A Red River College student with a distinguished military record has again turned his attention to a different form of service — by launching a foundation to raise scholarship money for students with developmental disabilities.

Andrew McLean, a former Warrant Officer who retired from the Canadian Forces last summer after 22 years of service, recently donated $25,000 of his own money to start the Canadian Torch Foundation — which will provide its first $1,000 CTF Award to an RRC student next year.

The award is available annually to a full-time student with a developmental disability (physical, mental or documented learning disability, or visual or hearing impairment), who’s studying one of the following RRC programs: Child and Youth Care, Disability and Community Support, Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Education Workplace.

McLean’s goal is to eventually raise $2.5 million in funding for similar post-secondary scholarships at 10 colleges and universities, and to complement them with annual grants for rehabilitation efforts benefitting children and youth across Canada. Read More →

Brent Wennekes, Red River College

Accelerating innovation in Manitoba is Red River College’s motivation for appointing a technology- and research-focused business and communications specialist to the Innovate Manitoba team.

Brent Wennekes, Technology Transfer & Communications Manager with Applied Research & Commercialization at RRC will provide his skills three days per week to Innovate Manitoba as Research and Programs Manager.

“With its applied research program and reputation for graduating skilled individuals, Red River College is an important player in Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem,” said Jan Lederman, President of Innovate Manitoba. “Their provision of a highly-skilled programs manager to our team demonstrates a significant commitment towards accelerating innovation in Manitoba.”

Wennekes has experience in managing programs and research activities with a national not-for-profit advanced technology organization. With RRC, he has been supporting the growth of applied research programs in the areas of clean technology, advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and health sciences.

“Red River College plays a vital role in advancing innovation in Manitoba through its applied research endeavors,” said Stephanie Forsyth, President of Red River College. “And it’s no secret that Manitoba’s true strength is our ability to collaborate to get the job done. To that end, we are pleased to contribute a dynamic individual to support the growth and impact of Innovate Manitoba which will ultimately provide a net benefit to our Province.”

Along with contributing to Innovate Manitoba’s ongoing activities, Wennekes will be looking to help increase collaboration among existing community members, increase innovation funding and resources available to the community, and help execute a membership drive.

About Innovate Manitoba

Innovate Manitoba is a non-profit, province-wide organization with programs dedicated to linking researchers, inventors and entrepreneurs to the resources they need to succeed. It is an integrated hub for all innovation-related activities in Manitoba, focused on accelerating innovation and commercialization in the province. For more information, please contact: Jan Lederman at janlederman@innovatemanitoba.com, or call 204-934-2349.

About Red River College

Red River College is Manitoba’s second-largest post secondary institution with over 30,000 enrolments in full-time, part-time and apprenticeship programs each year. RRC is also one of Canada’s leading colleges in the area of applied research, with a particular focus on sustainable infrastructure, alternative energy vehicles, aerospace and manufacturing.

Manitoba’s construction trades sector is poised for growth thanks to a provincial government investment of $60 million toward development of a new Skilled Trades and Technology Centre at Red River College.

The commitment was confirmed in today’s Provincial Speech from the Throne.

“We know industry needs significantly more skilled workers to keep up with the growth of the Manitoba economy, but our aging infrastructure hampers our ability to respond adequately,” said Stephanie Forsyth, President of Red River College. “Today’s announcement lets us begin planning in earnest for a brand-new facility that features state-of-the-art industrial and learning technologies. We appreciate the government’s foresight in making this strategic investment.”

When completed, the centre will allow Red River College to create a central hub for all construction trades training at the Notre Dame Campus, enhance programming using new technology and collaborative work spaces, and expand capacity in high priority programs like carpentry, electrical and plumbing.

Forsyth also pledged RRC’s support for a planned Provincial Skills Summit, and noted that the government’s goal to expand Manitoba’s labour force by engaging more Aboriginal and international students is consistent with the College’s new strategic plan.

“I’m encouraged by the education and training priorities announced in the Throne Speech, and I look forward to working with our government, industry and community partners to bring them to life,” Forsyth said.

