Starting a career in a new country isn’t always easy. Even newcomers with years of professional experience can face challenges navigating the Canadian job market, understanding workplace expectations, and finding employers who recognize their skills.

Manitoba Momentum, delivered by Red River College Polytechnic’s Centre for Newcomer Integration and funded by the Manitoba Government, helps bridge that gap.

This free, 20-week workforce development program prepares newcomers for careers in trades, transportation, and supply chain industries through a combination of job-focused English training, safety certifications, and hands-on workplace experience.

Learn practical skills. Explore new opportunities.

Manitoba Momentum goes beyond classroom learning. Participants develop workplace English while gaining access to practical industry training, including forklift operation, skid steer, WHMIS, CPR and First Aid, and other safety certifications.

The program also introduces participants to Canadian workplace culture, employee rights, and industry expectations. Through job shadowing with local employers, they gain valuable exposure to the workplace, build professional connections, and explore potential career pathways.

Real people. Real career opportunities.

The program is already making a difference.

One participant with six years of accounting leadership experience secured an Administrative Assistant position with accounting responsibilities. The same employer subsequently hired another participant with over 10 years of project management and international trade experience for a project and logistics role.

Another participant, who brought more than 20 years of cabinet-making experience to Canada but had been working in heavy construction, secured employment in his original profession with support from the Manitoba Momentum team.

For one participant, the experience was life-changing:

“They’ve officially made me an offer to start this Monday. I’m truly so grateful to you for helping me so much and making what I thought was impossible a reality.”

These success stories show that newcomers don’t necessarily need to start their careers from scratch. With the right support, they can build on their existing experience and find new ways to contribute to Manitoba’s workforce.

Your next opportunity starts here

Following two cohorts, Manitoba Momentum is welcoming its third group of participants. The current cohort has achieved nearly 100% attendance in in-person classes, demonstrating strong engagement and commitment to learning.

Winnipeg classes run Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with live online participation available for those outside Winnipeg or unable to attend in person.

Could Manitoba Momentum be your next step?

The free, 20-week program is open to eligible Manitoba residents with English proficiency at CLB 4–6, including newcomers with valid work or study permits, eligible refugee claimants with work permits, eligible Canadian citizens who identify as newcomers, spouse/common-law partner and dependent children of the above.

Next cohort starts November 9, 2026. Late enrolment is available until November 20, subject to eligibility and available spaces.

Interested in learning more? Contact mbm@rrc.ca.

Your experience matters. Build on your skills, gain new qualifications, and open doors to new career opportunities in Manitoba.

Manitoba Momentum is delivered by Red River College Polytechnic’s Centre for Newcomer Integration, with funding from the Manitoba Government.