March 8 is International Women’s Day and our campus looks forward to celebrating women who continue to enhance the learning and working experiences at RRC Polytech.

RRC Polytech is a proud leader in economic and social innovation, as well as equity, diversity, and inclusion.

And the Civil Engineering Technology department (CET) within the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies is a prime example of how the culture at RRC Polytech focuses on elevating people with rich experiences and insights into leadership roles. Engineering and other trades are, historically, largely populated and influenced by men. Positioning women in leadership roles in these industries based on their qualifications and experience creates space for other women and gender-diverse people to also pursue careers in these industries.

Three women currently chair CET: Shari Bielert, Tammy Harper, and Jayne Geisel. The Leadership for Academic Schools Renewal (LASR) project positioned the academic organizational framework to better support and mentor faculty members; and each chair earned their position through a competitive process.

Gender representation in engineering has slowly but surely changed over the years. Engineers Canada’s annual National Membership Report published data in 2021 showing an upward trend in the percentage of newly licensed female engineers from 17 per cent in 2014 to 19.8 per cent in 2021. At RRC Polytech, 35 per cent of staff within CET are women in addition to the leadership positions chaired by three women.

Shari Bielert, Chair, Construction Management, Architectural Technology, says this level of representation within an engineering setting is new to her, describing the growth trend at the college during the past few decades as “definitive.”

“I’m proud of the fact that I did not seek out women to build the gender balance in our department – women applied, demonstrated their knowledge and abilities, and succeeded in earning a place in our faculty,” said Bielert.

She adds that having women in leadership and classroom roles helps normalize their presence in construction environments, demonstrating the strength, confidence, and abilities they bring to the workplace and projects.

The college regularly provides opportunities, like its Jill of All Trades event, for women and girls to explore engineering before considering post-secondary options. In the past, it has sponsored a team in the Make Your Move competition, a collaboration with Manitoba middle schools that pairs design-build-test teams of Grade 8 students with a practicing engineer as their mentor. Bielert says she’s looking forward to sponsoring a team again in the future.

Female staff also participate outside of work in the engineering environment. Instructor Ellowyn Nadeau is Immediate Past Chair of the Winnipeg Construction Association and fellow instructor, Shannon Nordal, is President-Elect of the Certified Technicians & Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM).

The level of support for women pursuing leadership roles in engineering continues to grow at the college, according to Tammy Harper, Chair, Civil Engineering Technology – Infrastructure.

“I remember a male colleague said: ‘I knew it would be you, and I knew it would be the three of you – because you were the right ones to pick.’ That support from our male colleagues – there was never any question in their minds that we were qualified – and there was a time when that wouldn’t have been the case,” said Harper.

The diversity of experience and perspective women bring to the classroom enhances the overall learning experience. Jayne Geisel, Chair, Civil Engineering Technology – Building, says her background in social science and women’s studies was indispensable to her experience in the classroom as an instructor at RRC Polytech. She later obtained training in landscape architecture, which she then brought to the classroom as a horticulture instructor at RRC Polytech. Even though her background and what she taught weren’t necessarily related, the insight she had from her women’s studies informed the way she taught her classes so that her impact on students was not only academic, but behavioral.

“I was very conscious of the language we’d use, because there’s still biased notions about what girls and women are able to do or want to do,” says Geisel. “I always spoke frankly with my students about these notions. I wanted newer generations of students going into industry with open minds.”

RRC Polytech is proud to recognize the women that make our institution stronger and, in turn, make industry stronger. Their example helps lay the groundwork for a workforce where women leaders are the norm – not the exception.

A winter storm is having impacts on road conditions in some areas of the province. 

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

• Peguis Campus will close this afternoon as a result in deteriorating weather conditions.
• Selkirk Campus is closed, classes will be delivered online. 
• Arborg Language Training Centre is closed and classes are cancelled.
• Stevenson Southport is open and operating normally. Students unable to travel to Southport from Winnipeg will be contacted and advised to participate in their classes at Stevenson Winnipeg.
• Stevenson Winnipeg campuses are open and operating normally.
• Portage Campus is open and operating normally.
• Winkler Campus is open and operating normally.
• Steinbach Campus is open and operating normally.
• Steinbach Language Training Centre classes will be delivered online.

Exams affected by any of today’s closures will be re-scheduled. Students will be contacted with new exam details this week.

For those driving inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions.

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Update: March 4, 5:00p.m

A weather system is having impacts on road conditions in some areas of the province affecting the delivery of programs at services at some of RRC Polytech’s Regional Campuses. 

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

• Portage campus is closed, classes will be delivered online.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses are open with classes in-person.
• Winkler campus is closed with classes delivered online.
• Selkirk campus is closed classes, will be delivered online. 
• Steinbach Campus is open with classes in-person. Evening classes will be delivered online.
• Steinbach Language Training Centre classes will be delivered online.
• Arborg is open and operating normally. Evening classes will not be delivered.

