Chloe Jessop’s journey to the trades is a uniquely Gen Z one. 

“I watched a lot of YouTube videos about how to make things, and knew I wanted to do that too,” she said with a laugh. 

On May 26, 2025, Jessop spoke on a panel with fellow Introduction to Trades student Alex Graham, along with Cabinetry and Woodworking student Logan Loewen and Darren Chambers, Vice-President, Star Plumbing and Mechanical, about the future of skilled trades in Manitoba. 

The conversation was moderated by Derek Kochenash, RRC Polytech’s Dean of the School of Skilled Trades & Technologies, and was part of a larger announcement to celebrate Qualico’s recent donation to RRC Polytech: $1.25 million to support skilled trades programming at the College. 

The donation expands capacity in Intro to Trades and provides additional support to the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies, with the creation of 10 annual awards for Construction Trades students – one of the largest available for skilled trades and technologies students, at $5,000 each.  

“This monumental gift addresses key needs not only here at RRC Polytech but will create a ripple effect of positive change for the industry here in Manitoba,” said Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “Thanks to Qualico, RRC Polytech’s Introduction to Trades program will grow and expand, allowing even more Indigenous learners to build specialized skills and gain direct entry into the RRC Polytech trades program of their choice.”

Qualico’s gift underscored the importance of drawing more young people like Chloe, Alex and Logan to the trades, to support a workforce that’s currently facing a labour shortage. 

“A strong skilled trades workforce is essential to building the homes, infrastructure, and services that our communities rely on,” said David Eggerman, Regional Vice-President, Qualico. 

“By investing in education and training, we’re taking a practical and forward-looking approach to helping bridge the gap between the growing industry demand and shortage of trades professionals. This commitment supports the development of a stronger, more inclusive talent pipeline, creating long-term benefits for students, our communities, and the industry.” 

The event began with a blessing from Grandmother Janice Millar, a grandmother-in-residence at RRC Polytech, as well as remarks from Min Mike Moroz, Minister of Innovation and New Technology, who brought greetings from the province that emphasized the importance of the collaboration. 

Qualico’s donation will also support more work-integrated learning programming for RRC Polytech’s Certificate Trades programs: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning, and cabinetry and woodworking.  

“Applied learning is at the heart of what we do at RRC Polytech – it’s what sets us apart as a polytechnic institution,” said Meier. “This gift will increase opportunities and connections between students and industry, while furthering our joint commitment to the values that make our institutions – and communities – so strong.”

For Chloe Jessop, industry support from Qualico is the perfect complement to a college experience she’d previously thought of as “just a dream.”

“In the Intro to Trades program, I have never felt more supported as a student. And I don’t say that to be cliché, it’s very, very true,” she said. “From having the support of Grandmother Janice, and the support of our instructors, it’s been an incredible experience. 

“We’re ending our program on June sixth, and it makes me quite sad that I don’t get to have shop experiences each week – getting to do hands-on projects and bring them home and say ‘look, Mom – I made this!'”

For more information on Qualico’s support of RRC Polytech, please click here. 

After a decade in the music industry, managing some of Canada’s biggest artists like Carly Rae Jepsen and Marianas Trench, Kayley McGrath knew she was ready for a change. 

“I loved the work and gained amazing opportunities through hard work, but I knew there was a rapidly approaching ceiling on that career,” said the second year Business Administration student. “I love helping people and when researching and deciding on what I’d like my future to look like, I knew that Human Resources was an area where I could problem solve and help make a positive workspace for others. I chose the Human Resources Management program at RRC Polytech because of their reputation within the workforce.” 

McGrath was one of more than 700 students to attend RRC Polytech’s largest-ever Directions Business Conference, presented by the Johnston Group, on March 5, 2025 at the RBC Convention Centre. This year’s conference had close to 150 industry members in attendance, ready to network with students and help them jumpstart their careers. 

“The Directions Business Conference is an important employment engagement opportunity; one that gives students the chance to build strong connections with potential employers while they’re still in school, so they have an added advantage once they graduate,” said Fred Meier, RRC Polytech President and CEO, in his opening remarks.  

