RRC Polytech is reminding you that all of our campuses are 100 per cent smoke-free. That means smoking any form of tobacco and/or cannabis, vaping and use of e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (commonly known as chewing tobacco) is not permitted anywhere on our campuses across the province.

RRC Polytech adopted this strict policy in 2020 when designated smoking areas at our campuses were permanently closed and signs were posted to clearly identify that smoking and vaping is prohibited.  Staff and students who choose to smoke and vape while at the College must do so off of the property. Smoking in private vehicles but on College property also remains prohibited.

Since we have returned to campus this Fall, adherence to this policy has regressed. We want to ensure that any new students and staff are fully aware of the policy and that we appreciate everyone’s support and cooperation in respecting all on-campus rules and regulations.

As one of Manitoba’s largest institutes of applied learning, and the largest trainer of healthcare professionals in the province, not only is it important to provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment for our staff and students, but it is equally important to play a leadership role by setting the example and putting an end to smoking and vaping everywhere on-campus.

Read the policy

If you would like more information about the College’s decision to go smoke-free, please contact Safety Health Services at safety@rrc.ca.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Karen Kabel, Associate Dean of Creative Arts & Applied Computer Education (ACE) at RRC Polytech has the encryption key to success when it comes to cybersecurity and was recently recognized as one of Canada’s top women in the field by IT World Canada.

Kabel joins twenty leading experts who were recently honoured at the IT World Canada Top Women in Cybersecurity celebration, Surpassing Expectations. The event hosted a group of women who excel in the various cybersecurity disciplines for organizations such as Microsoft, IBM Deloitte, Scotiabank, the Government of Canada, National Microbiology Lab, and RRC Polytech.

“When I entered the cybersecurity industry, I was one of the first women, so it’s incredible to join twenty of the best in this field from across Canada for this prestigious recognition,” said Kabel. “I’ve always had a passion for encouraging and mentoring women to become interested and certified, and one of the other recipients was someone I helped receive their certification, so it made this experience even more special.”

IT World Canada is an organization committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in the IT sector. The Top Women in Cybersecurity event was created by IT World Canada (ITWC) in association with the Women in Security & Resilience Alliance (WISECRA) and the Canadian Women in Security Forum to recognize women who have advanced the Canadian security industry.

IT World Canada hopes that by recognizing Canada’s top women in cybersecurity it will not only highlight the diverse talents within Canada but also serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring young women. Something IT World Canada and Karen Kabel have in common.

As the Associate Dean of Creative Arts and ACE at RRC Polytech, Kabel has dedicated her career to the cybersecurity field and today, helps inspire the next generation of learners. With a career spanning Canada and Europe, Karen has provided essential security services to multiple companies. She believes that learning about cybersecurity education can start as early as kindergarten and continue throughout a lifetime, and she volunteers her time to train and mentor individuals in the field.

“There is a shortage of women in this industry, so I have always strived to encourage others to consider this path and done whatever I can to support their training along the way – whether it was hosting study groups with pizza or mentoring through the certification process,” said Kabel.

Kabel came to RRC Polytech as an Information Security program instructor in 2018 and became the Chair of Applied Computer Education in 2020, where she helped expand the IT program portfolio to include several new programs. In partnership with the School of Indigenous Education, Kabel helped co-create a new Indigenous IT Pathway program and led the development of three new diploma programs including Data Science and Machine Learning, IT Operations and Application Development & Delivery. She was named Associate Dean of Creative Arts and ACE in January 2023.

As a woman in cybersecurity, Karen advocates for more female representation, highlighting their multitasking abilities and stress-handling skills.

“People have always asked me how I can stay so calm and work under stress – which is key if you work in this industry. I always credit my job of being a mom and raising four children into adulthood, said Kabel. “As a parent you are always prioritizing, problem solving, and trying to remain calm under pressure, and these are strategies that I’ve tried to bring from my home life into the working environment.” 

There are currently 25,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in Canada and the gap is widening. Kabel says RRC Polytech is encouraging more women to enter the field through a training and work-integrated learning pilot with the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) and Microsoft.