(From left): Fred Doern, Chair of Mechanical, Manufacturing & Communications at RRC; the Hon. Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport); James Knight, President, Association of Canadian Community Colleges; MP Joyce Bateman (Winnipeg South Centre); the Hon. Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology); Stephanie Forsyth, President of RRC; and Dr. Suzanne Fortier, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, announced today that Red River College will receive almost $1.7 million through NSERC’s Community and College Innovation Program to establish the A2i2: Advanced Aerospace Innovation Initiative.

This new technology access centre will focus on making RRC’s facilities, technologies and expertise available to small and medium enterprises in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors.

“This technology access centre builds on the partnerships RRC has formed with companies like StandardAero and Magellan Aerospace to enhance innovation and productivity in these key industry sectors,” said Stephanie Forsyth, President of Red River College. “Ultimately, the research done through A2i2 will create new jobs and other economic opportunities right here in Manitoba.”

Over the past decade, Red River College and its partners have invested over $20 million in acquiring state-of-the-art technologies specializing in advanced materials and bonding, imaging and automation, and machine vision and simulation. The A2i2 initiative will bring these facilities under one umbrella, making it easier for industry to access equipment and College researchers.

Red River College is Manitoba’s second-largest post secondary institution with over 30,000 enrolments in full-time, part-time and apprenticeship programs each year. RRC is also one of Canada’s leading colleges in the area of applied research, with a particular focus on sustainable infrastructure, alternative energy vehicles, and aerospace manufacturing.

Stephanie Forsyth (left), President of Red River College, and John Bockstael, President and CEO of Bockstael Construction Ltd.

In honour of the 100-year anniversary of Bockstael Construction Limited, John Bockstael, President and CEO, presented Red River College President Stephanie Forsyth with a cheque for $25,000 today.

The donation will be used to establish the Bockstael Construction Limited Endowment Fund for Student Awards at RRC, and will benefit students in the Construction Management and Carpentry programs.

Bockstael Construction is a strong supporter of a number of RRC initiatives, including the Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre, the Girls Exploring Trades & Technology (GETT) camps, the annual Alumni Dinner, and the College’s skilled trades.

Click here for more info on how to support student success at RRC.

(From left): Peter Bjornson, Provincial Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training & Trade; Stephanie Forsyth, President of RRC; and Kim Olson, Senior Vice-President, Helicopters, Energy & Engineering for StandardAero.

Red River College will continue to serve as an engine of economic growth in Canada, thanks to a recent donation worth $1.2 million from industry partner StandardAero.

Earlier this month, the company transferred ownership of a GE CF-34 turbine aircraft engine to RRC. The engine will be used as part of the College’s apprenticeship and training programs, in particular the Gas Turbine Repair and Overhaul program, which promotes engine maintenance, repair and overhaul skills.

“Here at Red River College, we pride ourselves on giving students the opportunity to train using state-of-the-art technology and industry-approved equipment,” says RRC President Stephanie Forsyth. “This donation, and our partnership with StandardAero, will allow us to continue to serve as a leader in aerospace training, and to continue supplying highly-trained employees to the workforce.”

The College’s partnership with StandardAero has been ongoing for several years, and has also resulted in the development of the Centre for Aerospace Technology & Training (CATT), a unique industrial campus model that serves as a technology validation site for RRC’s Applied Research and Commercialization department. StandardAero is also an active participant in RRC’s co-op and internship programs.

“Our (latest) donation serves as a key workforce skills strategy, not only for StandardAero, but also for Manitoba’s continued economic sustainment and growth,” says Kim Olson, Senior Vice-President, Helicopters, Energy & Engineering at StandardAero.

“Training on real-world products without incurring capital costs is paramount to the learning and development of a highly skilled workforce in Manitoba. Our partnership with Apprenticeship Manitoba and RRC is nationally recognized as a leading contributor to the growth of the aerospace sector in Manitoba.”

A consortium involving Red River College, New Flyer Industries and other industry partners has been awarded $3.4 million in new federal funding to further develop battery-electric bus propulsion technology.

The new funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada builds on the $1-million investment made by the provincial government last year to develop an all‑electric transit bus and charging system, said Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak, who extended his congratulations to all involved in the project for this latest development.

