Student wearing safety glasses and a hard hat works on an electrical panel in a trades lab.

Program Explorer

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Skilled Trades – FoundationsApplied Certificate

In Partnership With

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Power your passion and potential. Prepare to transition into an exciting RRC Polytech trades program or start your career.

Explore a variety of rewarding skilled trades by learning in our shop spaces, talking with industry experts and meeting with potential employers.

The Skilled Trades – Foundations program gives learners of Indigenous ancestry the opportunity to explore a variety of trades while building skills in math, science, communication and employability.

Throughout the program, you’ll connect Indigenous values, teachings and knowledge with your learning while developing the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for entry-level careers or further trades training.

Through hands-on learning, you’ll explore different trades, hear from industry professionals and connect with guest speakers and prospective employers.

Consider this program if you’re looking for an introduction to a wide range of skilled trades careers before continuing into an RRC Polytech trades program.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Applied Certificate
  • Program Delivery
    In-person
  • In-person Location
    Notre Dame Campus
  • Intakes
    Fall and Winter
  • Program Length
    15 weeks
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $3,600 – $4,100
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    General entry

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this preparatory program, you’ll gain hands-on trades experience, strengthen your academic foundation, build leadership and communication skills and create a professional portfolio that showcases your accomplishments.

TERM 1

Learn to safely use hand and power tools, work in a trades environment and strengthen your math, communication and problem-solving skills.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Automotive technician
  • Cabinetry and woodworking
  • Carpenter
  • CNC machinist technician
  • Collision repair and refinishing
  • Electrician
  • Heavy duty equipment mechanic
  • Marine and powersports technician
  • Power engineering
  • Plumbing
  • Refrigeration and air conditioning technician
  • Welding

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

RRC Polytech continually updates program content to align with the needs of employers. With an industry-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Gain practical experience across a variety of trades so you can discover the career path that’s right for you before choosing your next program.
Learn specialized skills, like welding, and prepare to enter directly into your trades program of choice.
Build versatile skills like sheet metal manipulation, which is valuable across the HVAC, automotive and aircraft maintenance industries.
Learn new skills directly applicable to the workforce or transferrable to the RRC Polytech trades program of your choice.
Collaborate with peers and expert instructors in a safe, respectful team environment to develop crucial communication, time management and collaboration skills.

Graduate Success

Graduates leave the program prepared to enter the RRC Polytech trades program that best matches their interests. You’ll build the math, science, communication and technical foundation needed for future success.

Achieve your career goals

Dedicated instructors provide personalized support throughout your studies, helping you build confidence while developing the skills employers value.

Ongoing Indigenous student supports

As you continue into another RRC Polytech program or begin your career, the School of Indigenous Education remains part of your support network, helping you stay connected throughout your educational journey.

Learning with community

Experienced instructors and support staff understand the pressures and stresses of student life. They aim to help you stay focused and organized and achieve a healthy life-school-work balance.

“I would encourage anybody to come down here because if I could plow through the barriers that I did and succeed in the program, anybody can.”

Richard Chisel, Graduate, School of Indigenous Education

“[The program] helped me gain confidence and prepared me for automotive. Now, I’ve graduated from the Automotive Technician [program] with a certificate and am continuing on to [pursue a] diploma. I wouldn’t be where I am today without taking Intro to Trades!”

T. Massan, Graduate, School of Indigenous Education

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

As a student in the Skilled Trades – Foundations program, you’re motivated to learn, build new skills and support those around you. You enjoy solving challenges, aren’t afraid to ask questions and see post-secondary education as an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while preparing for a rewarding career in the skilled trades.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Both introverts and extroverts
  • Challenge-driven
  • Community-oriented
  • Patient
  • Results-oriented

SKILLS

  • Adaptability
  • Lifelong learning
  • Motivation
  • Positive attitude
  • Problem solving

INTERESTS

  • Building
  • Construction
  • Trades
  • Apprenticeship
  • Red Seal
  • Manufacturing
  • Automotive
  • Heavy equipment
  • Industrial careers

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

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DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

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LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Contact Us

Get in touch with us today to learn more about this and other programs, receive personalized guidance and discover your best path forward.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.