RRC Polytech opens Manitoba’s first Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre – set to begin training future health leaders in January 2025.

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – 

Healthcare education at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is entering a new chapter today with the opening of its new Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre (the Simulation Centre). This first-of-its kind training facility in Manitoba will begin training the province’s future health leaders this January.

The Simulation Centre is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary facility that will revolutionize healthcare training in Manitoba. It is the first interdisciplinary centre of its kind in Manitoba to focus on nursing, allied health professions and community services and has 16,630 square feet of state-of-the-art learning space at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus.

“The Simulation Centre will maximize education opportunities and provide immersive and collaborative training for our health and community care programs,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “As one of the largest trainers of healthcare professionals in the province, this is an exciting new frontier in how we can better train and prepare students to be confident in their careers and make an impact in our communities throughout the province.”

“Simulation is critical as it ensures students in all programs have access to immediate experiential training opportunities vital to graduation, gaining experience that helps better prepare them for the clinical environment and ultimately, being job ready on day one,” said Meier.

Using state-of-the art high-fidelity simulation equipment and live actors to create small- and large-scale activities and mock scenarios, the Simulation Centre will provide students from various health disciplines in 13 programs with real-world experiences that mirror the realities they will face in the workplace. These training opportunities will equip students to fill vital and in-demand career roles in Manitoba’s healthcare system from their first day on the job.

The Simulation Centre was made possible through ongoing support from the Province of Manitoba, who this year invested over $6 million in funding towards the development along with ongoing operating support – providing a total investment of over $12.5 million.

 “This state-of-the-art centre is an example of the high-quality training that is offered right here in Manitoba. Bringing students together from different health disciplines allows our future healthcare workers to get hands-on training that reflects the realities of their future workplaces,” said Minister of Advanced Education and Training, Renée Cable.

“Together, with our partners at RRC Polytech, we’re ensuring that the future of healthcare in Manitoba is in good hands,” said Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Uzoma Asagwara. “Innovative learning opportunities guarantee that future generations of healthcare workers are well-equipped to offer top-quality care to Manitobans. I look forward to seeing how the centre improves students’ education and how as a result, Manitoba continues to be a top choice for folks wanting to study and work in healthcare.”

Designed with the future of healthcare professions in mind, the Simulation Centre will continue to evolve alongside emerging technological and social innovations, as well as RRC Polytech’s commitments to reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.  The Simulation Centre was designed with Indigenous teaching and practices woven throughout. Each of the debriefing rooms are named after Indigenous healing plants which are integrated through the Centre. The space also has an Elder’s Room and includes spaces for smudging and ceremonies.

The space was created to accommodate growth in these programs. It has the capacity to train up to 12,000 students each academic year, and up to six simulations can be run at a time in the various simulation spaces. The Simulation Centre is designed to replicate real hospital environments, including multi-patient rooms, and an adaptable apartment space that supports a wide range of interdisciplinary scenarios.

The facility also includes a triage station for training health unit clerks, as well as an exam room designed to mimic a healthcare practitioner’s space. Several flexible spaces, with movable walls, can be reconfigured to accommodate large group gatherings or simulations that require non-hospital settings.

Streaming and recording capabilities within the Simulation Center will allow regional campuses to observe live simulations which can also be viewed in the large lecture theater connected to the Simulation Centre. This would allow a larger audience to engage with and participate in the simulation experience.

Students will train with standardized participant actors to fill the role of patients, and the Simulation Centre enter is equipped with a diverse range of advanced mannequins, spanning from infant to older adult, to effectively simulate various stages of life.

The Simulation Centre will support new and existing students and provide opportunities for the current workforce to upgrade their skills. A dedicated simulation educator will be available to support industry partners who wish to use the center. This educator will assist in developing simulations that align with learning objectives, provide exceptional student experience, and uphold the highest standards in simulation.

For more information about the Simulation Centre, and the programs it supports, go to rrc.ca/sim.