“Witnessing the relationships between students and industry is one of my favourite parts of working at RRC Polytech, and I know today will be a special day.” 

Throughout the half-day event, students in the Business Administration, Indigenous Education, Continuing Education and Hospitality and Culinary Arts programs had the opportunity to network with the greatest variety of Manitoba businesses of any Directions Business conference to-date – from larger name corporations to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small-and-medium sized enterprises. 

“My experience was just pure delight, like a tropical salad of sweet tasting fruits!” said second year Business Administration student Latoya Taylor-Johnson. “It was very knowledgeable, and I had the pleasure of speaking with a few businesses that caught my eyes previously.” 

Melodie Richard, Marketing Director at Johnston Group – and Creative Communications graduate and former instructor – was in attendance, providing welcoming remarks to kick off the day. 

“Partnering with RRC Polytech is an obvious choice for Johnston Group – both of our organizations value community, building relationships, and shaping a better future,” she said. “Supporting the Directions Business Conference gave us a front-row seat to witnessing key relationships being formed between students and industry here in Manitoba. Johnston Group is pleased to hire many RRC Polytech grads, because we know they come out of the College with the skills and knowledge to fit in and hit the ground running.” 

Along with Meier and Richard, the conference featured greetings from the Honourable Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training; and keynote speaker Cassandra Carreiro, the founder of Sharecuterie, an Indigenous and woman-owned artisanal charcuterie café and cocktail bar in Winnipeg, who shared her story of shifting from psychiatric nurse to small business owner in the midst of the pandemic – pursuing her passion and leveraging her talent to fill a gap in the market and make her dream a reality. 

“Truly every connection opportunity was beneficial, but I really valued the roundtables.” noted McGrath. “They provided students the opportunity in a smaller group setting to ask questions, relate their studies to their future careers, and create memorable impressions.” 

During the Directions Roundtable Session, presented by Staffmax, representatives from nearly 70 different businesses and organizations hosted students according to their field of interest, inviting them to learn more about the respective organization’s mission, culture and vision. 

“The most valuable part of the day was the interaction with the roundtable,” Taylor-Johnson agreed. “Even though I wish the timing was longer for communicating and being able to speak with more companies. And the best part of the day was the amazingly delicious lunch and fancy desert!” 

The roundtable sessions empowered students to expand their networks, explore roles in various fields, and discover how industry is innovating and solving programs – all while connecting with local organizations that are looking to hire new graduates. 

Students also had the opportunity to boost their professional profiles at the RBC Headshot Lounge, where photographers captured LinkedIn-ready headshots to help take students to the next level. 

“I had a very positive experience at the Directions Conference – I was so pleased with all the relationships RRC Polytech has built, with so many amazing companies in Manitoba,” said McGrath. “I thoroughly enjoyed gaining the opportunity to meet with, hear from, speak with, and create memorable connections with employees, employers, and entrepreneurs that I look up to.” 

Her positive experience in her program inspired an entirely new career path: teaching in her field of study. 

“Something RRC Polytech has fostered in me is my love of working with a group of people to achieve learning new things,” she said. “RRC Polytech has empowered me to see how my experience and educational path partner well together. When I graduate, I want to pursue earning a teaching position, so that I can help students along their educational journey.” 

They came, they saw, they built some outstanding snow sculptures. 

RRC Polytech’s third Snow Me the Money! winter engagement contest has come to a close, just in time for the Spring thaw. Despite unpredictable temperatures this year, there were 10 teams who enthusiastically responded to take part in the contest.  

Each team was willing to take time out of their busy schedules to have some winter fun, show off their creativity, and enjoy the company of their teammates while working together to beautify the NDC campus, and Campuses across the province to raise climate action awareness. 

 Congratulations to this year’s winners: 

• 1^st place: Sea Five  

• 2^nd place: Cloud Niners 

• 3^rd place: Health Care Aides Selkirk – Team Busy 

Snow Me the Money! invites our community to come together and have some fun during Winnipeg’s chilly winter season. While the prize is an enticing incentive, the true goal of the contest is to connect with our classmates, co-workers, colleagues, friends and family in a fun activity that boosts morale and mental health. 