The pilot will recruit 20 students who are women or who identify as women in RRC Polytech’s Information Technology programs to acquire foundational Microsoft Cybersecurity training and certification, mentorship, and experiential work-integrated learning – all at no cost to the student.

To learn more about the ICTC and Microsoft Cybersecurity Training Pilot, or to register, click here.

The following message was sent to all staff and students from Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer

This week marks the beginning of another exciting semester ahead and it’s wonderful to see the halls begin to fill with staff, faculty and eager learners back on our campuses across the province.

As we prepare for the term, we want to remind the College community that your health and safety remains our top priority. While the threat of COVID-19 remains low in our community, as we approach Influenza season, it’s important to remain diligent and do our part to stop the spread of all communicable diseases.

As a reminder, RRC Polytech continues to take the following preventative precautions to keep you safe while on-campus:

• RRC Polytech staff and students must stay home when sick, even if symptoms are mild.
• Sanitizer stations remain available throughout our campuses. Regular handwashing and sanitizing, especially after using high touch areas, helps to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• While there is no change in our mask policy, we support the use of masks on-campus.
• All staff and students, who are able, are encouraged to receive their COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, as well as the flu shot once available. RRC Polytech allows staff up to three hours of medical leave to receive their vaccines or booster shots, or to accompany a family member to receive their vaccines and boosters.
  • RRC Polytech will share more details on COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine clinics on-campus this fall as this information becomes available.

As we approach cold and flu season, we must all do our part to stop the spread of illness. Collectively, we all achieve more when we are healthy.

Thank you for your commitment in helping keep RRC Polytech campuses safe places to study and work. We will continue to provide health updates as needed. If you have any questions, please contact safety@rrc.ca.

Thank you,

Melanie Gudmundson
Chief Human Resource Officer

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis – With great energy and enthusiasm, students are returning to Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) campuses across Manitoba beginning today for the start of the fall term, where they will be getting acquainted and celebrating at both College and RRC Polytech Students’ Association led welcoming events scheduled throughout the week.

“The first few days of fall semester always bring a special blend of excitement and anticipation to our campuses. We are excited to welcome new students and returning students as they embark on their own unique academic journeys filled with new discoveries, relationships, and opportunities,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic at RRC Polytech. “Back-to-school activities are more than just social events; they introduce RRC Polytech’s culture of caring, foster a sense of belonging and help to create an inclusive community to ensure our students have the support and confidence to reach their true potential.”

In an ongoing tradition, members of the College’s Senior Leadership Team will greet students this morning as they arrive at the main entrances of the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) and the Exchange District Campus (EDC). Information booths will be in place throughout the week for students to learn about educational resources and volunteer opportunities, provide additional supports and help guide them around campus.

The RRC Polytech Students’ Association (RRCSA) is hosting Back-to-School Block Parties Monday at NDC and Tuesday at EDC where students, staff, and faculty are invited to enjoy fun activities, music, food, shopping and more.

“The primary goal of the RRC Polytech Students’ Association is to make student life better, and welcoming students back on campus for another exciting year of learning, friendships, and self-discovery is the perfect way for us to introduce ourselves to the incoming student body,” said Jemma Ignacio RRCSA Student Life Director. “These welcoming events are an opportunity to get to become familiar with the campus and better understand the supports and services the RRCSA can offer students along their academic journey.”

The first week of fall classes will wrap up on Friday evening with a spectacular Outdoor Color Party at NDC – a vibrant dance party and exhilarating celebration hosted by the RRCSA and inspired by the joyous festival of Holi. It is open to all staff, students, faculty and their friends and family who are encouraged to dress in white attire to fully embrace the explosion of eco-friendly color powders that symbolize the triumph of good over evil.

Events will return a week later as RRC Polytech celebrates Welcoming Week, an Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada annual campaign to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and that they belong in their local community, no matter where they come from. The Centre for Newcomer Integration supported by BMO, located on the second floor of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae on the Exchange District Campus will host various Welcoming Week activities from September 8th – 17^th.