Two Convocation Ceremonies Taking Place on November 6, 1:30 and 7:00 p.m., at RBC Convention Centre  

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Today, November 6, professionals entering healthcare, business, automotive, creative, and other integral Manitoba industries will be celebrated in two convocation ceremonies. Each of the nearly 1,600 students – the largest number of graduates RRC Polytech has recognized in its Fall convocations since they were first added in 2020 – will fill vital and in-demand career roles to support Manitoba’s economy. The ceremonies will take place at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the RBC Convention Centre.

“RRC Polytech strives to prepare every student for their future career in the ever-evolving industries they are set to join after graduation,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Each of the nearly 1600 graduates we are celebrating today have proved they have the skills, the knowledge, and the confidence they need to become leaders representing RRC Polytech in Manitoba’s workforce.”

Among the honourees at tonight’s ceremony is Yi Gu, RRC Polytech’s 2024 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal recipient, and a gold medalist of the Applied Accounting program. RRC Polytech awards up to four Lieutenant Governor’s Medal awards each year to graduating students who excel in academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and good character.

Yi Gu is a graduate of the Applied Accounting program. He came to Manitoba in the summer of 2023 and started his studies at RRC Polytech shortly after. In class, Yi often took on the role of leader and engaged actively with instructors and fellow students and regularly took part in various school events. Yi is an active member of the community and spends his time volunteering at St. Boniface Hospital and Shanghai Association of Manitoba.

“I am honoured to be recognized for my academic achievements and involvement in the community,” said Yi Gu, Fall 2024 Lieutenant Governor Medalist. “I gained employment in my field by meeting my current employer at an event organized by the College and it is clear to me that my choice to study at RRC Polytech was right one.”

RRC Polytech has long produced graduates that make an impact on Manitoba’s workforce. The Dental Assisting program celebrated its 50^th anniversary this year and the graduates of that program stand alongside decades of alumni who were trained at RRC Polytech.

From longstanding programs to newly developed and evolving ones, RRC Polytech is proud to build upon its reputation for providing high quality, experiential education that gets grads hired, while encouraging lifelong learning in a welcoming environment for all. On average, 92 per cent of RRC Polytech graduates are employed six-18 months post-graduation.

The Fall Convocation will take place today at RBC Convention Centre, with ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.:

Wednesday, November 6th at 1:30 p.m.

• School of Business, Information Technology and Creative Arts
• School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts

Wednesday, November 6th at 7 p.m.

• School of Continuing Education
• School of Education, Arts and Sciences
• School of Health Sciences and Community Services
• School of Indigenous Education
• School of Skilled Trades and Technology

The students graduating this fall completed various degree, diploma, and certificate programs between April 29, 2024, and August 25, 2024. For a full list of graduates, award winners, and to stream the ceremonies, please visit rrc.ca/convocation.

RRC Polytech launches gateway to applied research, innovation, tech transfer and talent for partners in the manufacturing sector – the first of its kind in Manitoba

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, RRC Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics proudly introduces its new applied research and innovation hub – the Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT). Located on the Notre Dame Campus, CAMTT provides a gateway to sector-specific applied research, innovation, tech transfer and talent for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Manitoba and beyond, while training the workforce of tomorrow.

“The Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT) encourages collaboration between industry and academic partners that will drive innovative solutions in the manufacturing sector,” says Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. “CAMTT is a critical foundation block of the Price Institute that was created to help bridge gaps and accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0 in emerging areas such as automation, Artificial Intelligence, robotics and mechatronics. It’s work that will benefit Manitoba’s economy and communities for generations to come.”

CAMTT provides a distributed network of spaces, facilities and expertise through which partners can access and leverage technology, knowledge, assets and talent in a work-integrated, real-world environment where truth and reconciliation and equity-based representation is a priority.

Established on the foundational pillars of collaborative programming, automation, manufacturing, technology and transfer, CAMTT is the first of its kind in Manitoba – and features the first Chair of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics in the province.

An unparalleled combination of faculty, experts and students is eager to put their expertise and RRC Polytech’s leading-edge facilities and technology to work and collaborate with industry to:

• bridge gaps in manufacturing and mechatronics
• facilitate adoptive leverage of Industry 4.0, including automation, additive manufacturing, AI and robotics
• accelerate the transfer of technologies and solutions that we develop
• reskill and upskill existing workforce
• attract new talent

With a minimal financial contribution, partners can expect extensive collaboration aimed to help leverage resources including funding, to position projects for success by maximizing emerging technologies, state-of-the-art equipment and outside-the-box thinking to tackle specific challenges. Students will gain desirable skills and work experience by collaborating with teammates, faculty and experts to solve real-world problems.