But it’s much more than a lighthearted romp in the snow – Snow Me the Money! highlights the harsh realities of climate change and encourages us all to fight for a future where snowy, fun-filled winters are the norm for generations to come. 

At RRC Polytech, we strive to ingrain sustainability in everything we do. There are several College initiatives that are aimed at tackling climate change, such as: 

• Our commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including Goal 13: Climate Action, through the signing of the SDG Accord. 

• Our efforts to create sustainable campuses – demonstrated by the award-winning Manitou a Bi bii daziigae, a building designed to near net zero efficiency. 

• Research Partnerships & Innovation’s ongoing partnerships with industry to create clean energy solutions for the real world – such as the all-electric bus, the EV Tundra Buggy, and conducting air tightness tests to provide insights into cost-effective measures for reducing energy usage at buildings throughout the province. 

• Our recently released Sustainability Strategy, a comprehensive plan that guides us towards a more sustainable future for RRC Polytech and our broader community. 

The driving force behind Snow Me the Money! is Maria den Oudsten, who has been organizing similar competitions through her Sweet Sorrow Snowman Foundation for years. 

Maria den Oudsten, along with her late husband Jan, presented one of the largest gifts from an individual donor in RRC Polytech’s history – 1.5 million dollars to support students and researchers in Manitoba’s heavy vehicle sector.  

We want to thank Maria and her family for their ongoing support of RRC Polytech and for donating the cash prizes, and for inspiring us all to build a better tomorrow. 

Thank you to all who participated! 

The Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba is dedicated to representing the diverse needs and interests of open shop contractors in our province. In line with its commitment to the industry’s success, the organization has made a substantial contribution to the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC Polytech, helping to shape the future of skilled trades for years to come.

Merit Manitoba recently pledged $300,000 to the College, allocating half of the funds to the creation of the Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba Endowment Fund and awards for Apprenticeship Trades students, and the remainder supporting the facilities, equipment, and ongoing programming within the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies.

The awards empower apprenticeship students to complete their programs and achieve their Red Seal designation, enabling them to re-enter industry with the needed skills and classification to help them succeed.

“At Merit Contractors, we believe in empowering the next generation of tradespeople. This investment is not just about creating opportunities to support young students – including women and diverse learners – and the programming for the trades at RRC Polytech, but also to support the future of our industry and community,” says Yvette Milner, President of Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba.  

The connection between Merit Manitoba and RRC Polytech runs deep, as many of the organization’s membership base and board members are RRC Polytech grads and partners themselves.

“This partnership with RRC Polytech is exciting because it’s something we’ve been envisioning for a few years,” continues Milner. “It’s finally come to fruition, allowing us to build a stronger, more skilled workforce for tomorrow.”

Thanks to this investment, students enrolled in the Apprenticeship programs within the Construction Trades have the opportunity to receive five awards of $1,000 each annually. The Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba Construction Trades Apprenticeship Awards aim to recognize outstanding achievement in trades, and to shape students to become future industry leaders.

The award is available to students enrolled in the following eligible Apprenticeship programs: Construction Electrician, Carpenter, Plumber, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, and Heavy Duty Mechanics.  

“Gifts like these are what enable us to continue making a positive impact on our students’ futures. Partnering with organizations like Merit Manitoba not only helps shape our students’ success and strengthen community connections, but also deepens our relationships with industry leaders,” says Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC Polytech. “This aligns perfectly with our commitments to address emerging needs, promote diversity, and foster broader partnerships and opportunities.” 

In recognition of this contribution, a classroom on the second level of the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (T building) at Notre Dame Campus has been named in recognition of Merit Contractors Association. 

Dedicated to supporting open-shop contractors in the province, Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba encourages young people to view trades as a valuable and rewarding career path.  