Media are invited and welcome to attend any and all of the Welcome Back to RRC Polytech Activities.

SLT Welcomes Students

Notre Dame Campus

Monday, August 28

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Bus Loop Entrance

West Parking Lot Entrance

Exchange District Campus

Monday, August 28

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Roblin Centre

Manitou a bi Bii daziigae

Back-to-School Block Parties

Notre Dame Campus

Monday, August 28

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

D-E-F Courtyard

Exchange District Campus

Tuesday, August 29

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Elgin Plaza

Outdoor Color Party

Notre Dame Campus

Friday, September 1

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Bus Loop Field (Dalton Cres.)

A dozen ambitious new welders empowered with skills, credentials and confidence are ready to contribute to the world of manufacturing after completing the Women of Steel™: Forging Forward Program at RRC Polytech. The dynamic group of talented and passionate women celebrated the end of their classroom studies and the beginning of their two-week workplace practicums with cake, certificates and conversation with industry partners at a recent informal luncheon on the Notre Dame Campus.    

RRC Polytech partnered with the CWB Welding Foundation to offer the tuition-free program that provides experiential learning for anyone who identifies as female and is interested in exploring welding or working in other welding-related skilled trades as they present a stable career choice with many options for women.

The federally funded program also offers additional support to reduce barriers related to transportation and childcare – and in an unexpected highlight of the summer, the College’s Women of Steel™ cohort was able to say thank-you directly, during a surprise visit from the Deputy Prime Minister. In addition to showing off their skills to the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, the resourceful group also took advantage of the unique opportunity to ask for tips on becoming powerful female role models in traditionally male dominated fields.     

They continued to fearlessly seek out information from the representatives of the private enterprises and the City of Winnipeg who attended the luncheon. The practicum placement hosts confirmed the high demand for tradespeople and offered assurance that the manufacturing sector is welcoming to anyone who does competent work. They advised the students to be on time, prepared to work hard and to ask questions to maximize their workplace experience.

Instructor Sara Broesky joined in the discussion to attest to the significance of the students’ accomplishment and express her personal pride in the growth they’ve demonstrated since May. She lauded their commitment to master the required skills quickly and stressed the importance of programs like Women of Steel™ that encourage women to consider careers in the skilled trades.  

“It’s truly incredible how quickly these women went from terrified to sparks flying to producing strong welds,” says Broesky. “Every one of them obtained at least one Canadian Welding Bureau certification and many earned multiple tickets which qualifies them to perform basic fabrication. It’s a strong foundation they can use to seek employment right away or can build on if they choose to pursue further training.”

The students spoke openly about their own educational journeys and shared their success stories of overcoming various challenges. Coming from widely different backgrounds, they all agreed that feeling safe and comfortable allowed them to achieve their true potential.         

Corleigh Bourns was in education, teaching band before the pandemic struck and limited her opportunities. The reset forced her to re-consider her options and while trades had been initially outside of her comfort zone, a tuition-free introduction was too tempting to pass up.

“I learned that I love welding and there was no reason for me to be intimidated,” she says. “I’m so proud of myself for taking a chance on something new and so grateful for the opportunity to work with and connect with so many inspirational women.” 

Always interested in a career in the trades, Amber Brown had dabbled in becoming a millwright, but never felt truly comfortable committing to a career path.

“Based on my own trauma I felt like I didn’t quite belong in previous trades environments. I always felt judged and unsure of my abilities even though I knew I had a passion to get in there and do good work,” says Brown. “My instructors and classmates understood those hesitations and I was surrounded with support allowing me to acquire the skills and confidence to prove that I can weld as well or better than anyone.”     

Brown says the entire class is now bonded for life, and she’s eager to help change the demographics in the trades while exploring sheet metal during her practicum at Magellan Aerospace.  

“This group of amazing women is going to achieve great things; I can’t wait to get started!”

Women of Steel™: Forging Forward is an Applied Certificate program at RRC Polytech, so each graduate will get the chance to be formally celebrated as they cross the stage to receive their parchment at Fall Convocation in November.

