Funding Through Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well Strategy Will Increase Accessibility and Inclusion on First Nations

The Manitoba government is investing $146,000 in new American Sign Language (ASL) training opportunities for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Manitobans through a partnership with RRC Polytech, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for accessibility, women and gender equity, announced today.

“Members of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community should be able to access the services and supports they need to participate fully in their communities no matter where they live,” said Fontaine. “We’ve received feedback directly from Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Manitobans about the longstanding lack of ASL education and ASL interpretation in First Nations and rural communities. This investment is a step toward helping to close that gap while empowering Indigenous women to build valuable, in-demand skills to provide much-needed services in their own communities.”

The Manitoba government is providing a total of $146,000 through the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well strategy to support the initiative. The funding includes $18,000 for the development and delivery of three ASL micro credentials providing ASL education directly on reserve, and $128,000 over three years to fund four seats specifically for Indigenous women in RRC Polytech’s existing ASL-English Interpretation program.

The ASL micro credentials will introduce ASL and Deaf culture for all participants and will be equivalent to ASL 1, one of the prerequisites for entry into RRC Polytech’s ASL-English Interpretation program, the minister noted. Training will be delivered in community to help reduce barriers to participation and will accommodate up to 15 learners per cohort. In addition to increasing access to ASL education on reserve and in rural Manitoba, the curriculum will incorporate Indigenous perspectives and approaches and be developed in partnership with Indigenous communities to ensure the training reflects local needs and experiences, a longstanding request directly from Indigenous Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Manitobans.

“RRC Polytech welcomes this important partnership with the Manitoba government, which reflects our shared commitment to creating more inclusive communities and expanding educational opportunities for Indigenous learners,” said Fred Meier, president and CEO, RRC Polytech. “By increasing access to ASL education through new micro credentials and fully funded seats in our ASL-English Interpretation program, we are helping remove barriers, strengthen representation in the ASL interpretation profession and build capacity to support Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in Indigenous communities across Manitoba.”

Graduates of the ASL-English Interpretation program will be equipped to provide more culturally responsive ASL-English interpretation in Indigenous communities, including at community gatherings, ceremonies and other events.

To learn more about Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well strategy, Manitoba’s $20-million provincial strategy to support the safety, protection and empowerment of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people, visit www.gov.mb.ca/wage/minoayaawag-ikwewag.html.

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Joan Ledoux, Manitoba Métis Federation Minister of Education and Associate Minister of Métis Employment and Training. Joan served the Red River Métis for over thirty years and was a member of the University College of the North Council of Elders.  

As a valued partner and friend of RRC Polytech, Joan generously shared her knowledge, guidance, and passion for advancing Indigenous education and student success. Her leadership strengthened relationships between our institutions and contributed to a shared vision of creating welcoming and culturally-grounded opportunities for Red River Métis learners.  

She was an active advocate at the Polytech and was involved with initiatives like the raising of the Red River Métis flag on campus, a keynote speech to commemorate Louis Riel Day and uplift Métis students, and the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2014 between RRC Polytech, the Manitoba Métis Federation, and the Louis Riel Institute. 

We extend our deepest condolences to the Ledoux family, the Manitoba Métis Federation, and all those mourning her loss. 

In honour of Joan’s memory and her lasting contributions to education and the Red River Métis Nation, RRC Polytech’s flags will be lowered in observance. 

Partnership with French Embassy and the Institut français du Canada highlights Schroeder Institute’s purpose 

RRC Polytech Chair Chris Brower doesn’t normally receive emails from the French Embassy.  

“It’s not every day that the French Embassy reaches out asking to collaborate on a project with your students,” said Brower, Chair of the Digital Media Design, Game Development and Acting Director of the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts.  

This email turned into a week-long spring workshop with 15 RRC Polytech students from the Animation, Digital Media Design (Video and Motion Graphics) and Communications Design programs.  

RRC Polytech entered the conversation while the Embassy, through its cultural service, the Institut français du Canada (IFC), was involved in a similar project with Sheridan College, a fellow Polytechnic Canada member, for the 2025 Nuit Blanche in Toronto.  

When the IFC saw an opportunity to develop a similar video project in Manitoba, Sheridan connected it with RRC Polytech. 