Do you want to build a snow man? Of course you do! Manitoba is a winter playground that we all love to enjoy and at this time of year we’ve got lots of snow to go around! In “Manisnowba” we show our joy of spending time outdoors in winter proudly. That sentiment is especially clear on RRC Polytech’s campuses when the Snow Me the Money! contest is underway. 

For the third year in a row, RRC Polytech students, staff, and faculty are challenged to create epic snow sculptures for the chance to win one of three cash prizes valued at $1000, $500 and $250. Between March 3-6 groups of classmates, colleagues or co-workers will gather to build unique snow creations on campuses across the province.  

Register a team to build your take on a classic snowperson or get creative and build something new! In past years, groups have created snow cars and semis, snow bears, snow construction workers, snow students, snow drums, and more.  

The contest is sponsored by Maria den Oudsten, a generous member of our donor community who has a passion for snow and has been organizing similar competitions through her Sweet Sorrow Snowman Foundation for years. Her main goal with these competitions is to raise awareness about global warming and to encourage climate action around the world. 

Snow Me the Money! reminds us of all the joys we have in our winter climate, and the importance of protecting it all while getting us together for some fun. 

How the contest works 

Register a team and help create a welcoming “snow village” across our campuses! 

Groups at Notre Dame Campus (NDC) are encouraged to build their sculptures along Route 90 in front of the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology and Research Centre (VTRC) and near the main entrance off Notre Dame Avenue.  

Teams from the Exchange District Campus (EDC) are welcome to come to NDC to build their masterpieces where space and snow are more accessible. Teams from Stevenson and our regional campuses can take part at designated locations on their campuses. 

1. Assemble your team, gather each team member’s email address, and decide on a team name. Then have your team captain sign up your team through the registration form online! Teams can consist of staff, students, and faculty. Family members are also welcome to participate. There is no limit on the number of members per team. Please note that teams must be signed up to be eligible to win prizes. Registration cut off is March 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. 

2. Build your snow sculpture between March 3-6, 2025. 

3. Snap a photo of your snow sculpture and send it to Lisa Moore at limoore@rrc.ca before the contest closes at 12:00 p.m. on March 6, 2025. Submissions will be entered to win one of three cash prizes valued at $1000, $500 and $250. Additional prizes may include small amount gift cards and various small tokens of participation. 

4. Maria den Oudsten will be our judge and will select the three cash prize winners. 

5. Attend the celebration wrap up event on March 7, 2025, at NDC to find out if you’ve won some cash! Pizza, cookies, and refreshments will be provided. Those at other campuses who are unable to attend the celebration event will be contacted if they are chosen as a winner. Prize money for the top three snow creations will be awarded to the captain on behalf of the team.  

Contest rules and regulations: 

1. Participants must not interfere with the building of competing sculptures or deface, devalue, or destroy them. 

2. Sculptures will not be monitored, and contest organizers are not responsible for any random acts of vandalism. 

3. No power tools can be used in the construction of your sculptures. 

4. If props are used in any snow sculptures, they must be cleaned up by the end of the day on March 7, 2025. 

5. Participants who fail to comply with RRC Polytech’s safety guidelines and our Respectful College and legal policies as outlined at RRC.ca may be removed from the contest. 

6. The skill-testing question of (10 × 4) – (15 ÷ 3) =? provided on the entry form must be correctly answered to be eligible for the randomly drawn prizes. The odds of winning the grand prizes or raffle depend on the number of entrants. 

7. The contest is free of charge, and no purchase is necessary to register. 

By participating in this contest, participants agree:  

• (a) to be bound by these Contest rules and the decisions of RRC Polytech and the Sponsor, whose decisions are final;  

• (b) to the use of the participant’s, likeness, voice, image, recording, video footage, contest entry submission and statements in connection with this contest and the promotion thereof;  

• (c) that if selected as the winner, you give RRC Polytech the right to publish or broadcast your name, likeness, voice, image, recording, video footage or statements for editorial, promotional, advertising and publicity purposes, without compensation other than the value of the prize offered.  

• (d) to release and indemnify and hold harmless RRC Polytech, the sponsor, and all their respective officers, directors, employees, owners, agents, contractors, representatives, successors and assigns from any liability in connection with or arising out of this contest. 