Manufacturers-in-residence with be provided with space, Internet connectivity, and access to meeting rooms to effectively guide teams dedicated to each venture, with a shared vision as they experiment to perfect new concepts and processes.

“We are actively inviting partners and supporters to be part of our growing network of industry experts, faculty, students, staff and facilities that will work with manufacturers and for manufacturers to help de-risk and adopt innovative Industry 4.0 solutions,” says Dr. Vikram Banthia, Director of RRC Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics. “Partner with us to leverage our technology, innovation, expertise, assets and talent and take your project from idea to reality.”

Media is welcome to attend today’s launch event to learn more about CAMTT and take a guided tour of the facilities. Light refreshments will be served.      

Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Skilled Trades and Technology Centre
Notre Dame Campus – RRC Polytech
2055 Notre Dame Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3H 0J9 

For more information on RRC Polytech’s Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics, visit www.rrc.ca/priceinstitute

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – This evening, 170 nursing graduates from RRC Polytech are being given their pins and being inducted into the nursing profession. The ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre and nearly 1,000 people are expected to attend.

The class of 2024 is the largest nursing class to graduate since the pandemic, consisting of three cohorts coming from the Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg, and the Winkler and Portage campuses. During their practicum placements many of these nurses worked in rural and remote communities, as far south as Altona and Killarney, and as far north as Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

“We’ve heard from the placement hosts that they can’t wait for our students to become members of their working teams,” said Lesley McGuirk, Associate Dean of Nursing. “This is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the profession. Not just to do well in school and put the skills they’ve learned at RRC Polytech to use, but to make an impact wherever they are for patients and their fellow healthcare professionals. We are extremely proud of each of the 170 graduates today.”

“RRC Polytech is proud to be one of the largest trainers of health care professionals in the province,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Healthcare employers and patients across Manitoba know they can count on our graduates to provide compassionate and needed care and this cohort of graduates is going to exemplify this throughout their careers.”

Nurses are a crucial force in patient care and these new nurses receiving their pins today are now ready to work in Manitoba, filling vital positions, supporting healthcare systems in communities throughout Manitoba, and ensuring the best care is available for those seeking it.

“A strong healthcare system begins with a strong workforce, and nurses are at the core of that” said Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Uzoma Asagwara. “Every nurse makes the choice to spend their career caring for others. I want to thank every new graduate from RRC Polytech’s program for making that choice and wish you all the best as you start on this path.”

Each grad has their own story for entering the profession and many of them have already entered the workforce post-graduation. Brett Smith is now working in HSC Trauma Surgery GD3, and Tiana Wyryha is working in Children’s Emergency where she did her senior practicum. They are two graduates with different backgrounds but the same passion to make a difference.

“Becoming a nurse was not always what I had planned for myself. My life experiences brought me to the nursing program at the age of 30, seeking a career that provides me with more fulfillment and purpose which is exactly what I found in the nursing program,” said Smith. “The nurturing environment created by both staff and fellow students at RRC Polytech has truly inspired my growth.”

“From a young age I’ve always known I’ve wanted to become a nurse. Being able to help those in need is such a rewarding experience. My biggest inspiration is my mom who’s been nursing for over 30 years,” said Wyryha. “My experience at RRC Polytech was unforgettable. The nursing program is very hands on right from the beginning. Over the past four years I’ve developed many inspirations that connected me with staff and fellow students which I hope to enhance during my nursing career.”

The pins will be given to the graduates by three of their instructors, and representatives from the Manitoba Government, the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, and the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba will be in attendance, in addition to RRC Polytech’s President and CEO, Fred Meier and Acting Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Community Services, Kerri Korabelnikov.

A nursing pin is a badge worn by nurses to identify the nursing school from which they graduated. They are traditionally presented to newly graduated nurses by faculty at a Pinning Ceremony as a symbolic welcome into the profession.