This week, you’ll notice stickers with QR codes being added to the doorways of most spaces across RRC Polytech-owned campuses. These QR codes are part of the College’s Hazardous Materials Inventory System (HMIS), used by Facilities Management and on-site contractors.

By scanning the QR code, our Facilities team and contractors have access to important information through the HMIS, prior to beginning any repairs or renovations in a space.

Presently, the QR codes identify asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in a given space. The information provided through the HMIS is in addition to the robust asbestos management program and procedures already in place at RRC Polytech.

Prior to 1990, asbestos was used in several different building materials in many public spaces in Manitoba. As the majority of RRC Polytech’s buildings pre-date 1990, some spaces inevitably have ACM, as do numerous buildings and homes across the province.

While the notion that a hazardous material is present in a space may seem unsettling, there is no risk posed to staff, students and/or visitors who are occupying the space. All ACM on RRC Polytech campuses are regularly inspected to ensure they remain encapsulated in a manner that prevents any asbestos fibers from becoming airborne and posing risk to occupants.

At RRC Polytech, we are committed to keeping you informed and updated on College-wide operations. For further information about the HMIS QR codes, please see the frequently asked questions, below, or contact Safety, Health and Security Services at safety@rrc.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre (VTEC) are creating a new way to fuel school buses in Winnipeg.

Partnering with Seven Oaks School Division, Noble Northern and the Canadian Shield Foundation, RRC Polytech is leading the Electric School Bus Conversion project, which aims to convert diesel school buses into electric vehicles.

The benefits of converting just one bus in Seven Oaks fleet includes saving up to $11,000 in fuel costs, and reducing 20.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions per school year (approximately 39 weeks).

This initiative will also demonstrate the advantages of switching to this technology, such as lower maintenance costs, and elimination of air and noise pollution. Additionally, the project will offer experiential learning opportunities for the students and staff who will work on the conversion process.

“RRC Polytech has been leading the way in EV technology for a number of years and we’re proud to work with our partners to expand the technology to different types of vehicles,” says Jojo Delos Reyes, Research Program Manager at RRC Polytech. “Reducing emissions and sourcing renewable energies for fuel is one of the ways we are hoping to make a positive impact on our environment and create a sustainable future.”

K-12 students who attend school in the Seven Oaks School Division will have the opportunity to learn about climate solutions when they take the bus to and from school, or on field trips.

“Seven Oaks is thrilled to partner with RRC Polytech, and thankful that the Honourable Ed Schreyer (founder of the Canadian Shield Foundation) initiated this project. We teach our students about the need for climate action. We need to walk the walk,” says Brian O’Leary, Superintendent for Seven Oaks School Division.

VTEC and RRC Polytech’s Transportation program department will work together to include student participation on the project and will provide the technical expertise and support for the conversion process. The College will also test and evaluate the performance of the electric buses in its MotiveLab™ facility.

Funding for the project was announced last month through the Manitoba Government’s Conservation and Climate Fund. The Province awarded RRC Polytech $150,000 for this project, and a total of $1.5 million for other projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions and creating green jobs.

RRC Polytech is no stranger to converting electric vehicles. In 2016, VTEC Partnered with Winnipeg Transit, New Flyer Industries and Manitoba Hydro to create an all-electric, zero emission public transit bus and in 2020 launched an Electric Bus Technology course, which focus on battery safety, electrical fundamentals. RRC Polytech also partnered with Frontiers North Adventures in 2021 to create the first EV Tundra Buggy to be used in Churchill, Manitoba.

More information about the project will become available as work begins.

A significant portion of last week’s $3.5 million funding announcement by the governments of Canada and Manitoba to extend the Skills for Success Program, will provide additional support to Red River College Polytechnic’s Nurse Re-Entry program. The Skills for Success Program supports foundational training and adult literacy to ensure Manitobans have the skills required to succeed in a changing economy. Through the project, Manitoba Advanced Education and Training has earmarked more than $2.2 million for the College to continue its role as one of the largest trainers for healthcare professionals in the province.