“RRC Polytech is the most important post-secondary institute for audiovisual studies in Manitoba. It was natural for us to work together,” Benjamin Orliange, IFC Audiovisual Attaché. 

For Brower, this type of project is what the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts is all about.  

“This video mapping project is the largest Winnipeg-based projection artwork to date and is a great example of international collaboration and partnership, of experiential and industry‑aligned learning. This is how RRC Polytech can contribute to Winnipeg’s cultural landscape,” said Brower. 

“The Nuit Blanche Winnipeg projection project offers incredible public visibility for student work while reinforcing the Schroeder Institute’s leadership in immersive media, creative technology and interdisciplinary education,” added Brower. 

Workshop inspires students   

With a focus on video mapping, the IFC brought French video mapping artist Jules-Camille Huvig onboard along with local Winnipeg artist Julie Gendron to lead the workshop for RRC Polytech students.  

Under the guidance of Huvig and Gendron, students collaborated across programs to develop animated content was that specific to a 3D object like a building exterior or wall.  

For many students, video mapping was a new concept. It involves specialized software to project animations onto 3D objects using techniques that make those surfaces come alive. 

“This workshop showed a whole new world of art through projection mapping,” said Gabriel Gregorio, a first-year animation student. “I mainly worked on animations throughout the process. I learned how to create awesome sequences to project onto the buildings and the inner workings of camera work as well. It was fun to see everyone’s creations in the end!” 

For others, the workshop was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that expanded their skills.  

“The workshop inspired me to think about incorporating my animations into art in ways I hadn’t thought of before,” said Milani Miller, a second-year animation student. “It was a really cool opportunity and I’m glad I was a part of it.” 

Students are looking forward to seeing their project on the “big screen” later this month.  

Their three short digital storytelling projects will be presented at Nuit Blanche Winnipeg, September 26 at the St. Boniface Cathedral (180 De le Cathedrale Ave.), 9:00 p.m.  

The project was made possible with the support of the Institut français du Canada, the Programme International de Diffusion Artistique  programme of the Institut français, rencontres audiovisuelles and Manitoba Culture Days.  

In the creative arts industry, navigating the unknown is par for the course. But even the most creative among us may need an extra boost in exploring one of the greatest challenges of our time: climate change.

Enter RRC Polytech’s Schroeder Institute for Entertainment and Media Arts. The Schroeder Institute, in partnership with BizForClimate, is making sure the next generation of creatives is well-equipped to work sustainably, with the “Made to Work Here: Sustainability in Manitoba’s Creative Industries” session – an engaging exploration of how sustainability is shaping the future of the creative industry.

“Creativity has the power to shape the way people think, feel, and act, which is why it’s so important for those working in creative industries to understand sustainability,” says Kirk Johnson, Dean of the School of Business, Information Technology and Creative Arts, RRC Polytech. “By learning how to make thoughtful, responsible choices in their work, creative artists can work to inspire audiences while also contributing to a more sustainable future.”

The session features a presentation on the key concepts of sustainability in the creative sector and why they matter for the industry’s future growth. Following the presentation is a panel featuring industry professionals sharing their experiences in rolling out sustainability in storytelling, practice, and in ways that solve local problems.

RRC Polytech will also reinforce its commitment to sustainability at the event, by signing the BizforClimate pledge.

Panel speakers:

• Kyle Schmitz, Founder of Teenage Astronauts
• Dee King, Co-Founder of ZenFri Inc.
• Samantha Leigh, Production Team Lead of Green Spark Group

“A growing industry trying to compete on the world stage doesn’t often care how they grow, and that’s been Canada’s creative sector over the decades,” says Dee King, Co-Founder of ZenFri Inc. “But as we get closer to Canada’s Net Zero Targets across all sectors, it is a growing concern for Producers, Funders and Creatives. Thankfully, sustainability requires out-of-the-box thinking which creative professionals excel at, so there is no shortage of solutions, big or small.”

The event is free and open to everyone. To learn more and register, please click here.

Many of the foundations of a polytechnic education – applied learning, adaptability, and strong partnerships – were on full display as RRC Polytech hosted a challenge during the Manitoba leg of The Amazing Race Canada.