The Bachelor of Nursing (BN) Program at RRC Polytech is a duration of 32 months and runs at the Notre Dame, Portage and Winkler campuses. RRC Polytech also takes several licensed practical nurses (LPNs) into the program each year to get their Bachelor of Nursing degree and become registered nurses (RNs).

Transformational gift – the largest in RRC Polytech’s history – positions the College to produce the talent and expertise vital to the continued success and growth of Manitoba’s creative industries.  

For immediate release: September 12, 2024

For more than 70 years, creative thinkers have explored ideas and sharpened their skills at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech). Today, a $15 million gift from the Schroeder Foundation paves the way for continued growth and opportunity in the creative arts for RRC Polytech, its students, and the province of Manitoba.

Creative industries are at the core of RRC Polytech, and they are growing in Manitoba thanks to a local talent pool that continues to thrive – a local talent pool that industry trusts to be developed at RRC Polytech.

The Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts (the Schroeder Institute) has been created to support creative industries and Manitoba reach the next level in this period of growth by ensuring that a pipeline of newly skilled local talent continues to flow and fill crucial industry roles, while engaging more deeply with industry partners, and undertaking exciting opportunities to foster innovation through applied research.

Manitoba is increasingly becoming more competitive in creative areas across the prairies, the country, and beyond. More productions are being filmed in Winnipeg and Manitoba and more creative businesses are opening their doors while local companies are making their mark beyond our province’s borders. Local training and talent are crucial to the success of the businesses that choose to operate here, and that is where RRC Polytech, and the Schroeder Institute, come in.

“RRC Polytech and the Schroeder Foundation have a shared vision for the future and what we can make possible through education, collaboration, and research,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “The Schroeder Foundation’s decision to make this tremendous investment in RRC Polytech reflects that there are visionaries invested in our community who recognize the value of what we are doing here to support students on their way into careers in creative industries. This gift today will enable us to create so many more opportunities for Manitobans and our creative industries together.”

This partnership is a representation of the movie-worthy story arc that the Schroeder family and RRC Polytech share – a history of humble beginnings leading to a path of advancing technology and industry in Canada and beyond. The Schroeder family and their foundation share the commitment to creating opportunity in Manitoba that RRC Polytech holds as a guiding principle.

RRC Polytech began as a small community college, and after almost a century of continuous growth and innovation, it is now a leader in producing creative talent that is ready to lead Manitoba into the future. The College’s reputation in creative arts is the result of the relentless creativity and innovative teaching approaches that generation after generation of faculty and staff have brought to their programs. This gift, and the creation of the Schroeder Institute, further cements RRC Polytech as a trusted partner that industry can rely on to produce job-ready grads and support existing employees with opportunities to expand their skills.

The Schroeder Institute launches today with 12 core programs and continues to enhance its offerings. Two new programs – Animation and Entertainment Production Management – are poised to launch in the fall of 2025 and industry informed micro-credential programs designed for current professionals to increase their skillsets are soon be added.

The Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts is where students push the limits of their skills and build their networks and industry connections. They are taught by instructors with a wealth of industry experience who support them as they learn the skills necessary to break into a career in their chosen field.

Developed with a 14-person advisory committee deeply entrenched in creative industries to guide programming, the Schroeder Institute always has an edge on what the industry needs.

“In my career in the film industry I have seen some incredible progress that is only going to continue,” said Carole Vivier, Advisory Committee Co-Chair and former CEO and Film Commissioner of Manitoba Film and Music. “I have hired many RRC Polytech grads, and the possibilities that come from the creation of this institute are beyond exciting. I’m happy to be a part of bringing this to life and eager to see how the Schroeder Institute further supports and grows these industries in the years to come.”

The Schroeder Foundation is an ongoing partner of RRC Polytech supporting student success, such as providing scholarships for their “Schroeder Students.” Now, this latest, and largest, investment of $15 million to ensure top creative arts programming, is a continuation of that support and legacy of giving in the spirit of furthering education.