“This funding will allow RRC Polytech to build upon its proud reputation for training and upskilling frontline care providers by adding to the number of available and prepared nurses in the province,” said Debbie O’Donnell Weigelt, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Community Services at RRC Polytech. “The College is so grateful for our partners in government and across the sector who continue to work together to address the ever-evolving needs of Manitobans.”

RRC Polytech’s Nurse Re-Entry program assists previously registered nurses educated in Canada and internationally to return to active practice. The 14-month training program, delivered primarily in person, is designed to specifically address knowledge gaps in nursing theory, skills and practice standards so that registered nurses can meet current entry level competencies in Manitoba. The final term includes a clinical site practicum to consolidate learning and provide practical experience under present working conditions. The program also serves previously and currently registered nurses for the purpose of professional development.

The Skills for Success Program, launched in 2021, will also support the renewal of Adult Learning and Literacy’s Manitoba Stages Framework content, which guides instruction for adult learners with diverse goals.

The Skills for Success Program provides funding to organizations, employers, provinces and territories to develop assessment and training tools and test, replicate and scale training approaches, with a focus on groups under-represented in the workplace.

Manitoba’s Skills for Success projects will run until March 2024 and will help address Manitoba’s long-term training needs for individuals, including under-represented groups such as youth, newcomers, Indigenous Peoples and people with disabilities.

For more info or to apply to the Nurse Re-Entry program, please visit RRC.ca.

For more information on the Government of Canada’s Skills for Success program, visit  https://canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/initiatives/skills-success.html. 

For more information on the wide range of labour market services available to Manitobans, visit  https://www.gov.mb.ca/wd/ites/index.html.

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) continues to remove barriers for its staff and students when it comes to accessing childcare, while remaining in front of what’s ahead as Manitoba’s largest early childhood education training institution.

As announced in July, the provincial and federal governments have committed to making childcare more available and accessible, through the expansion of child-care spaces and projects in public schools and post-secondary institutions.

Funding provided by the Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement will enable RRC Polytech to add 20 additional child-care spots at the Notre Dame Campus’ RRC Early Childhood Centre Inc.

“We know that childcare is a necessity for Canadian families. That is why Canada and Manitoba are making sure that families in Manitoba have better access to early learning and childcare, no matter where they live,” said federal Families, Children and Social Development Minister Karina Gould in a joint news release.

In addition to adding child-care spots, as part of the post-secondary institution expansions, RRC Polytech is one of six sites that will undergo construction of a new innovative learning lab for early childhood education. The new learning lab will enhance experiential training for students in the Early Childhood Education program, so they can learn to create environments that stimulate the intellectual, emotional and social development of young children.

“We know that the lack of childcare can be a barrier in pursuing or furthering an education. The investment will help reduce this barrier by increasing access to childcare for students as well as staff,” said RRC Polytech Executive Director of Academic, Dr. Jeanine Webber. “Funding will also support rich learning opportunities for the next generation of child-care providers, through the creation of a new learning lab on campus.”

Further details about the construction and anticipated opening date for the new early childhood learning lab will be shared as they are available.

For those interesting in pursuing a rewarding career in childcare, RRC Polytech’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Workplace program is offering additional, limited seats for Fall 2023. This accelerated program allows experienced child-care assistants working in licensed child-care programs across Manitoba to remain employed while obtaining the specialized skills needed to be an ECE Level II. Learn more and apply for the August 28 program start date at rrc.ca.

Read the full release to learn how the $180 million federal-provincial investment will support public school and post-secondary child-care expansion projects across Manitoba, here.

RRC Polytech is pleased to welcome Kim Hyatt as the new Assistant to the Dean, School of Continuing Education. 

Kim Hyatt graduated from the Assiniboine Community College in Brandon, Manitoba with a Business Administration Diploma. Her career has included roles within business and education fields. Kim spent many years working at Robertson College where she filled many roles, including Business Administration and Bookkeeping Instructor, Education Coordinator, and working within the Admissions Department.

Outside of the office, she enjoys working on her small hobby farm with her various birds and beehives. Her goal is to release different species of birds on the land to create a small bird sanctuary to enjoy.