Exams scheduled at the Selkirk Campus today will be re-scheduled. Students will be contacted with new exam details this week.

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions.

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Did you know the Winnipeg Free Press offers unlimited access to Red River College Polytechnic students? 

This RRC Polytech benefit will help you stay connected to breaking news coverage, in-depth investigations, arts and life writing, and the latest sports reporting.

Learn more about accessing the Winnipeg Free Press’s independent journalism coverage below.

I AM A STUDENT

Here’s how to read:

Create an account using your RRC Polytech student email address.

Once registered, you will have access to winnipegfreepress.com, ee.winnipegfreepress.com (the digital replica of our printed newspaper), and the NewsBreak iOS/ Android app from anywhere in the world.

I AM STAFF OR FACULTY

Here’s how to read:

Create an account on the Winnipeg Free Press using any email address.

Staff and faculty will be able to read paywalled articles on winnipegfreepress.com when logged in and while connected to the RRC network or campus Wi-Fi.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR NEWS ACCESS:

Problems accessing the website or logging in?

Contact Free Press customer service at digitalfeedback@freepress.mb.ca.

Want to give feedback about the way our website, apps or mobile site look or work?

Email us at digitalfeedback@freepress.mb.ca.

Want to give feedback about the news on our website, apps or mobile site?

Email us at webnews@freepress.mb.ca.

Blowing snow conditions are having an impact on road conditions throughout the province. Several school divisions are closed.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

• Portage Campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg Campuses are open with classes in-person.
• Interlake Campuses are closed and classes will be moved to online delivery.
• Winker Campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Steinbach Campus is closed and classes will be moved to online delivery.
• Arborg LTC is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Steinbach LTC is closed and classes will be moved to online delivery.

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions.

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

RRC Polytech has partnered with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO)’s Health Transformation Department and provincial and regional health authorities to help bring more comprehensive health services to the citizens of Lake Manitoba First Nation. As a result, medical laboratory services will soon be available in the Nation for the first time.

“RRC Polytech is committed to building relationships that remove barriers for Indigenous learners by working collaboratively to identify the needs of students and communities, and delivering customized training solutions that allow learners to pursue their studies close to home,” said Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. “We look forward to working together with these and other potential partners to enhance and increase access to healthcare services and continuing to empower all communities through education.”

Three members of the Lake Manitoba First Nation started an in-community phlebotomy training program in January. This specialized, community-focused training provided by RRC Polytech’s Corporate Solutions team uses a blend of online, in-class lab and clinical learning experiences to teach students the skills and knowledge necessary to collect blood specimens from patients safely and effectively.

“I had never done online classes, so it was a little scary at first. But our instructor (Brittney Bragnalo) is very supportive, she breaks it all down so you can understand things,” said student, Lesley Missyabit. “Once I got used to the video-calling and emails, it’s been really good and I can’t wait to start our clinical training.”

“It’s huge that I didn’t have to leave my family or worry about facing high costs in the city to pursue improving myself and my community,” said student, Caitlin Edwards. “So, my only question was ‘Can I do this?’ and so far, I’m really enjoying it.”

The students are expected to complete the program in early April 2024 and become knowledgeable, competent, and caring healthcare professionals as well as integral members of the community’s Health Centre team.

“SCO is extremely pleased to know Lake Manitoba residents are being trained to deliver lab services in their home Nation. This will create new career opportunities and will also build capacity for the delivery of comprehensive health services within Lake Manitoba,” shared Grand Chief Jerry Daniels in a joint news release with the provincial government.

While infrastructure is essential to independence and prosperity, the lifeblood of any community – the most important thing needed to exist, develop, and be successful – remains its people. The onsite lab in Lake Manitoba First Nation’s stunning new Health Centre has sat empty since it opened a year ago because there were no staff available locally who were qualified to deliver lab services.

“It is essential we work to build more holistic health services to benefit our members. It is time to close the gap in life expectancy between First Nation citizens and non-First Nation people in Manitoba,” said Chief Cornell McLean of the Lake Manitoba First Nation. “Reducing barriers and having more accessible services in our Nations will help us reach that goal.”

Lake Manitoba First Nation members currently have to travel to Eriksdale (about 38 kilometres away) or Ashern (about 52 kilometres away) for a routine blood sample collection. Having a proficient phlebotomist onsite will lead to quicker test results, more timely medical interventions, and better health outcomes within the community, in addition to the immediate advantages of reducing travel, related costs and stress for individuals.

“Every Manitoban deserves quality care, close to home,” added Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister, Uzoma Asagwara in the joint release. “Our goal is to ensure that throughout our province, all Manitobans have access to convenient, timely and reliable lab services. It is particularly important in this case that care is being delivered by citizens of Lake Manitoba First Nation, who will be trained and working in their community.”

