaw (Cree) original peoples of the territory of present-day southern Manitoba, including the Forks at the Assiniboine and Red rivers which was a vital trade and gathering site.

Treaty One Nation is composed of the seven First Nations who are signatories to the first of the numbered Treaties, originally signed on August 3, 1871 at Lower Fort Garry after several days of discussions and ceremonies.

“I am extremely proud to see RRC Polytech raise our Treaty One flag on their campus today. Despite the spirit and intent of the Treaty, which has benefitted the people of Manitoba for over 150 years, we were continuously denied of our rights, our titles, our jurisdictions, our culture, our language, and our children,” says Chief Gordon Bluesky of Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation and Treaty One Chairperson.
“Despite our darker periods of history, we are still standing strong, and each one of these flag-raising ceremonies is a concrete, tangible expression to our Treaty Partners that we are still here. Today, we can all look forward to a brighter future for the next generations, and feel the pride in sharing the history of Indigenous peoples on this land. Through these actions of reconciliation, our young Indigenous learners have a very bright future ahead.”

The Treaty One Nation flag was designed to incorporate the original spirit and intent of the Treaties: green, to represent the grass; blue, to represent the waters; and yellow to represent the sun. The red represents the circle of life and the red people who inhabit this land. Lastly, the seven points around the sun represent the seven signatory First Nations of Treaty No. 1.

RRC Polytech recognizes in its land acknowledgement that the land we use is the land of the Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené and that Treaty One is the agreement that allows us the live the way we do.

Red River Métis Flag

The Red River Métis have a rich and important history, language, and culture. The Red River Settlement – now Winnipeg – is the heart of the Red River Métis Homeland and the birthplace of the Nation.  
 
“The Red River Métis have been fighting to have our rich culture, heritage and history recognized and respected for over 200 years. Manitoba is the only province in Canada to have been brought into confederation by an Indigenous Nation with the signing of the Manitoba Act in 1870, intertwining the history of the Red River Métis with the history of Manitoba. Today, the MMF, the National Government of the Red River Métis, has made great strides in advancing our Nation and regaining our rightful place in Canada’s confederation. This flag-raising today is one small step toward a brighter future for our Red River Métis Youth, ensuring that they know their identity is recognized and celebrated as they achieve their educational goals at this institution,” said Minister Joan Ledoux, Minister of Provincial Education and Associate Minister of Métis Employment & Training at the Manitoba Métis Federation.
 
RRC Polytech recognizes the impact that the Red River Métis had in the formation of this city, province, and country. The Red River Métis were instrumental in confederation and fought battles to retain their rights throughout history – in the courtroom, in houses of government, and on the battlefield. 
 
RRC Polytech Pride Flag

Last year RRC Polytech revealed the design of its new Pride Flag, which was painted on pedestrian walkways at the Notre Dame Campus, Exchange District Campus, and Portage la Prairie Campus. Moving forward, the flag will also be raised at RRC Polytech’s Paterson GlobalFoods Institute throughout the month of June.

The College’s Pride design is an evolution of the Progress Pride flag that includes representation for all 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex and Asexual) community members, and includes specific Indigenous elements.  It was created through engagement with RRC Polytech’s Knowledge Keepers Council, with a strong lead from Two Spirit and Métis Elder Barbara Bruce, and Two Spirit and Cree/ Métis Elder Albert McLeod.

RRC Polytech’s Pride design includes the following elements:

  • The triangle represents the badge LGBT prisoners were forced to wear in Nazi concentration camps.
  • Moving the triangle to the bottom maintains this meaning, but also forms a tepee, which is a shelter shape historically used by many First Nations people in Manitoba and shows the upward momentum of the movement.
  • The Medicine Wheel incorporates traditional Indigenous knowledge and teachings.
  • The purple and yellow circles around the Medicine Wheel recognize intersex folx.

By combining these elements and colours and displaying them in prominent locations, the Pride design has been created to represent all human beings, and welcome everyone on Indigenous lands.

“The Pride design was developed collaboratively across the College, carefully considering the meaning of all elements of the design, such as the colours, location of the chevron, and centering and orienting the Medicine Wheel,” says Vera Godavari, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist. “At RRC Polytech we are committed to our reconciliation journey as we walk the path of understanding, respect and advocacy with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As learning organization, we celebrate our progress and continue our dedication to this important work through these ongoing initiatives.”

In addition to consulting with RRC Polytech’s Knowledge Keepers’ Council, Students Association, and its Gender and Sexual Identities working group, RRC Polytech also worked with the Rainbow Resource Centre on the evolution of the College’s Pride design.