Now, get ready to bundle up, head outside, and enjoy the snow and team camaraderie as you create the best snow sculptures yet!  

Captains, please register your teams HERE 

Entering a new chapter and starting a post-secondary program can be scary and exciting all at once but for some students, financial barriers can make this transition more difficult. Walter and Maria Schroeder and their Schroeder Foundation are helping to eliminate that barrier for some students, so they don’t have to worry about finances as they begin their post-secondary education journeys. Instead, allowing them to focus on what is most important when entering post-secondary education, their learning.

The Schroeder Foundation’s most recent gift of $1.25 million comes on the heels of a $15 million donation, the largest ever received by RRC Polytech, announced just three months prior – now bringing the Schroeder Foundation’s total contribution to RRC Polytech to $18.2 million. Walter and Maria, born Winnipeggers, have a place in their hearts for Manitoba students. Their commitment is changing the lives of their “Schroeder Students” who receive their scholarships.

“Walter and Maria are making a tremendous impact for students,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “This incredible donation is yet another example of how the Schroeders are easing the way for students in their post-secondary education journeys. The lives of more than 200 students have already been changed thanks to their generosity and more will be changed in the years ahead. They are setting an inspiring example of the impact that philanthropy can have –whether it’s investing in state-of-the-art spaces and programs or eliminating financial barriers to higher learning.”

The existing Schroeder Scholarship fund was established in 2018 to help eliminate financial barriers to education for students. To date, the Schroeder Scholarship fund has supported 213 students from Winnipeg high schools, and this most recent gift will continue to support even more students over the next five years.

“It’s important to us to support students who might need financial support to complete their education,” said Walter Schroeder. “We know that not everyone can afford to attend post-secondary education, but we don’t believe that should be a barrier, so we created and continue to fund Schroeder Scholarships to give students at RRC Polytech the opportunity to get ahead in a career path of their choice without having to think about how they are going to be able to afford it.”

Veronica Ade is a Schroder Student in her second year of the Business Administration program – a path that she hopes will help her open a storefront for her hair braiding business after graduation. She’s been braiding hair since she moved to Canada as a refugee in 2018 and runs the business out of her home but dreams of having her own store and employees.

“When I found out about the scholarship I couldn’t believe it – I’m not sure I ever would have been able to go to school without it,” says Veronica. “I couldn’t imagine having to pay school fees while also paying rent. I want to thank the Schroeder Foundation for the opportunity, I really don’t know how to thank them enough. I hope they can continue supporting more students like me.”

Walter and Maria Schroeder were awarded in 2023 with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Manitoba Outstanding Philanthropist Award, and with their continued support of students pursuing higher education, it is not hard to see why. As the largest donor of full-ride scholarships at RRC Polytech the Schroeders are proving their steadfast dedication to removing barriers to education for Manitoba youth.

The Schroeder Scholarship fund covers the full tuition costs of nearly all programs at RRC Polytech for the recipients, as well as textbooks and access to wraparound supports like the transition to college program offered by the college.

Charles Panggat is a Schroeder Scholarship recipient and graduated from the Culinary Arts and Hospitality program in 2023. Since graduating Charles has worked in various kitchen environments – now working as a sous chef at a local Filipino restaurant where he is able to take his classic culinary training and apply it to foods from his own culture.

“Getting the scholarship really helped me focus on actually going to school and doing the best I could without having to worry about my financial situation,” said Charles. “I was able to enter my career right away without debt. Getting this support from the Schroeder Foundation really put my mind at ease and that was the biggest thing.”

He says the supports available to him as a Schroeder Student were a huge help as he adjusted to college life – especially getting started in a program shortly after the pandemic. Since graduating Charles now returns to support the summer orientation for other Schroeder Students, helping them understand what the college experience is like and answering any questions they might have.

The Schroeder Foundation’s donations are in support RRC Polytech’s comprehensive campaign In Front of What’s Ahead, the College’s largest fundraising campaign ever with the aim of transforming learning and research spaces, amplifying RRC Polytech’s impact, and enhancing the student experience.  