“Maria and I grew up in Manitoba and will always be Winnipeggers. We believe in the work that RRC Polytech is doing to support students and the industries they aspire to be a part of,” said Walter Schroeder. “We have lofty goals for the Institute. We believe it can attract creative sector industry partners – and students – from across Canada and around the world to Manitoba and Winnipeg, where they will discover the advantages of working, studying, and living here. And we believe the Institute can create pathways for secondary learners – like the students we support through Sisler’s CREATE program – to accelerate their careers in their home province. We can’t wait to see these relationships grow with other Winnipeg high schools and we are excited to support the Institute.” 

The Schroeder Institute will create a pipeline of newly skilled employees, foster deeper collaboration with industry and for the first time, RRC Polytech is creating an applied research program to foster innovation in emerging technologies in creative sectors. The College’s ACE Project Space, alongside the Research Partnerships and Innovation team, will undertake projects aimed at establishing Canada’s leadership in animation, virtual production studios, and user experience testing.

Areas of applied research opportunity within the Schroeder Institute are diverse and immense, from leveraging AI in media creation, exploring how to best utilize immersive technologies like virtual or augmented reality in productions, and how to reduce the carbon footprint of production.

“Creative industries are thriving across the country, and Manitoba is proving that big things are happening in the heart of the prairies,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs. “This investment at RRC Polytech to support post-secondary education and our economies is welcome news.”

Creative arts contribute $1.6 billion to Manitoba’s GDP and comprises more than 3,400 businesses and 20,000 workers. This industry is now supported by the Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit and the Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit.

“I am thrilled to celebrate the launch of the Schroeder Institute, which will allow students to pursue their passions right here in Manitoba,” said the Honourable Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training. “My deepest gratitude to RRC Polytech for their unwavering commitment to student success and their leadership in fostering collaboration with community and industry partners.”

Headquartered in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, and located in the heart of the Exchange District, the Schroeder Institute gives students direct access to the creative core of Winnipeg, while they learn in state-of-the-art facilities with top industry-grade equipment and tools.

“This is an exciting time for Winnipeggers looking to break into creative fields,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “From film production to video game design to the arts, Winnipeg is a hub for creative industries, and RRC Polytech is nurturing the talent that makes our city an attractive home for these companies and productions.”

“This gift from Walter and Maria through the Schroeder Foundation towards RRC Polytech’s comprehensive campaign In Front of What’s Ahead, is a rare example of truly transformational philanthropy that uplifts our community, industry partners, and students for generations to come,” said David Petis, Executive Director, Advancement, RRC Polytech. “It demonstrates what is possible with the support of community partners who believe in the value of a Polytechnic education and providing opportunities for young people looking to break into industries they are passionate about.”

Newly trained staff who recently completed the in-community phlebotomy (blood-drawing) training program are now employed at the health centre lab which will be open permanently to provide essential health services within Lake Manitoba First Nation.

The in-community phlebotomy training was customized for students in Lake Manitoba First Nation and included online delivery and in-person skills labs and clinical placement. It was delivered in partnership with SCO, Lake Manitoba First Nation, RRC Polytech, Manitoba Shared Health, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, and the Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority.

“The hard work and dedication of these students not only results in enhanced healthcare services for Lake Manitoba First Nation, but their success also demonstrates to other communities across the province that RRC Polytech is eager to listen, collaborate and co-design customized training solutions that remove barriers for Indigenous learners,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. “We look forward to building our relationship with Southern Chiefs’ Organization and exploring other opportunities that will help to empower all communities through education.”

For the full press release, visit The Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s website.

Yesterday, the federal and provincial government announced over $12 million in combined funding towards community initiatives and organizations working to end gender-based violence. RRC Polytech’s Shelter Support Worker micro-credential will receive $350,000 to continue to offer this important tuition-free program – one of 19 organizations in Manitoba to receive support.

The announcement was held at RRC Polytech’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae where the Honourable Marci Ien, Women and Gender Equality and Youth Minister for the Government of Canada and the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity announced a combined $6.2 million in federal funding with $6.35 million from Manitoba through Year Two of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

“We are honoured to be a part of this announcement and receive support for our tuition-free shelter support worker micro-credential,” said Christine Watson, vice-president academic, Red River College Polytechnic at the announcement. “This training prepares current and future shelter workers to support those in need of refuge from difficult and sometimes dangerous situations. RRC Polytech is proud to be a partner in creating a safer Manitoba for all.”

