From Open Roads to New Codes
For Theoren Moore, the path to RRC Polytech wasn’t a straight line. It was shaped by long stretches of open road, hard work in the mining industry, and a piece of advice that tipped the scale on a life-changing decision.
Moore grew up in Thompson and spent a lot of time travelling Canada for work. He was enrolled in Heavy Duty Mechanics and Pathway to Information Technology at the same time, and spent a lot of time mulling over what to focus his pursuit in.
“During one of my last tours in Thompson, I asked a mechanic I was working alongside what I should do. He said, ‘go into banking.’ And that’s what confirmed for me what I wanted to do,” said Moore. He dropped Heavy Duty Mechanics and committed entirely to Pathway to Information Technology, then progressed into Application Development.
Moore said that the Pathway to Information Technology and later Application Development weren’t without their own challenges, particularly when it came to meeting deadlines and staying on track with assignments. He credits his instructor, Josh Derbecker, with supporting him through the Pathway program.
“He was a huge help. He was someone I could relate to, and he just listened when I was going through personal things during the program,” said Moore. Even when attendance or deadlines were difficult to manage, he remained committed to learning the materials and demonstrating his understanding. Now with one more year in Application Development, Moore can see the finish line.
Moore says his experience at RRC Polytech had evolved over time – it wasn’t entirely about the technical skills he’s learned. Through the Pathway to Information Technology, he also connected more deeply with the culture and history he comes from.
The program included workshops and guest speakers that ranged from Knowledge Keepers to industry experts. Moore recalls one workshop where the students worked in groups to research articles on the legacies and impacts of the Residential School system.
“I remember that at the end, when we presented in circle, I just… burst into tears. It was like something inside me cracked open,” said Moore. His own family had been deeply affected by Residential Schools, and learning more about it in a shared space moved him.
Moore found himself reconnecting to parts of his identity he hadn’t fully explored before, like going to Sweat Lodge Ceremonies and sitting with Elders. Since the Pathway to Information Technology was housed at the Exchange District Campus, Moore made the effort to travel to the Notre Dame Campus to access more of the cultural opportunities that nurtured his spirit.
As Moore moves into his final year in Application Development, his goals are both practical and personal. He’s hoping to transition into a 9-to-5 role in tech that offers a stable pace while contributing to Indigenous communities.
Moore secured a position with North End Connect for the summer, a company that aims to provide low-cost Wi-Fi to Winnipeg’s North End. The work involves setting up network infrastructure like satellite dishes and developing alternative digital tools that prioritize original thinking over the convenience of huge tech conglomerates. By the end of the summer, a handful of houses in the North End will be connected to the network.
Even with the academic finish line in sight, the transition into the workforce still comes with some uncertainty for Moore.
“This far in, I’m a little scared to bridge that gap into the community in terms of job availability,” said Moore.
While working towards that finish line, Moore has a part-time job and is making a conscious effort to go beyond his comfort zone by going to events, studying at the centre, and making room for new connections.
For anyone considering a new path in education, career, or personal growth, Moore’s advice is simple, just like that mechanic’s: stay open.
“Be open to possibilities. You never know what’s going to click or change your direction,” he said.
His own journey that started with mining sites all over Canada will continue even after he crosses the stage next year – all it took was one choice to set everything in motion.
To learn more about the Pathway to Information Technology and start on your own journey like Theoren Moore, check out our website and apply for free today.