Walter and Maria Schroeder are two incredibly strong members of a community that supports students at RRC Polytech. They had previously donated $2 million towards the Schroeder Scholarships and this $1.25 million top-up to the fund will continue to impact even more students in the coming years – helping them reach for their dream careers just like Veronica and Charles.

As 2024 draws to a close, we want to take this opportunity to THANK YOU for your wonderful support of RRC Polytech through our In Front of What’s Ahead comprehensive campaign – the largest fundraising campaign in the College’s history.

In November 2021, we launched this campaign to fuel our five-year strategic plan with the goals of enhancing student life, transforming our spaces, and amplifying our impact.

Thanks to supporters like you, our In Front of What’s Ahead comprehensive campaign has now raised $87,876,615 and is poised to be a historic success that shapes the lives of our students, and the future of our province, for the better.

Through your investment and generosity, these funds are directly impacting thousands of RRC Polytech learners and enabling the College to raise the bar on the exceptional education it delivers every day. Since launching our campaign, we’ve been the grateful recipient of many gifts worth celebrating. Here are just a few highlights:

• With a transformational gift of $15 million from Walter and Maria Schroeder, RRC Polytech’s new Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts launched this past September. The Schroeder Institute paves the way for continued growth and opportunity in the creative arts for RRC Polytech, its students, and the province of Manitoba.

• Last summer, the Price Family Foundation provided a leadership gift of $10 million to spearhead the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics, which will allow RRC Polytech to bridge critical skills and labour gaps in the manufacturing sector.

• As a first-time donor to the RRC Polytech, The Canerector Foundation is making a big impact for skilled trades in Manitoba through their generous $500,000 gift to the College. This donation supports the creation of the Canerector Foundation Scholarship in Skilled Trades and funds the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) Camp over the next five years.

• Johnston Group was inspired to invest $250,000 in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, the College’s downtown hub for technology, collaboration and community. Their donation goes towards the programs and spaces that foster the next generation of innovators and not only supports RRC Polytech but is a direct investment in downtown Winnipeg and the community the College is proud to continue building there.

We are humbled and inspired by our supporters — a broad range of individuals, businesses (large and small), foundations, staff and alumni. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students. To learn more about our In Front of What’s Ahead comprehensive campaign, please go to the Donor Community section of RRC Polytech’s website.

Wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday season.

With gratitude,

David Petis
Executive Director, Advancement
RRC Polytech

“Your generosity and support have given me the opportunity to continue my education and pursue my dreams, and I cannot thank you enough.”

–  Ning, Manufacturing CAD Student

“I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support. Your contribution has made an impact on my academic journey, allowing me to pursue my passions and excel in my studies.”

– Benjamin, Business Information Technology Student

The Flynn Group of Companies has made a transformative investment in future trades professionals through a $200,000 donation to RRC Polytech’s School of Skilled Trades and Technology. Flynn’s first major gift to the College, the donation will support bursaries and updated learning spaces to provide students with a closer connection to the industry as they journey from classroom to career.

“For Flynn, this donation is a way of honouring our roots while investing in the future of skilled trades in Manitoba,” says Dave Sterling, Flynn’s Regional Operations Manager.  “Though we’ve grown into a multinational company, we’ve always remembered where we started. Giving back to the community that supported us and fostering the talent that will shape our industry and economy is at the core of our mission.”

As a leading North American building envelope contractor, Flynn operates over 35 branches in Canada and the U.S., shaping skylines and communities. The company’s commitment to RRC Polytech goes beyond financial support: Flynn also serves on an industry advisory committee, ensuring curriculum relevance.

“Flynn’s generous donation will significantly impact students and programs across the School of Skilled Trades and Technology,” says Derek Kochenash, Dean of the School.

 “The funds will support equipment, infrastructure, and programming in key trades like roofing, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical – fields that align closely with Flynn’s needs. Partnerships like these are the ‘secret sauce’ of RRC Polytech, enabling us to provide modern, applied learning experiences that prepare students for real-world challenges. With Flynn’s support, we can continue to produce the skilled workforce that not only drives their success but also strengthens our entire community.”