RRC Polytech’s Shelter Support Worker micro-credential program is the first of its kind in Manitoba and was designed with industry partners to address skill gaps, meet community needs and improve staffing levels and delivery service in homeless and family violence shelters across the province.

Last year, RRC Polytech celebrated its first cohort of 23 students successfully completing the program and next month will host a ceremony for an additional 19 who will complete the second cohort.

The Shelter Support Worker micro-credential was developed in partnership with RRC Polytech and Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS) and Manitoba’s family violence and homeless shelters. The program aims to provide essential skills and knowledge for individuals involved in or aspiring to work in homeless and family and gender-based violence shelters.

The program trains existing and potential workers, provides individuals with specific knowledge and education and improves staffing levels and service delivery. It also provides individuals a chance to apply their knowledge through a practicum.

The bilateral funding agreement is part of the second year of a comprehensive 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence which aims to create a Canada free of GBV and provide support to victims, survivors and their families across the country.

Supported initiatives – like the Shelter Support Worker micro-credential – align with five pillars: supports for survivors and their families; prevention; responsive justice system; implementing Indigenous-led approaches; and social infrastructure and enabling environment.

“To work towards a future free from gender-based violence, our government is supporting community-driven actions in Manitoba,” said the Honourable Marci Ien in a joint press release. “By investing over $6.2 million in 2024-25, we are empowering Manitoban organizations to lead the way forward in preventing and addressing gender-based violence. Together with the Manitoba government, we are implementing the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence to ensure safety, support and justice for all.”

“We need to put a stop to gender-based violence in our homes and communities, and make sure survivors have the supports they need,” said the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine in a joint press release. “We are taking action to ensure there are more supports for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, working with communities to break cycles of violence, and supporting Indigenous-led and community-informed approaches to address gender-based violence across Manitoba.”

To learn more about the Shelter Support Worker micro-credential, visit rrc.ca

Partnership brings fully funded construction trades training into community to strengthen local workforce and remove barriers for Indigenous learners

Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – RRC Polytech is utilizing a mobile facility in community to deliver fully funded construction trades training to Shoal Lake 40 citizens this summer in a growing partnership with Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and Niiwin Wendaanimok, a Kenora-based Indigenous training organization. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the local workforce and help shrink labour gaps as Shoal Lake 40 navigates record growth featuring numerous new building projects including a water extension project.

It’s the first time that RRC Polytech has deployed a mobile training lab (MTL) to Shoal Lake 40.  A dozen eager learners are taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about the tools and equipment, basic measurements and safety standards that will qualify them to seek immediate work as part of a construction crew, in community or beyond.

“One of the greatest barriers that many Indigenous learners face is access to education without being displaced from their support systems,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice President of Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“RRC Polytech’s mobile training labs and our ability to customize course material with micro-credentials ensures that students can stay close to home and connected to family and tradition throughout their academic journey as they acquire new skills to make a positive impact in their communities.”

The project is being fully funded by Niiwin Wendaanimok via the Skills Development Fund offered through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). The Niiwin Wendaanimok (Four Winds) Partnership is an Indigenous owned and operated corporation dedicated to providing construction, contracting and environmental monitoring services in Treaty 3 territory with a mandate to employ Anishinaabe workers and assets in development projects and ensure Anishinaabe laws and voices are respected.

“At Niiwin Wendaanimok, our mission is to rebuild the economies of our four partner First Nations while following Manito Aki Inakonigaawin (MAI), the Great Earth Law of the Anishinaabeg. This journey begins with providing comprehensive training programs to our people,” says George Kakeway, Chairman of the Board, Niiwin Wendaanimok.

“The RRC Polytech training program in Shoal Lake 40 exemplifies our commitment, equipping members with the skills they need to meaningfully participate in projects in the community and beyond, including the vital highway twinning project. Through these partnerships, we hope to build a sustainable future for our people, where honouring tradition and progress walk side by side.”