The all-electric bus development and demonstration project is a partnership between RRC, New Flyer, the Province of Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

“Together we are developing an entirely electric bus system to get families around, not only in Winnipeg, but in cities all over North America,” said Chomiak. “The development of renewable and sustainable technologies is a priority for our government and the support being offered ensures we keep can keep moving forward.”

In addition to the $1-million investment in 2011, the province has invested $100,000 for the creation of an electric-vehicle learning and demonstration centre at RRC under Manitoba’s Electric Vehicle Road Map. Read More →

(From left): RRC President Stephanie Forsyth; Don Boitson, VP & GM of Magellan Aerospace; Western Economic Diversification Minister Lynne Yelich; and Public Safety Minister Vic Toews.

Leaders from government, education and aerospace gathered to celebrate the opening of Red River College’s new Centre for Non-Destructive Inspection (CNDI) on September 29th. The facility is housed within a new RRC “industrial campus” located at Magellan Aerospace‘s production plant in Winnipeg.

Featuring some of Canada’s most advanced inspection equipment — including one of only two laser ultrasonic testing (Laser UT) systems in the country — CNDI provides a competitive advantage for the manufacturing sector in Manitoba while addressing the industry demand for skilled inspection staff.

“The productivity enhancements, when compared to other traditional methods of inspection are significant,” explained Don Boitson, Vice President and General Manager of Magellan Aerospace. “A component that would take eight hours to inspect using conventional methods can take as little as one hour to inspect utilizing Laser UT. The benefits provided through this technology are considerable in terms of efficiencies to both cost and schedule.”

In addition to the direct benefits for industry, Red River College students are in the unique position of being trained to use this leading edge technology.

“One of the key themes of Red River College’s strategic plan is to fuel Manitoba’s economic growth and community development,” said Stephanie Forsyth, President of Red River College. “By partnering with the federal government and Magellan Aerospace on the creation of CNDI, we’re helping spark innovation within the aerospace sector and giving researchers and students access to state-of-the-art inspection equipment.” Read More →

Red River College continues to expand the scope of its international reach, through recently-signed partnership agreements with a trio of post-secondary institutions in China.

In September 2012, RRC President Stephanie Forsyth took part in a Canada Trade Mission with the Province of Manitoba and other Premiers and delegates from across the country. During the trip, she took time to further relationships with existing partner schools, and to sign new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with three new institutions — Xi’an University, Bangde College, and Shanghai Medical Instrumentation College (shown above).

The MOUs outline the College’s intent to work towards the development of program partnerships and students and staff exchanges.

“As more interest in the College is generated through our international endeavors, the work of the International Project Team gains in importance,” says Forsyth. “This Team will ensure we have the necessary supports and infrastructure in place to receive students and faculty from other countries, as well as open the door for increased opportunities for RRC students and staff.”

Red River College’s winning streak continued at the North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Awards this month, where its safety and prevention efforts won Best Overall honours at both the national and provincial level.

The national award was handed out on Sept. 11, 2012, at the annual Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) Conference in Niagara Falls, Ont. The provincial award was received on Sept. 17, at the Workers Compensation Board in Winnipeg.

“NAOSH Week provides us with a valuable opportunity to celebrate our ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving a safe and healthy workplace,” said Daryl Nielsen (above, right), Manager, Environmental Health and Safety Services at RRC. “Our safety culture is promoted through senior management commitment, strong safety leadership and effective engagement with our employees, with a goal to instill the same commitment in our students to carry high standards and values into other workplaces.”

This marks the second year in a row RRC has won a double-dose of honours, having picked up a national award in 2011 for “Best Representation of a Theme,” and a provincial nod in the “Most Innovative” category.

Plans are already underway for next year’s NAOSH Week, which will be celebrated across Canada May 5-11, 2013. Next year’s theme is “Safety & Health: A Commitment for Life! Are You As Safe As You Think?”

RRC’s Joint Workplace Safety and Health Committee, NAOSH Planning Committee and Environmental Health and Safety Services department wish to thank everyone who participated in NAOSH Week events, and who continue to demonstrate their commitment to safety in the workplace and at home.

Click here for more information about this year’s awards, and here for more information about NAOSH Week.