The phrase “go to your room” has historically taken on a negative connotation for generations of youngsters. This will no longer be the case for dozens of Winnipeg tweens and teens, thanks to a new learning opportunity from RRC Polytech, in collaboration with IKEA.

Design Your Dream Room, one of four new day camps the College is offering this summer, teaches campers the basics of interior decorating and room layout under the guidance of an RRC Polytech interior decorating professional. Other youth can learn the art of photography, how to design and launch their own product, or deepen their relationship with their cultural identity.

“Our summer youth camps give young people a taste of what a polytechnic education looks like. They’ll learn new skills in hands-on, experiential environments – guided by experienced RRC Polytech leaders,” says Breanna Sawatzky, Manager of Campus Well-Being at RRC Polytech.

Aspiring shutterbugs will learn about composition, posing, exposure and light control under the direction of a professional photographer in Out and About Photography, while budding entrepreneurs will develop a product from idea to minimal viable product, and go through a design sprint in Entrepreneurship Camp. Indigenous Cultural Exploration Camp, open to all youth ages 9 – 11, will guide campers through experiential learning while incorporating cultural activities.

“We know the importance of introducing kids to technology, art, business, culture and creativity at an early age, as they’re beginning to think about their future careers,” says Sawatzky. “These camps are a fun, low-pressure opportunity for kids to start to explore their passions while familiarizing themselves with our campus.”

RRC Polytech continues to offer its popular Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) camp, now in its 17^th year, as well as online photography camps Camp Canon – Photo Foundations Camp and Camp Canon – Beyond the Basics Camp, where kids can enhance their creativity and build their photography skills.

Summer Youth Camps, for kids aged 8 – 16, run for one week each and take place throughout July. For more information, visit rrc.ca/youth/camps.

Update: the bus loop closure has been extended until Wednesday, May 31 at 9:00 p.m.

The Notre Dame Campus bus loop will be closed for maintenance starting Monday, May 15, 2023, at 8:00 a.m., with service being restored Monday, May 29 by 6:00 p.m. This closure is necessary to allow for upgrades to campus roadways. 

During the closure all buses will stop at Westbound Notre Dame Ave. at Sherwin Rd. (Stop #20039), south of the South parking lot.

Vehicle access to the South Parking Lot and for daycare drop off/pickup will be redirected to Angood Avenue via the 2 East Entrance.

Accessible entrances are available at the East side of Building A, the West entrance of the South Gym or via the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (T Building).

Signage will be posted. Please refer to the campus map, below:

If you have any questions about construction, please contact Matthew Crockett at 204.260.9916 or mcrockett@rrc.ca. For questions about parking, call 204.632.3755 or visit rrc.ca/parking.

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

      

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.

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.

For immediate release – May 9, 2023

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Metis – An entire cohort of Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) Pathway to Information Technology (Pathway to IT) students were gifted $50,000 worth of state-of-the-art laptops from Lenovo with the newest technology to encourage innovation and prepare learners to succeed in IT roles across Manitoba.

“This partnership with Lenovo not only provides students with laptops, but it’s also another way barriers to education are removed,” said Fred Meier, CEO and President, RRC Polytech. “This gift enhances the student experience and provides access to technology that meets the needs of the industry and allows students to be successful in achieving their educational goals throughout their time at RRC Polytech.”

Pathway programs are designed to equip Indigenous Manitobans with the support and skills needed to confidently transition into specific RRC Polytech programs. Pathway to IT, created in partnership with RBC Future Launch, prepares and empowers students to participate in RRC Polytech’s IT Operations, Information Security and Business Information Technology programs.

“Our vision is to help create a world where every person has access to the technology that allows them to achieve their goals,” said Libby Richards, Community Engagement Manager, Lenovo. “Connecting students with technology is crucial in innovation and moving society forward. This program aligns with our goals and provides students with the foundational knowledge to be successful in the rapidly growing field of IT.”

Pathway to IT requires students to have access to a computer with certain memory and speed requirements, and students who do not have access to a computer are provided with options to rent a computer from the College. At the start of the first semester, Lenovo provided all students in Pathway to IT with new Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen4 laptops that they will be able to keep beyond the completion of the program.

Earlier today, representatives from Lenovo were able to tour Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and meet students in Pathway to IT.

“It’s clear to see why these students selected this program,” said Warren Beleyowski, Client Executive, MB/SK Public Sector, Lenovo Canada. “Providing them with laptops was an easy decision, as these students are going to be the ones who are meeting the ever-changing needs of tomorrow.”

Pathways are exploratory and preparatory programs that provide Indigenous Manitobans with the skills and supports required to transition into selected RRC programs by increasing their academic, personal, social, and financial readiness. Pathway graduates have dedicated seats for selected programs, to remove the barrier of wait lists.

Pathway to IT is the fourth Pathway program, showcasing the success of this model and the demand for these types of programs that increase opportunities for Indigenous students in various sectors.