Shoal Lake 40 has over a dozen new home builds underway as well as a number of larger commercial builds on the horizon so there is a local need for general labourers in construction.

“Training local community members in our community is vitally important to our collective strength and pride,” says Chief Kevin Redsky, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. “Shoal Lake 40 First Nation is catching up from 100 years of isolation since the completion of Freedom Road in 2019 and we are very happy that our local community members are gaining the skills needed from the Red River College Polytechnic Mobile Training Lab to help rebuild our Nation.” 

Students began their initial 13-week learning journey earning micro-credentials in safety standards and awareness, tool and equipment use and care, and construction-related measurement and math. They are currently being introduced to the concepts and techniques of basic plumbing and piping and recently completed a two-week course on wood framing that led to the construction of ice fishing shacks that will be shared with the community.

On Monday, they even got a chance to show off their work and share their experiences with a tour of special guests including His Worship, Scott Gillingham, Mayor of the City of Winnipeg and the Honourable Ian Bushie, Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations, who were in community for an annual meeting.

“The ice fishing shack is looking pretty good, so I’m proud of everyone’s work and how much they’ve learned,” said student, Rowen Sky, who is currently working as a framer for a company based in Richer, MB. He’s using the training as, “a good refresher that gives me more time with our young family.”

“We’ve always built things ourselves, but now we’ll know how to build them right so things around here will last longer and be safer for our kids,” added his partner and fellow student, Kendra Green.

The program gives students flexibility in their learning with entry and exit points that can lead directly to employment opportunities in their own community. Students also get a chance to become more comfortable in their new roles by touring current job sites and meeting with sub-contractors and potential employers.

“In addition to building new physical structures and stronger communities, these students are also learning to build relationships that can help them to achieve their goals and dreams while becoming positive role models within their community,” says Wilson. “We look forward to continuing to grow this partnership with Shoal Lake 40 and are committed to supporting all Indigenous communities across Manitoba.”     

RRC Polytech has previously supported youth entrepreneurs from Harvey Redsky Memorial School in launching a for-profit business that will generate revenue and bring attention to Shoal Lake 40 First Nation’s legacy from tragedy to opportunity in their generation.

RRC Polytech purchased decals designed by the student-entrepreneurs through a Future Business Leaders Project that will be placed near re-fillable bottle stations on campus. The decals provide information about Shoal Lake 40 providing clean drinking water to City of Winnipeg residents and promote our shared and sacred responsibility to protect the environment. (Learn more)

About Mobile Training Labs (MTLs):

The MTLs are 53-foot-long semi-trailers with slide-out sides that can quickly transform into 950 square feet of vocational training space bringing a classroom, any necessary equipment and professional instruction directly into rural communities.

About micro-credentials:

Micro-credentials are shareable endorsements of knowledge, skills or competencies gained through the completion of a course, a module or demonstration of understanding and are often represented by digital badges. They can also be stacked as learners build their knowledge base and this allows course content to be adapted to meet the specific needs of the students and the community.

Starting next Tuesday, youth ages 9-14 will be attending summer camps at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Notre Dame Campus exploring photography, Indigenous culture, entrepreneurship, transportation technology, baking, and structural design.

This year, the College is offering seven camps – the most ever offered – to 160 campers, the most in RRC Polytech’s history. These hands-on camps are taught by knowledgeable instructors to introduce young people to various trades and career areas.

“Our summer camps are one way we engage youth early and give them an idea of the experiences they could have at RRC Polytech when they start thinking about a career later in their education,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “It is also a way for them and their families to get familiar with us, ask questions, and learn something they maybe didn’t know before. But most of all, the aim is to make sure these kids have a fun and interactive learning experience with a group of their peers.” 

The camps take place throughout July. Media is invited to schedule a time to attend in the timeslots listed below to capture the sessions in action.

When:

Where: RRC Polytech, Notre Dame Campus, 2055 Notre Dame Avenue

Photo opportunities: Kids engaging in trades and other activities

For a full list of camps and their dates, visit the Youth Camps page on the RRC Polytech website.