Members of the community and media are invited to attend the ceremony from 1:30-3:30pm, today, Monday June 5, 2023 at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus (2055 Notre Dame Avenue).

RRC Polytech Students Earn Gold, Silver and Bronze at Skills Canada National Competition

May 29, 2023

RRC Polytech student Derrick Penner (centre) won Gold in Cabinet Making for Team Manitoba

Last week 19 students from RRC Polytech represented Team Manitoba at the 2023 Skills Canada National Competition, which took place at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. The competition saw more than 550 secondary and post-secondary competitors from across the country competing in more than 45 categories of skilled trades.

RRC Polytech students won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and earned valuable experience throughout the competition. Beyond growing their technical skills, they also had the opportunity to work on human skills – teamwork, time management, listening, problem solving – while also building connections with professionals from their respectiveindustries.

Congratulations to the medalists, and to each of the competitors for demonstrating their skill.

RRC Polytech Medalists

  • Derrick Penner, Cabinet Making, GOLD
  • Kevin Schroeder, Bricklaying, GOLD
  • Mathew Dyck, Aerospace Technology, SILVER
  • Dorrian Selley, Car Painting, SILVER
  • Jacob Abbey and Kayla Wieler, Landscape Gardening, BRONZE
  • Luke Friesen, Outdoor Power & Rec Equipment, BRONZE
  • Mason Bessey, Steamfitter, BRONZE

RBC Best in Region – Manitoba:

Derrick Penner, Cabinet Making

Complete results and more information can be found on the Skills Canada website

From Apprentice Carpenter to Skills Competitor

May 25, 2023

Christian Zacharias (Centre)

Christian Zacharias is no stranger to carpentry — he says he’s been swinging hammers since he was three years old. With a desire to pursue a practical career in carpentry, he went on a journey that led him to Apprenticeship Manitoba, and eventually to RRC Polytech.

“Growing up, I really enjoyed working with my hands, doing and helping with projects around the house and at my cabin,” Zacharias recalls. “I didn’t want to spend years at university to get a degree, it just wasn’t for me.”

Today, he’s working as a residential finish carpenter while he attends RRC Polytech where he hopes to earn his Red Seal Certification.

Zacharias’ skills as a carpenter have not gone unnoticed. He competed and won gold at the Skills Manitoba competition and represented Manitoba at the 2022 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) in Vancouver last year.

Initially unsure of what to expect at SCNC, he received extra training after work to go over skills and concepts he hadn’t previously learned or mastered. The additional support played a crucial role in his preparations. Even though he fell short of clinching a victory at the SCNC last year, he drew from this experience and won gold in Carpentry at this year’s Skills Manitoba competition.

“It was a great confidence booster that my skills as a carpenter are improving, and now there’s some proof of that,” Zacharias says. He is eagerly anticipating SCNC in Winnipeg this week, and is thrilled to showcase his abilities on home turf.

His word of advice to anyone competing at SCNC: Look at the bigger picture and visualize the end result before starting. Creating something isn’t just memorizing material, but understanding how everything works and connects together by looking at all the details.

Zacharias says his instructors at RRC Polytech have been an invaluable source of guidance and support. He credits them for their commitment to helping him succeed, and showing him opportunities he didn’t even know were available.

As he continues to grow and excel as a carpenter, Zacharias is forever grateful for the opportunities that have come his way and the people who have supported him along his path.

The Carpentry program at RRC Polytech is a five-month course offered at the Notre Dame Campus. Although it’s not an apprenticeship program, students can transfer their credit towards apprenticeship through Apprenticeship Manitoba.

Learn more about the Carpentry program by using RRC Polytech’s Program Explorer.

Sweet Victory: RRC Polytech Student Whisks Away Gold at Skills Manitoba

May 25, 2023

More than a dozen Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) students will be representing Manitoba this week in the annual Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), after winning big at the Skills Manitoba Competition in April.

One of them is RRC Polytech Professional Baking and Pastry student Gayeong Yun, who won gold in Baking at Skills MB.

“I am very delighted and proud of myself to be representing Team Manitoba. For me, it’s the first time I get to participate in a competition on behalf of a province or region,” said Yun.

As an international student from Korea, she arrived in Canada in August 2022 year to study at RRC Polytech.

Yun joined the preparatory team for the competition late, and as a result, she felt behind compared to her colleagues. To compensate, she often practiced after school and on her days off.

She credits her instructors for providing her with everything she needed, not only to succeed in the competition, but as a professional baker. Skills like tempering chocolate, cooking sugar, and making daily work plans were just some of the things she took from the program and showcased at last month’s competition.