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The School of Indigenous Education hosts Pow Wow recognizing Indigenous graduates’ achievements; coincides with Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Metis – Today, at the Notre Dame Campus, RRC Polytech hosts its 23^rd annual Pow Wow to celebrate Indigenous students and graduates, while honouring the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people (MMIWG2S) or Red Dress Day.

“Creating space to celebrate Indigenous achievement is essential action for reconciliation and is the responsibility of all of us that call North America—Turtle Island—home,” said Isabel Bright, Dean of the School of Indigenous Education at RRC Polytech. “While we celebrate the achievements of all Indigenous students, it’s important to recognize that the date of our Pow Wow coincides with the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People. Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people deserve as much respect and safety as any other people, and the disproportionate historical and modern trends in violence resulting must be recognized.”

RRC Polytech will lower the campus flags to half-mast and recognize the day with a Memorial Song dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people, their families and those impacted by the loss of loved ones.

Earlier this year, RRC Polytech leadership was invited into Indigenous communities to hear directly from members about the barriers Indigenous learners face when considering post-secondary education. Some individuals expressed fears for the safety of their daughters or granddaughters leaving community to come to Winnipeg or another urban centre, and whether they would make it home.

“Not only should we ensure all students are getting the highest-quality education we can offer, but they should feel safe while doing so – this should never be a barrier to access,” said Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO. “We will continue to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to ensure we are taking meaningful steps to address the TRC Calls to Action, and to ensure that all women, girls and Two Spirit people are supported and safe in their educational journey.”

Each year, RRC Polytech’s Pow Wow welcomes hundreds of guests, community members, dancers, drummers, College staff, faculty and Indigenous from all programs to join in the community celebration, hosted by the School of Indigenous Education with guidance and leadership of the College’s Elders-in-Residence. Students have the opportunity to participate in ceremony and receive individual recognition with a gift.

The event will begin with a pipe ceremony followed by Grand Entry will beginning at noon, the memorial to MMIWG2S, and the honouring of Indigenous graduates. Performances will include Metis jigging and square-dancing group the Asham Stompers, Inuit Throat Singers Zeann Manernaluk and Aleatra Sammurtok, and local drum groups, dancers and vendors. For a full event agenda, please click here.

Date: Friday May 5, 2022
Where: 2055 Notre Dame Avenue, Notre Dame Campus, North Gym

Agenda:
10:00 am – Pipe Ceremony
Please note: All are welcome to observe the pipe ceremony. However, items used during the pipe ceremony, and the pipe ceremony itself, cannot be photographed or video recorded.
12:00 pm – Grand Entry 
12:45 pm – Memorial Song for MMIWG2S 2:00 pm – Graduate Awards Presentation4:30 pm – Feast

The following message was sent on behalf of Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO to All Staff and Students

Today, Indigenous students and their families will gather at Notre Dame Campus in the North Gym for our 23^rd annual Pow Wow to honour Indigenous graduates.

Creating space to celebrate Indigenous achievement is essential action for reconciliation and is the responsibility of all of us that call North America—Turtle Island—home.

While we celebrate the achievements of all Indigenous students, it’s important to recognize that the date of our Pow Wow coincides with the Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People or also known as Red Dress Day. RRC Polytech has lowered our flags to half-mast today to recognize that despite the strides we make as an educational institution, systemic and interpersonal violence against Indigenous peoples is still pervasive in our society.

Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people deserve respect and safety, and the disproportionate historical and modern trends in violence resulting must be recognized and acted upon.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girl’s Final Report reveals, “that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.” The Final Report delivers 231 individual Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries and all Canadians.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada also calls on us as a post-secondary institution to create a more equitable and inclusive society by closing gaps in social, health and economic outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and people.

Earlier this year, members of the Senior Leadership Team and I went to Indigenous communities to hear directly from members about the barriers Indigenous learners face when considering post-secondary education. Some of the women expressed fears about the safety of their daughters or granddaughters leaving community to come to Winnipeg or another urban centre, and whether they would make it home. There are women and girls in Manitoba who, due to lack of safety, can’t access post-secondary education.

That insight really stuck with me and I was reminded of the 2006 Report on the Highway of Tears; and while the report may be dated, unfortunately its content is still relevant. The report highlights the need to address the underpinning causes that place young women on the highway and at risk. It further recommends reducing First Nation intergenerational poverty and post-secondary student temporary poverty, as this is the common contributing factor that places both groups vulnerable to predation.

Not only should we ensure all students are getting the highest-quality education we can offer, but they should feel safe while doing so. The precedent set by systemic discrimination and colonial views against Indigenous peoples instill a fear in communities about sending their children off to an unfamiliar place to receive an education. This is something we must recognize and stand against.

One of the ways we support Indigenous learners is through supporting the transition from community to our main campuses. Last fall, the Fisher River Cree Nation Education Authority signed a partnership agreement with RRC Polytech Interlake and Peguis Fisher River Campuses and the School of Indigenous Education (SIE) for the delivery of our College Transition program. 