Thanks to the support of donors, some campers can attend free of charge. A $500,000 gift from the Canerector Foundation, announced earlier this year, will cover the costs of the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology Camp for the next five years, while a $40,000 gift from the Carolyn Sifton Foundation is covering up to 100 registrations for campers who may not otherwise be able to attend. The camp offerings continue to diversify and grow in response to labour market trends and thanks to the support of donors.

RRC Polytech also offers other learning opportunities for youth during the evenings and weekends throughout the year. The Gene Haas Manufacturing Boot Camp introduces grade 7 and 8 students and their parents or guardians to CNC machining, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing, plus robotics and automation. This immensely popular one-day experience recently hosted its 10^th event and surpassed the 360-participant mark in just two years.

Over 100 applications in first week of initiative aimed at increasing Indigenous enrolment

For the month of June, RRC Polytech is waiving the application fees for First Nations (Status and non-Status), Métis and Inuit learners to any RRC Polytech program. The initiative has already had a strong response with more than 100 applications submitted in the first week.

Data from Statistics Canada in 2021 shows that 49.2% of Indigenous people between the ages of 25 and 64 had completed post-secondary education, compared to 68% of non-Indigenous people.

“That 18.8% gap represents disproportionate access to education that deeply affects Indigenous people, which is entangled in a multitude of factors rooted in Canada’s colonial history. This initiative isn’t just about the application fee, but about extending an invitation to Indigenous learners. Once they become students at RRC Polytech, we can help coordinate additional financial supports and supports designed for their wellbeing and success,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO of RRC Polytech.

While this initiative is in part to recognize and celebrate National Indigenous History Month in an impactful way, waiving application fees during this period is part of RRC Polytech’s ongoing strategy to increase Indigenous enrolment and reduce barriers to education.

“We know that, both from decades of formal community research and informal, anecdotal discussions with Indigenous people, barriers to post-secondary education are wide-ranging. As an educational institution in Manitoba, we have a duty to address the disproportionate barriers that Indigenous communities face. Removing the application fee to help Indigenous learners get started on their journeys is just one way we’re looking at to provide more opportunities for Indigenous people to participate equitably,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.

Applicants that self-declare as First Nations (Status and non-Status), Métis or Inuit will have the $116 application fee waived for any RRC Polytech program – every person is eligible for one free application to any program and any intake.

With over 150 programs to choose from, including seven Pathways and introductory programs through the School of Indigenous Education, qualified learners can find the perfect program to fit their needs and provide the credential needed to start a career. The School of Indigenous Education offers four Pathway programs – in business, engineering, health, information technology – and three college introductory certification programs – College Transition, Culinary Skills (Indigenous) and Introduction to Trades – that prepare Indigenous students for the program of their choice and ensure they gain the skills and knowledge to thrive in a college environment.

Indigenous learners also have access to the Indigenous Admissions Advisor, who provides support and guidance either in person, over the phone, or through virtual meetings. The Indigenous Admissions Advisor can help learners explore programs of interest, review requirements to qualify for admission, navigate application processes with respect to registration and required documents, and connect with other Indigenous student support team members.

Marshall Richard, Indigenous Student Recruiter at RRC Polytech, travels Manitoba as part of Choices for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education (CIPEM) with other post-secondary institutions to inform Indigenous students of programs and supports tailored for their success. Richard and his team members see first-hand the kinds of factors that may prevent Indigenous people from taking that first step to pursuing post-secondary education.

“Removing the initial $116 application fee can make a difference for a high school student, a single parent, or a career-changer who may be on the fence about applying for a program. As students at RRC Polytech, they can access essential wraparound supports dedicated to their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing to help them achieve their goals. It’s just a matter of getting their foot in the door, and this can help them with that first step towards their futures,” said Richard.

The commitment RRC Polytech has made to Truth and Reconciliation through the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan ensures we continue to pursue equitable opportunities for Indigenous people to finish their paths in post-secondary, while creating a framework to continually address and break down barriers for all students pursuing post-secondary.

Learners are invited to create an RRC Polytech account and apply through our self-serve portal on our website or visit one of our Student Service Centres, located at D101 – 2055 Notre Dame Ave. and P104 – 160 Princess St.

More information is available at rrc.ca/free.