“Creating opportunities for people to test their skills, work together, and grow through experience is what we do every day at RRC Polytech,” said Jayne Geisel, Associate Dean, Construction Trades at RRC Polytech. “In our labs and classrooms learning happens by doing, and every challenge is an opportunity to build confidence, capability, and career-ready skills.”

The project also demonstrated RRC Polytech’s commitment to lifelong learning.

“We hope our appearance on the show not only spotlights RRC Polytech’s capabilities but helps to demonstrate that every experience, victory or failure, adds to your long-term growth,” said Geisel. “Whether you’re in a classroom, at a job site, in the comfort of your own home, there is always something new that you can learn – and the rewards of practicing lifelong learning are truly amazing.”

If you missed the episode on September 8, it can be streamed on CRAVE or the CTV app.

This fall, as RRC Polytech welcomes new and returning students and staff, we are sharing important updates about campus safety, health and security. These resources are intended to help you stay informed, connected and supported throughout the year.

Exchange District Campus (EDC) Hours and Access

• Monday to Friday – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and student and staff access only from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. 
• Saturday and Sunday – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., swipe card or buzz-in access only

At the Exchange District Campus (EDC), students and staff and faculty are required to scan their valid RRC Polytech-issued ID card upon arrival at a designated entrance. This process is an extra layer of security to verify individuals are permitted to be on campus. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue to proactively enhance security measures to best support everyone on campus.

Designated Campus Entrances at EDC:

• The Roblin Centre – North and South Atrium doors
• Manitou a bi Bii daziigae – Elgin Plaza doors
• Paterson GlobalFoods Institute – Main Street and King Street doors

Additional card readers control access to elevators and spaces above the first floor. This helps students and staff reach the spaces they need while keeping public areas—including Tim Hortons, the Campus Store and Student Services—accessible to visitors.

Visitor and Contractor access:

Approved visitors, including service personnel, guests, contractors and people visiting in support of RRC Polytech programs, may continue to access the campus. All visitors and contractors must check in with Security Services when they arrive. Contractors working on campus must provide a valid piece of photo ID, such as a driver’s licence. A Security Services team member will direct guests to their destination as needed.

Students and staff are encouraged to get or replace their RRC Polytech ID card. The card is required to enter the Exchange District Campus and access facilities such as fitness centres and certain rooms. To learn how and where to get a student or staff ID card, visit rrc.ca/ID.

Notre Dame Campus (NDC) Hours and Access

• Monday to Friday – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and student and staff access only from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. 
• Saturday and Sunday – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., entrance though Building C (Security doors)

To access NDC during regular weekday hours, students and staff can enter through available building entrances. Visitors and contractors must check in with Security Services in Building C upon their arrival. Contractors working on campus must provide a valid piece of photo ID, such as a driver’s licence. 

After Hours Access:

Between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on weekdays, students and staff may enter campus only through the east-side doors of Building C. On weekends, Building C is the only campus entrance available.

South Winnipeg Campus (SWC) Hours and Access

• Monday to Friday – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and student and staff access only from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Staff, students and faculty may remain on site until 10:00 p.m., with Security using the period from 10:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. to secure the facilities.
• If you need to access the campus after 8:00 p.m., please enter through the main entrance at 130 Henlow (facing Kenaston) for both the Henlow and Fultz buildings. For the Pembina campus, please use the main entrance doors. 
• If Security is temporarily unavailable, please contact 204-632-3828 for assistance.  

From Monday to Friday, students and staff can enter SWC through available building entrances. Contractors and visitors must check in with Security Services at 130 Henlow for the Fultz and Henlow buildings, or at 1551 Pembina for the Pembina building. They must also present valid photo ID.

Weekend hours:

Weekend access at Henlow, Fultz and Pembina is from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Security will begin securing the buildings at 3:30 p.m. and will complete the process by 4:00 p.m. Staff working on campus during these hours are asked to notify Security before departing.

After Hours Access:

For campus entry between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, students and staff must call Security Services at 204-632-3828.

Upcoming Campus Closures

Please note that all RRC Polytech campuses are closed for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Wednesday, September 30, 2026. For further information about upcoming closures visit rrc.ca/dates. 

Campus Alerting System

The Campus Alerting System sends out important and time-sensitive safety updates to staff and faculty members’ RRC Polytech-issued phones. Students are encouraged to sign up to receive alerts and email notifications by joining the Campus Alerting Microsoft Teams Site. 