“I have great respect for the chefs in my program, and I am always grateful to them,” Yun said. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the best chefs in the College.”

During the Skills Manitoba competition, Yun was given 5.5 hours to create two components for judging: a plated dessert of chocolate caramel tarts, and a chocolate showpiece. The theme for this years’ competition, The Four Seasons, had to be represented in some way for both components. Part of the judging criteria also included sanitation, safety, and equipment.

To participate in SCNC, Yun not only had to win gold but also score higher than 70 per cent.

SCNC will be held at the RBC Convention Centre on May 25 and 26. Skills Canada expects over 550 competitors participating in 45 skills.

RRC Polytech’s Professional Baking and Pastry program teaches students like Yun the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue a variety of baking and pastry careers. The program is held at the state-of-the-art facilities in the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute at the Exchange District Campus.

Learn more about the Professional Baking and Pastry program by using RRC Polytech’s Program Explorer.

RRC Polytech installs new signage atop Exchange District Campus; major milestone in securing visual identity as Manitoba’s polytechnic

May 19, 2023

Look! Up in the sky! It’s not a bird… It’s not a plane… It’s RRC Polytech! Red River College Polytechnic’s alternate moniker now proudly hovers over 50 feet high above Winnipeg’s Princess Avenue, identifying The Roblin Centre from far and wide. A new 160 square foot-plus, red and black sign, constructed of aluminum and vinyl was recently installed over the course of a few days by SRS Signs, but the behind-the-scenes process to execute the change took months of planning and delicate negotiation before the proper permits and permissions were granted.   

The College’s Facilities Management team was tasked with ensuring the new signage was mounted similar to the rooftop’s existing steel structure to maintain the building’s historic esthetic, but policy upgrades by the City of Winnipeg presented some significant challenges.   

Technical Officer, Jason Ilagan worked diligently with the City and SRS Signs to find a solution that worked for all parties resulting in the final product you see today – a sign that is not only built to current code but maintains the spectacular vintage vibe of the surrounding Exchange District.

Home to many of the College’s business and management, Information Technology and creative arts programs the Roblin Centre is an important hub of activity at the recently expanded Exchange District Campus. But the completion of its exterior transformation is more than just a physical modification to the city’s skyline, it also serves as a major milestone in securing our new identity as Manitoba’s only polytechnic.

“The new sign atop Roblin Centre will serve as a beacon in our rejuvenated downtown that as Manitoba’s polytechnic we help make things possible to stay in front of what’s ahead,” says David Petis, RRC Polytech’s Executive Director of Advancement.

“For more than 80 years, students have come to us to prepare themselves to thrive in the future, so we are constantly striving to provide leading edge, post-secondary education by working with industry and community partners to identify what Manitoba needs next. This commitment has guided our evolution from a community college to a college of applied learning and now to the polytechnic we are today.”

Polytechnics are agile and can transform learning models to ensure graduates are properly prepared to help businesses combat disruption. Through applied research projects, RRC Polytech provides our partners with the unique solutions they need in order for Manitoba to thrive. It’s been over 18 months since the unveiling of the College’s new identity and strategic plan, and the reaction to our accomplishments in this short time has been overwhelmingly positive.

The relationships staff, students and faculty have and continue to build enhance our reputation for providing trusted training to the province in a welcoming environment for all, and our connection with the public is strong.

In February 2021, Probe Research asked the people of Manitoba’s familiarity with the term polytechnic and less than one third (28 per cent) of respondents were familiar. When asked again in February 2022, after just five months of RRC Polytech’s strategic brand marketing and communication with stakeholders, that number jumped to 45 per cent. Soon we expect all Manitobans will understand as we do that polytechnics are known across Canada and around the world as institutions that are inextricably tied to the labour market to offer high quality in-depth study and practical skills training.

A strong brand is important because it helps build recognition, understanding, trust and affinity. When audiences share the values of a brand, convincing them to apply, engage, partner, forgive, advocate and give back takes less effort, because an emotional bond already exists. It’s important to always remember that who we are and the culture we are creating is just as important to the community we serve as what we do, and that work will never be complete.

The new RRC Polytech sign above the Roblin Centre provides a constant reminder of our brand and our values to everyone who lays eyes on it.

Manitoba Egg Farmers offer free egg sandwiches made by RRC Polytech Culinary Arts students – Today in Old Market Square

May 17, 2023

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – Manitoba’s regulated egg farmers are inviting you to join them for FREE coffee and delicious egg sandwiches on May 17th from 7:30 until 10:30 a.m. at the corner of King St. and Bannatyne Ave.