Flynn’s connection to RRC Polytech isn’t just institutional – it’s personal. Over 80% of Flynn’s workforce comprises RRC alumni, including new President and CEO Dan Sims. A 2008 RRC grad who began his Flynn journey as a drafting technician, Sims credits the College with laying the foundation for his career. “RRC gave me the skills, confidence, and problem-solving mindset to excel in this industry,” says Sims. “Now, as part of Flynn’s leadership, I’m thrilled to give back to the place that started it all.”

Flynn’s donation funds a redesigned classroom in RRC Polytech’s A Building, transforming it into a versatile space for lectures and hands-on activities. Accommodating 40 students, the room will include flexible seating and whiteboards for collaborative learning.

Tammy Harper, who oversees Civil Engineering and Construction programs at RRC Polytech, sees this classroom upgrade as a powerful message to students. “It tells them that their chosen profession is valued and respected by leaders in the industry.”

This investment also includes bursaries to ease financial pressure. “We want students focused on their education, not on how they’ll pay for it,” Sterling explains. “Trades are essential, in demand, and we’re committed to seeing RRC graduates enter the workforce ready to make an immediate impact.”

Flynn’s commitment to RRC Polytech also includes guest lectures and workshops led by Flynn professionals. These sessions will cover key industry topics like quality control in manufacturing and sustainable building practices, bridging theory and practical application to give students a well-rounded, industry-ready education.

“For us, it’s about more than just funding,” adds Sterling. “By bringing our experts into the classroom, we’re sharing knowledge that encourages continuous learning and excellence—values we hope resonate with these students long after they graduate. Skilled trades are the backbone of our economy, and we want students to feel the pride and purpose in that.”

The Canerector Foundation (the Foundation) is making a big impact for skilled trades in Manitoba with the recent announcement of a $500,000 gift to Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech).

The gift supports the creation of the Canerector Foundation Scholarship in the Skilled Trades and funds the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) Camp. The donation will be distributed over the next five years to provide continued support to students pursuing careers in skilled trades.

Amanda Hawkins, Director of the Foundation, says that they aim to support communities across Canada, including Manitoba and Winnipeg where Canerector has three businesses. This is the Foundation’s first gift to RRC Polytech, but it has a history of supporting students in skilled trades since its inception in 2019.

“I lived in Winnipeg while working with one of our companies in 2011, and still love the community there,” said Hawkins. “We are happy to see RRC Polytech’s focus on strategic workforce development and are excited to be a part of it.”

The Canerector Foundation Scholarship in the Skilled Trades supports 14 diploma and certificate programs in the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies. Recipients are selected based on their community involvement and engagement in mentorship activities. The first round of scholarships is scheduled to be awarded in the fall of 2024 and will support up to 27 recipients annually.

The Foundation also committed a portion of this gift to support the GETT Camp. This will give young women and girls between the ages of 12 and 14 first-hand experience with a variety of skilled trades at no cost to them or their families. This year’s camp is already full, and the Canerector Foundation’s support ensures this camp will continue to provide learning opportunities for young women in Manitoba for years to come.

Hawkins says exposing students to practical, valuable careers at a young age is important. She was first introduced to engineering during a presentation in her grade 5 classroom and remembers the impact it had on her. She appreciates how our program creates awareness of trades and technology and hopes that it will inspire many young people. 

“We’ve been working to increase representation in the trades by creating more opportunities for women and equity deserving groups who might not have considered a career in the trades,” said Derek Kochenash, Dean of the School of Skilled Trades and Technology. “This age is an important time for girls because they begin to make course decisions that affect future career choices. The Canerector Foundation’s support of the GETT Camp will help provide an environment where these young women can get inspired and curious about skilled trades and open to the idea of having a career in one.”

Todd Thompson, Carpentry instructor at RRC Polytech, shared his daughter and niece took part in the camp in 2022 and says it was nice to introduce them to various trades in a girls-only environment.