Safe Walk and Safe Ride

Safe Walk and Safe Ride are services that provide escorts for students and staff between two points on campus or to a point near the campus, including parking lots. To access Safe Walk or Ride services, call:

• EDC – 204-949-8305
• NDC – 204-632-2323
• SWC – 204-632-3828

Health Services

RRC Polytech Health Services offers students and staff mental health support, sexual health education, injury and illness assessments, student medical plan development, and connections to internal and external resources such as Student Support Services, Klinic and the Crisis Response Centre.

In most cases, you do not need a Manitoba, provincial or international health card to access Health Services. A health card may be required if you are referred to another service, such as QDoc.

Health Centre Locations:

• EDC – located at W103 (first floor, William building), re-opens as of Tuesday, September 8.
• Drop-in from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., no appointment required
• NDC – located at HM08 (mall level, H building)
• Drop-in from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., no appointment required

Students and staff at the South Winnipeg Campus can access Health Services by calling 204-632-2238 or emailing healthservices@rrc.ca.

Personal Belongings

Do not leave personal belongings unattended at any RRC Polytech campus, including in locked classrooms or breakout rooms. RRC Polytech is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged unattended property.

Feedback and Questions

Thank you for your ongoing support and feedback. If you have questions or suggestions about safety, health or security at RRC Polytech, email safety@rrc.ca. Your input helps us continue to improve our approach across all campuses.

From predictive maintenance and quality control to production optimization and data-driven decision-making, AI applications are becoming more common on factory floors and throughout manufacturing operations. As new tools, platforms and capabilities emerge at a rapid pace, many industry professionals face a growing challenge: keeping up. 

To address this need, RRC Polytech has launched Artificial Intelligence for Advanced Manufacturing, a micro-credential course designed to provide a practical introduction to machine learning, deep learning, generative AI and smart manufacturing. Through hands-on, industry-focused projects, participants learn how to transform manufacturing data into actionable insights and apply AI tools to real-world operational challenges. 

“Success in today’s fast-changing world belongs to organizations that embrace emerging technologies,” says Ayodele Ibinaiye, Chair, Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics at RRC Polytech. “You do not need to be an AI expert, but you must understand enough to recognize opportunities and turn innovation into efficiency.” 

Manufacturers already manage complex production schedules, operational demands and evolving customer expectations. Adding AI to the equation can feel overwhelming, particularly as organizations work to understand which technologies are worth exploring and how they can be applied in practical ways. 

“This course gives students the opportunity to create AI models tailored to the advanced manufacturing sector and execute practical, hands-on AI projects,” says Vikram Banthia, Director of RRC Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics.  

“By examining advanced manufacturing processes and technologies that could be improved by implementing AI solutions, students will gain the necessary skills to thrive in the advanced manufacturing sector.”  

While the need for human-powered manufacturing expertise is here to stay, understanding AI’s capabilities, limitations and practical applications is becoming an increasingly valuable skill. As technology continues to evolve, staying informed may be one of the most important ways manufacturing professionals can prepare for what’s next. 

Learn more about the AI for Advanced Manufacturing micro-credential here.

The following was published in the Winnipeg Free Press on September 1, 2026

By: Jamie Wilson

When we talk about barriers to education, what usually comes to mind are tuition, cost of books or access to technology.

But, after years of listening to Indigenous students, families, elders, communities, and organizations across Manitoba, we heard something else. For many, the biggest barrier to post-secondary education is having a safe place to live, where their culture is honoured and resources are accessible.

Jordan was living in a tent in downtown Winnipeg for the first few weeks of his time at RRC Polytech.

Before attending Pathways to Business, he had been progressing in his journey to sobriety for a while. He knew he needed to keep that momentum going, and the opportunity came when he saw a poster for the program. Jordan saved up money from social assistance to apply, and was accepted for the 2024 fall term.

Barely a month into the program, a fire destroyed his tent and all his belongings.

It was then that he reached out to our staff for help. He shared what had happened, the troubles that he faced trying to come to school, and asked how we might be able to help.

Staff rallied to support him — they secured emergency housing before helping him transition into regular housing. With that support, Jordan could safely focus on schoolwork without having to worry about where he’d sleep at night.