Got burning questions about eggs? Meet your local egg farmers and ask questions about how eggs are produced in Manitoba. Attendees can take home MEF-branded swag, including whisks, fried egg pins and cookbooks, and radio station QX104 will be onsite playing music and inviting folks to join in on the fun.

“We want to share our love of eggs with Manitobans,” said Catherine Kroeker-Klassen, Chair of MEF. “We can’t think of a better way to celebrate that love for eggs than for our farmers to come to the city, chat with folks about life on the farm and then give away delicious sandwiches made with local nutritious eggs.”

MEF is working with Chef Terry Gereta to make the sandwiches fresh onsite at Red River College Polytechnic’s Paterson Globalfoods Institute. Gereta is an instructor from RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts program, who has sourced local ingredients for these sandwiches and is supervising students, who will benefit from the opportunity to put the skills they have learned into practice.

“As one of the most versatile and nutritious ingredients available to us, eggs are an essential ingredient for most chefs on a daily basis, so it’s important that our students not only master how to cook with them properly – but truly understand their value as well as the process and effort that is required to get them to our kitchens,” said Ryan Whibbs, Chair of Baking and Culinary Arts at RRC Polytech. “We’re thrilled to partner with Manitoba Egg Farmers for this event that provides Chef Terry’s short order students with experiential training while showcasing the fundamental role that farmers play to feed our communities and grow our economy.”

“Eggs are delicious, protein-packed and highly versatile – perfect for weekend brunches, after-gym snacks, holiday baking and a quick nutritious way to start every day,” said Catherine Kroeker-Klassen. “When you are buying eggs in Manitoba grocery stores you are supporting a local Manitoba egg farm – just like mine! Those eggs are fresh, nutritious and affordable. Thank you for supporting local egg farmers!”

We hope you can start your day with a hot egg sandwich this Wednesday from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at Old Market Square! Celebrate #LocalEggs with us!

About Manitoba Egg Farmers – We’re Egg Farmers We Love What We Do® Manitoba Egg Farmers (MEF) represents 170 regulated egg and pullet farmers in our province. MEF is an independent organization, funded entirely by egg and pullet farmers. Regulated egg farmers are the primary caregivers of their hens that produce over 76 million dozen eggs each year and feed all communities across Manitoba. Eggs are nutritious, versatile and can be eaten with any meal. For more information about egg farming in Manitoba, hen care or recipes visit eggs.mb.ca

RRC Polytech Hosts Inaugural Work-Integrated Learning Conference

May 10, 2023

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation – More than 100 representatives from Manitoba businesses are meeting today to learn the advantages and benefits of mentoring a student through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech).

Hosted by RRC Polytech’s Applied Computer Education and Work Integrated Learning & Career Services department, the one-day conference Engaging in Work-Integrated Learning for the Changing Workplace aims to inform businesses about what WIL opportunities exist with the College, and what supports they can receive to promote accessibility and equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

“The College is already well known for its experiential approach to learning, and we want to ensure our industry partners understand the many benefits of providing students with Work-Integrated Learning experiences. Not only do our students gain important skills that support their future career paths, but our host employers also benefit through early access to high quality talent,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic at RRC Polytech. “Students come to RRC Polytech because they want a high-quality education that will prepare them to enter the workforce after graduation. This includes access to industry mentorship, experiential learning and co-operative work placements.”

The conference is funded through a partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), with support from the Government of Canada. Through the partnership RRC Polytech has committed to providing 650 WIL opportunities for students in 2023.

Some new initiatives created through the partnership include the Sprint to Innovate competition, pitch workshops, and additional projects worked on through Applied Computer Education.

“We need to scale up opportunities for employers to work with equity-deserving students to create truly inclusive and meaningful work environments,” said Andrew Bieler, Director of Partnerships & Experiential Learning at BHER. “We applaud RRC Polytech in bringing together business and industry organizations to better understand how best to support students from different backgrounds in Manitoba.”

Conference sessions focus on how businesses can maximize their talent pipelines through WIL, supporting students and employees with autism, cultural competencies training, and accessibility resources. The day kicks off with a keynote from Dr. Lionel Laroche about managing cultural differences in Canadian organizations.

Katrina Zado, Director of People Development at Northfield IT is attending the conference and is looking for ways to enhance WIL opportunities across the Winnipeg-based technology company.

“Our talent is the primary driver of the value we bring to our clients and we are looking forward to contemporary perspectives on optimizing our people strategy and enhancements within the WIL program,” says Zado.  “Constant refinement helps us better support our students and team members in fostering collaboration and learning.  Northfield IT has successfully partnered with RRC Polytech for ten years and we hope to continue to be a supporter of the school for many more years to come.”

