Preliminary numbers for Red River College’s (RRC) Fall 2013 enrolment show significant increases in specific diploma, degree and certificate programs, with overall enrolment remaining at par with the 2012/2013 academic year.

“Red River College offers over 200 full- and part-time degree, diploma and certificate programs that provide opportunities for students to walk off the graduation stage and into meaningful careers,” said Stephanie Forsyth, president of Red River College. “Our applied, experiential approach to education in innovative learning environments is attractive to students and this is reflected in our enrolments. Students know that RRC is working closely with industry and communities to fill jobs and create businesses critical to Manitoba’s economy.”

Of particular note are enrolment increases in Culinary Arts (up 29%), and Hotel and Restaurant Management (up 48%). In other diploma and certificate programs, Automotive Technician (up 33%), Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic (up 33%), Architectural/Engineering Technology (up 52.9%), and Electronic Engineering Technology (up 29%) all saw increases, as well.

RRC’s new Construction Management degree program (up 19%) and Nursing degree program (up 12%) have also seen significant gains this academic year.

Reflective of RRC’s visits to India and China, the College successfully attracted more international students to Manitoba. In 2013, RRC welcomed 602 international students to the College, an increase of 24% from last year.

Over the next several weeks, enrolment numbers will fluctuate as numbers have not yet been tabulated from Continuing Education programs, Regional Campuses and the Apprenticeship programs, which have yet to start this academic year.

“Because of the robust co-op experience in many of our programs, some classes will not begin until the employment season slows for the winter. Third- and fourth-year carpentry apprentices, for example, won’t begin until later in the fall,” said Forsyth.

Annually, Red River College has more than 30,000 enrolments in full- and part-time degree, diploma and certificate programs. Through award-winning instruction and training on state-of-the-art equipment, RRC prepares its students to become leaders in their fields, while partnering with industry to conduct research and ensure curriculum remains up-to-date.