“All the instructors did such a good job showcasing their trades and opening the students’ eyes to the possibility of the trades as a career,” said Thompson.

Todd’s daughter Anna says, “I had so much fun meeting new people and making friends. I loved trying the different trades. The GETT camp gave me so many new and fun experiences!”

The GETT Camp has been so successful that shortly after it was announced for 2024 all the spots were filled. The Camp will take place in July 2024 at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame campus.

The Canerector Foundation was established just five years ago and has invested in skilled trades education since the beginning.

“Skilled trades are the backbone of our economy and provide a lot of value to our communities,” said Hawkins. “Canerector was founded and built by tradespeople and hopes to bring attention to the wide variety of careers that begin with a skilled trades education. This gift is also our way of giving back to the communities that have supported us over our 75+ year history.”

RRC Polytech is proud to celebrate this half million-dollar gift and recognize the Canerector Foundation for its contribution and the impact it has for students, and the skilled trades industry in Manitoba, now and in the future.

Learn more about the GETT camps: Girls Exploring Trades and Technology : Red River College Polytechnic: Youth Initiatives (rrc.ca)

Learn more about the Canerector Foundation awards: Awards, bursaries, and scholarships :: RRC Polytech Program & Course Catalogue

Students entering IT and business programs at Red River College Polytechnic have the opportunity for their education to be covered thanks to the generosity of community leader Gary Coleman.

The Gary Coleman Award for Inner-City Scholars helps students build successful careers on their own and removes barriers to post-secondary education, from enrollment to graduation.

The award is available to graduates of eight inner-city schools in Winnipeg who have been accepted into RRC Polytech’s Applied Accounting, Business Administration, Commerce Industry Sales and Marketing, Business Information Technology, Data Science and Machine Learning, IT Operations, and Information Security programs. Recipients are free from the worry of financial barriers as the award covers the cost of tuition, program fees, books, and supplies.

With the help of this award, young students can hone their skills in three of RRC Polytech’s IT and business-based programs, receiving the high-quality learning they need to become leaders in their careers.

How to Apply

See RRC Polytech’s Awards, Bursaries and Scholarships and scroll down to the “Gary Coleman Award for Inner-City Scholars” heading for more information.

Eligible students are encouraged to complete the application form and send it to financialaid@rrc.ca. The application deadline for the upcoming fall term is Friday, July 7, 2023.

NOTE: The application for the winter 2024 term is November 30, 2023.

Eligibility Requirements

The Gary Coleman Award for Inner-City Scholars will support two students who:

• Graduated in the previous 24 months from one of the following high schools:
  • Argyle Alternative High School
  • Children of the Earth High School
  • Daniel McIntyre Collegiate
  • Gordon Bell High School
  • B. Russell Vocational High School
  • Sisler High School
  • St. John’s High School
  • Technical Vocational High School
• Have already been accepted into one of the following RRC Polytech programs:
  • Applied Accounting (Certificate)
  • Business Administration (Diploma)
  • Commerce Industry Sales and Marketing (Certificate)
  • Business Information Technology (Diploma)
  • Data Science and Machine Learning (Diploma)
  • IT Operations (Diploma)
  • Information Security (Post Graduate Diploma)

Gary Coleman is the president and chief executive officer of Winnipeg-based Garibaldi Investments Ltd., his family office. Gary divested his main operating business, Big Freight Systems Inc. in 2017, after leading the organization for over 30 years. His family office is involved in industrial and commercial real estate as well as investments in crypto and web3 businesses. Gary graduated from Red River College Polytechnic in 1981 with a diploma in Business.

“I was extremely fortunate to grow up in a family that instilled a strong work ethic, that together with a vision for growth and the ability to attract exceptional talent, allowed our company to grow into an international operation. Attending Red River College Polytechnic played an important role in my journey as my Business studies provided me with many of the required foundational business skills.”

“With this scholarship, I hope to help students who have the ambition, desire and drive to change their station in life, but are lacking the one key component to achieve their dreams- the financial resources for a college education.”