The conference runs from 8:30a.m. until 3:30p.m. at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae – 319 Elgin Avenue.

For more information and the full schedule visit RRC Polytech’s website

      

Minister of Advanced Education and Training visits RRC Polytech

May 9, 2023

Fred Meier, President and CEO, had the pleasure of hosting Honourable Sarah Guillemard, Minster of Advanced Education and Training earlier today.

Fred was able to showcase some of the incredible things happening at RRC Polytech, including projects managed by students underway at ACE Project Space and the opportunities and connections provided to industry and students. They toured the Game Development Program where Minister Guillemard was able to meet students and see first-hand how RRC Polytech is meeting the growing demand.

They were able to discuss College priorities, including opportunities and advantages that a polytechnic brings to bridge the skills gap in Manitoba to support upskilling and reskilling, meeting the ever-changing needs of Manitobans.

The meeting included a tour of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and highlighted the connected learning spaces, studios, classrooms and one of the largest language training centres in Manitoba.

Quick Train courses boost RRC Polytech’s contribution to a cleaner economy

May 9, 2023

Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery members meet with federal Parliamentarians to demonstrate how Canadian institutions are coming together to train workers for the transition to a clean economy

Red River College Polytechnic is meeting with federal Parliamentarians this week to discuss further opportunities for Canada’s colleges, Cégeps and institutions to be the driving force in providing the skills required to transition to a clean economy. The virtual meetings, led by the Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) – a coalition of 14 institutions from across Canada that work together to provide the skills required to transition to a clean economy –  build off the success of the recently launched Quick Train Canada initiative.

Quick Train Canada is a series of tuition-free micro-credential courses offered at C2R2 institutes across the country that focus on providing Canadian workers and employers with options to update skills quickly through multi-week, virtual and in-person learning designed to boost job security and participation as the economy transitions to more sustainable practices.

“RRC Polytech’s six Quick Train courses filled up within the first week of being launched, which shows there’s a demonstrated need for learners to quickly and easily bolster their portfolios with relevant skills that will contribute to a greener economy,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“RRC Polytech and C2R2 members across Canada are positioned to quickly develop thousands of training and applied research opportunities to help Canadians access new careers, support the transition to a low-carbon economy, and foster equity, diversity, and inclusion.”

Each C2R2 institution offers Quick Train courses relevant to their areas of expertise. All courses are tuition-free, and many are offered virtually so anyone in Canada can access them.

RRC Polytech’s Quick Train courses focus on Clean Tech:

  • Introduction to Electric Vehicle Technology
  • Electric Vehicle Communication and Computer Systems
  • Building Envelope Science: Principles and Practice

and Social Innovation:

  • Engagement and Relationship-Building with Indigenous Communities
  • Indigenous and Canadian Government Relationships
  • and The Consultation Process

The Quick Train micro-credentials RRC Polytech currently offer draw on the College’s strengths in electric vehicle technology and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Several areas within the College worked together to build academic programming to support the courses’ development.

“The fact that these courses were selected for a Canada-wide audience proves we’re not only local leaders in these areas, but that our work deserves to be showcased on a national scale,” says Meier. “The Quick Train initiative embodies RRC Polytech’s commitment to partnership – not only through cross-country relationships formed through C2R2, but through the inter-departmental efforts that took place here at the College.”

The courses wrapped up their initial runs earlier this spring. Due to high demand – with waitlists as high as 200 people for some courses – RRC Polytech has scheduled additional courses to launch beginning this month.

RRC Polytech and other C2R2 members are currently meetingwith parliamentarians and decision-makers to discuss how the government can further utilize C2R2’s expertise to deliver and implement training and inclusive economic recovery. Existing training opportunities include:

  • Rapid training and upskilling through Quick Train Canada – a national curriculum and microcredential delivery platform serving employees and employers across Canada;
  • A focus on innovation, research, and advancement with respect to climate action and sustainability to support a low-carbon future; and
  • Alignment with employer needs, industry partnerships, work placement opportunities and community relationships. 

The C2R2 ecosystem is agile, working with its 14 partner institutions and 14 industry partners coast to coast to coast to seek expert advice, implement best practices, and rapidly address current trends, concerns, and needs arising in Canadian communities and industries.

“C2R2 is positioned to be a leader in Canada’s evolving ecosystem and play the critical support role needed for true success as we plan for the future,” says Meier. “We are proud to be members of C2R2 and to contribute to this important work to benefit workers and industries across our country.

For more information, visit rrc.ca/quicktrain or resilientcolleges.ca.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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