The program began in the community and is now wrapping up in Winnipeg. As part of the student learning, RRC Polytech is providing support in learning to live in an urban centre like Winnipeg, accessing bus passes and transportation, and budgeting as students complete their final two courses at the Notre Dame Campus with SIE. We’ve recently learned that many of the students already have plans in place for further post-secondary education and training – some of whom will be coming to RRC Polytech. 

This is one positive step, and we must continue to take more.

I also want to encourage both Indigenous and non-Indigenous men, boys and supporters to join me in support of the grassroots Moose Hide Campaign, by pinning a moose hide pin to yourself as a solemn promise to stand up against gender-based violence.  Staff and students can pick up moose hide pins from either Indigenous Support Centre (F209 at NDC and P407 at EDC) to wear to show support of the campaign and as symbol of their promise to not perpetuate violence against Indigenous women, girls and children.

Congratulations to all the graduates participating in Pow Wow today: whether you are continuing on in your studies or entering the workforce, you are part of an amazing community of RRC Polytech alumni across Manitoba, which I’m sure you realize as you continue on in career and meet fellow alumni. I hope you’ve made lifelong connections and I know staff and faculty will be cheering you on.

Thank you, miigwetch, ekosi, maarsii for your time this morning. I look forward to seeing you at today’s Pow Wow.

Fred Meier,
RRC President and CEO

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is making learning a little less remote for some students, with the first cohort of its Educational Assistant certificate program in Hollow Water First Nation.

“Many of our students have barriers to transportation, where they may not otherwise have the opportunity for education outside of the community,” says Darlene Bouvier, Regional Campus Manager for the Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River campuses, stressing the importance of delivering programs in communities across the province – not just in the largest cities.

RRC Polytech has delivered programs in Fisher River Cree Nation, Peguis, Sagkeeng and Brokenhead First Nations before. The relationship the College fostered with these communities, as well as the overwhelming success of the programs, allowed RRC Polytech to deliver the Educational Assistant certificate program in Hollow Water — the first to be delivered here, with more on the way this Fall.

There are currently 12 students enrolled in the program, which began in early April 2023, and are expected to graduate later this December. Many of the students said a big benefit of taking the program is it’s offered within Hollow Water, where they all reside. The close proximity to their home allows the students to take care of their kids, or other family obligations they may have.

Some of the students are taking the certificate program as a step towards become teachers. One of them is Chloe Seymour.

“The biggest thing I like about the program is that it’s home, it’s right in the community,” Chloe said.

With dreams of becoming a teacher, Chloe attended university at first, but left due to a variety of reasons.

The class size there in particular, made her feel like she was “just a number,” she said. Chloe believes that being an educational assistant is a step in the right direction and will hopefully allow her to teach within her community one day.

The Educational Assistant certificate program’s small class size encourages her to ask questions to her instructor, Patricia Stouffer, and get the help and guidance she needs to succeed.

“Students are more willing to attend when programs like these are offered within the community,” Patricia said. “The students have been so welcoming and constantly giving me feedback. I got to grow as a human being and expand my horizons.”

Delivering programs like the Educational Assistant certificate program in Hollow Water is one way RRC Polytech addresses the needs of the communities it serves, while also committing to the College’s responsibility to Truth and Reconciliation. By providing communities with access to post-secondary education, the College aims to close gaps in our educational system and create a more equitable environment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

As the morning rush hour traffic comes to a standstill, one RRC Polytech Aircraft Maintenance Journeyperson (AMJ) apprentice is taking a more direct approach to getting to class — he’s flying his own plane to school.

Meet Jesse Rooks, who flies a PA22/20 Pacer to get to the Southport Campus, and he says it just makes sense for him to fly.

“With current gas prices, it’s more expensive than taking my car, sure, but it’s also much cheaper than driving my truck,” Jesse said. “So really, flying for me is the best way to go.”

The drive to RRC Polytech’s Stevenson Southport Campus is approximately two-hours from Steinbach, and by flying, Jesse cuts his commute down to thirty minutes. His weekly cost of flying is about $90 – about $20 more if he were to drive his car, and $60 less if he took his truck.

He says he joined the AMJ apprenticeship to further his applicability in the aviation industry, and because he wanted to get the credentials to be able to fix his own plane.

“It’s another ticket in my book of aviation,” Jesse said about the apprenticeship program. “I just love everything about flying and aviation.”

The Apprentice AMJ program is a four-year diploma program. Each year consists of about two months of in-class learning and 10 months of on-the-job training.

During those 10 months, Jesse apprentices under Wings Over Kississing as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) and also as one of their pilots. There, he flies and maintains DHC-3T Otters, DHC-2 Beavers, and C208 Caravans and provides air charter travel and tours to the Canadian Shield in northern Manitoba. In 2021, he rescued stranded canoers while working for Wings Over Kississing.

AMJ offers a unique way for maintainers to obtain the training and experience required to qualify for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer “M” license. It is the only Transport Canada approved Aircraft Maintenance Engineer apprentice-model training program in Canada.