Earlier this year, RRC Polytech released Our Roadmap Forward: Ensuring the Success of Indigenous Students. The report identifies 73 interconnected factors affecting Indigenous students’ applications, enrolment and success in post-secondary education. It’s the culmination of years of engagement and research through RRC Polytech’s Overcoming Barriers for Indigenous Students project.

This work affirmed that educational success does not begin in the classroom. It begins with whether a learner has reliable transportation. Whether they can access childcare. Whether they have the identification needed to open a bank account or register for services.

And, perhaps most importantly, whether they have a safe and stable place to call home.

We have a housing affordability crisis in Canadian post-secondary education, with 72 per cent of students spending more than 30 per cent of their income on housing.

Compounding this issue is the reality that Indigenous, Black, and equity-deserving post-secondary students experience housing insecurity at disproportionate rates. Off-reserve Indigenous households are 17.8 per cent more likely to live in housing that falls below national adequacy standards.

Keeping our focus on Indigenous students, the relationship between housing and education is often even more complex. When these students come to RRC Polytech, housing becomes the foundation on which everything else depends.

The findings in Our Roadmap Forward demonstrate that housing intersects with nearly every other challenge Indigenous students may face. A stable address makes it easier to obtain identification, establish banking services, access health care, secure childcare, connect with support programs, and maintain consistent transportation to campus.

It is particularly important for learners transitioning from the child welfare system, those returning from involvement with the correctional system and those caring for children or elders.

Housing cannot simply be another box to check on a list of student supports.

It is the place from which all other support becomes possible — it is student success infrastructure.

The conversation about Indigenous education must also recognize a broader truth.

For generations, colonial policies forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families and communities under the guise of education. Residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the child welfare system all deliberately separated children from their languages, cultures, and support systems, which have caused lasting harm that continues to affect families and communities today.

Today, Indigenous learners are choosing education for themselves to strengthen their families and communities. But, too often when they make that choice, many encounter barriers that make participation more difficult than it should be.

An uncomfortable question worth asking is: if Canada once found the resources to forcibly house Indigenous children in church-run institutions, why do Indigenous learners now struggle to find safe, affordable housing when they voluntarily seek higher education?

We need to lead the conversation with answers and actions. We are going to change the narrative around education for Indigenous learners.

Reconciliation requires more than acknowledging the past. It requires removing the barriers that persist into the present. At the same time, we must avoid forcing a choice between learning in cities and staying in home communities. Indigenous learners need both. Expanding opportunities in communities while ensuring learners can access safe housing when relocation is necessary are complementary goals, not competing ones.

Investing in Indigenous student success offers generational return on investment. Not only does it create opportunities for individuals, it helps build stronger families whose members see post-secondary in their future and in turn builds stronger families, healthier communities, and a more prosperous country.

Jordan went on to become the 2025 Pow Wow valedictorian and received a $16,000 scholarship from a major financial institution, where he worked over the summer.

If we are serious about reconciliation in Canada, we must recognize a simple reality — education cannot thrive without safe, affordable housing.

Before students can focus on learning, they must know they are safe. And before we can expect Indigenous learners to overcome barriers, we must be willing to remove them.

Jamie Wilson is vice-president, Indigenous strategy, research and business development at RRC Polytech.

RRC Polytech welcomes the recent announcement by the Government of Canada of an additional $2 billion to help provinces and territories expand skilled trades training capacity through Team Canada Strong.

This investment recognizes the importance of strengthening the entire skilled trades system, from pre-apprenticeship through to certification, to help build the workforce Canada needs for housing, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence, and clean energy.

As Manitoba’s polytechnic, RRC Polytech is helping train the next generation of skilled trades professionals today, and is well positioned to do even more to support the workforce that will build Canada’s future.

We appreciate the federal government’s continued engagement with provinces and training institutions, and the Province of Manitoba’s leadership in advancing apprenticeship modernization and advocating for investments that strengthen long-term training capacity.

We look forward to continuing to work alongside both governments to expand training capacity, reduce barriers to skilled trades careers, and prepare the highly skilled workforce Manitoba and Canada need for generations to come.

Xin (Saxon) Xiang says his confidence soared this spring when he took home gold in Aerospace Technology at the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition. He competed in five projects over the course of a two-day competition, and finished each project with a clean workstation and completed paperwork.