The first three participants in the pilot project share a passion for helping those around them and also happen to be working mothers who are balancing full-time jobs and raising their families with up to 25 hours a week of classes and studying, so staying in their community to learn is not a preference, it’s a requirement.

“I read my phlebotomy textbook to my three-year-old until he falls asleep at night and then I watch the recordings of our classes to catch up but I’m not passing up this opportunity,” explained student, Sarah Lavallee. “I’m proud of my commitment to stay and work here, I’m excited to make a difference, and I believe we will inspire others.”  

The students are thriving thanks in part to layers of additional support that include resident Elder Mary Maytwayashing; the entire Lake Manitoba First Nation Health Care Team; a mentor from the Interlake Regional Health Authority helping with the lab and equipment; and access to RRC Polytech’s full complement of resources and support services.

Their success represents important first steps toward SCO’s goal of bringing a fuller suite of healthcare services closer to home for the citizens of 34 southern First Nations and will serve as an example of the power of partnership to prompt meaningful change.

“This is one of the many projects that the health transformation team has been working on as SCO continues to develop a southern First Nations health authority,” concluded Karlene Debance, Chief Executive Officer for Health Transformation, SCO. “SCO is pleased to see that this training is underway. We wish the students all the success with the program and with their careers in the healthcare field.”

A winter storm is having impacts on road conditions in the city and across the province.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

• Portage Campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg Campuses are open with classes in-person.
• Interlake Campuses are open but classes will be online.
• Steinbach Campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Arborg and Steinbach LTCs are open and no changes to program delivery.

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions.

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is welcoming more than 3,000 prospective students to the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses today for Open Doors, its signature open house event.

“Open Doors is a fantastic opportunity to welcome prospective students on campus and showcase how a polytechnic education can quite literally open doors for their future,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, RRC Polytech. “The world of work is ever-changing. To meet the evolving workforce needs, RRC Polytech is transforming its learning model and providing the applied knowledge and experiential training that prepares students for the future of work.”

RRC Polytech is hosting 14 program-specific tours at the Notre Dame Campus and four at the Exchange District Campus, giving prospective students an inside glimpse at the College’s learning facilities and equipment. The Open Doors’ Exhibition Hall at the Notre Dame Campus features information booths where attendees can connect one-on-one with staff and instructors to learn more about RRC Polytech programs, campuses and supports.

In addition to full- and part-time programs, RRC Polytech offers flexible learning opportunities through its suite of micro-credentials. Perfect for learners looking to change careers, upskill or reskill, micro-credentials offer a fast-track to in-demand industry training.

With the opening of the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics, developed in direct collaboration with industry partners, RRC Polytech is now offering micro-credentials through this institute, geared at upskilling and reskilling existing workforces in manufacturing technologies and processes. There will be a new tour at the Notre Dame Campus showcasing Price Institute facilities, including the Smart Factory, a hub for Industry 4.0 learning.

“It’s so important to create exposure to RRC Polytech early on, which is why our Recruitment team goes out into the community to meet prospective students where they’re at. Open Doors is the next touchpoint where we’re welcoming students to our campuses to experience firsthand what it would be like to attend RRC Polytech,” says Lyndsay Lambert, Student Recruitment Officer at RRC Polytech. “It’s an opportunity for future students to meet with academic advisors and current students to ask any questions they may have, helping guide their chosen education path.”

Along with campus tours, info booths, and on-site academic advising, attendees have access to funding advising, application support, and can enter for a chance to start their polytechnic education with a $5000 bursary towards their program of choice.  

Open Doors, RRC Polytech’s open house will take place today, Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. For more information, please visit rrc.ca/opendoors.

A winter storm is having impacts on road conditions and has caused power outages in some areas of the city and province.

Winnipeg campuses remain open and will operate as usual and please use caution while commuting.

RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

• Portage campus is open and classes will continue in-person.
• Stevenson Southport and Stevenson Winnipeg campuses are open with classes in-person.
• Winkler campus is open with classes in-person.
• Selkirk campus is closed with classes scheduled via online delivery today.
• Peguis campus is open with classes delivered in-person.
• Steinbach Campus is open with classes in-person.
• Steinbach Language Training Centre classes will be delivered online.

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions.

If you cannot make it to classes or work safely due to unsafe road conditions, please work with your instructor or supervisor directly.

Any updates to campus operations will be shared here.

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

In 2005, January 27 was designated as the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, acknowledging this day in 1945 when the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated.

Each year, this day is an opportunity to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and remember its many victims.

On Sunday, January 28, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is hosting an event Do Not Forget Me: Haunting letters from Jewish mothers in Greece to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event is free to attend and has an option to join in-person at the museum or via Zoom. Read more.

The Canadian Centre on Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), has the recorded webinar Antisemitism: How to recognize and prevent it in the workplace (login required) along with resource guides to further your learning. To access all content, RRC Polytech employees can sign up for a free CCDI membership.