 With a love for tools and hands-on problem-solving, Xiang pursued an education in the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) program at RRC Polytech after coming to Canada from China.

He graduated from the program in April before competing at Skills Canada in May. Competitors received limited information about the projects a month before the two-day event to help them prepare for the upcoming competition – with clues involving a turbine engine, sheet metal, aircraft, component, and electrical wiring interconnection projects.

Xiang says that he highly anticipated the competition and read through all provided documentation to gather as much information as possible. He inferred what the projects could potentially be with what he could reasonably assume, including time limitations and solo completion.

One day before the competition, competitors had the chance to view the tools and equipment available for each project during orientation, which gave Xiang a fuller picture of what kind of projects he could expect. However, only a small subset of the tools displayed were actually needed to complete the tasks, with the rest serving as distractions. For the first project, competitors simulated a daily inspection for landing gear, which raised issues that needed troubleshooting – straightforward and simple.

The second project, Xiang says, was much more difficult. Part of the wing mock-up was damaged, so he consulted diagrams to calculate the requirements for the repair. He used the available tools to cut out the damaged area and construct a patch that sat flush with the surface of the wing mock-up. By the time he finished with cleanup and the paperwork for the repairs, he asked a judge how much time he had left and half an hour remained.

“I was really proud of that project,” Xiang said. “It was really not that easy.”

Following the first day’s projects, Xiang says that he felt much calmer than he did the night before. He credits a phone call with instructor Kevin Hussey with helping him analyze the situation and come up with more ideas about what the next half of the competition would bring.

“I reminded him that the objective of competition itself wasn’t necessarily about winning – I know from experience that it’s a place where people can make connections and get hired,” says Hussey. “It’s more about the experience and meeting other competitors. He took the initiative to read all the literature provided at the competition. Not a lot of other competitors might take the time to take that initiative.”

The second day featured three projects and started strong with a project that surprised Xiang – a PT6 turbine engine hot section inspection.

“I assumed each project could be achieved by one person, but during the pre-competition briefing, the judges mentioned that if we needed help, we could ask for their assistance. I had assumed the projects would be small enough for one person to handle, not expecting that asking for help would even be allowed. It was a complete surprise to find out otherwise — but since I had already read through the full inspection documentation, it was still within the scope of what I’d prepared for. I knew exactly what to do and dove right into it.”

The fourth project presented a defective anti-ice valve of the type used in a Boeing 737’s anti-ice system. Xiang said that while he was still reviewing the diagrams and the manual, the competitor beside him had already begun troubleshooting. However, the time he invested in reading upfront paid off later – his actual troubleshooting process was fast and efficient, allowing him to verify his estimates and identify all the issues with fifteen minutes to spare. For the fifth and final project, Xiang was presented with rigging an aileron– which was a nice and easy project to wrap up the competition.

After he completed the competition, Xiang says that one of the judges approached him and said that it was really enjoyable to watch him work.

“The competition confirmed for me the value of working strictly by the documentation, I believe the results I achieved were a direct result of following the manuals and materials closely. This experience also helped me understand the difference between learning in school and working in industry, where manuals are constantly updated by manufacturers, and staying closely aligned with the latest documentation is essential,” says Xiang.

Christopher Lalonde, AME Instructor, says that the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program requires adherence not only to academic standards, but the regulatory requirements outlined in the Policy Manual as a Transport Canada Approved Training Organization. Students prepare to become well-rounded practitioners in all aspects of aircraft construction, inspection and maintenance while cultivating an appreciation for the significant responsibility of the aerospace industry.

“Xiang exemplifies these principles,” says Lalonde. “His achievements reflect not only competitive success, but also his development into a respected colleague who has earned the confidence of his instructors. During his time in the program, he consistently demonstrated diligence, a strong work ethic, and a serious approach to his tasks, balanced by a calm and positive demeanor.”

Hussey says that Xiang’s win is very exciting and a great way to promote the AME program in industry, and hopes to raise more support from partners to help more students achieve excellence like Xiang.

Now with a gold medal, Xiang says he’s looking forward to building his portfolio in industry and earning his Aircraft Maintenance Engineer ‘M’ license.