Three graduates will be awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal – the highest award that may be obtained upon graduation from RRC Polytech – at the Spring Convocation ceremonies this week.

The recipients of these medals are selected by a standing committee comprised of representatives from Polytech management, students and instructors. This outstanding graduate has been selected in recognition of their academic and technical achievement, involvement in Polytech and/or community activities, and overall good character.

Amanda Haley (Mandi) Maxwell is a Creative Communications Honours Graduate, recognized for her academic excellence and deep commitment to community impact. Alongside her studies, Mandi has dedicated significant time to advocacy and volunteer work, focusing on creating safer spaces for the bisexual+ (bi+) community. After experiencing biphobia and bi-erasure firsthand, she founded the Winnipeg Bi+ Network/Bi+ Social Group, a volunteer-run group based at the Rainbow Resource Centre that offers community, support, and resources. Under her leadership, the group has grown into a vital community where members feel safe, seen, and validated. Mandi also serves as a founding board member, brand designer, and communications advisor for Bi+ Canada, a national advocacy organization. Her work has been recognized through nominations for the 2025 Premier’s Volunteer Service Award and the Bisexual Resource Center’s Unsung Hero Award, reflecting her ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and meaningful social change.

A dedicated community advocate and graduate in Social Innovation and Community Development with a major in Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship, Teddy Lands is known for a lifelong commitment to service, inclusion, and quiet leadership. With over a decade of volunteer experience, Teddy has supported capstone initiatives ranging from the Manitoba FASD Coalition, where she contributed to outreach and province-wide resources, and sitting on a coalition to create a trans health equity act for the Province of Manitoba with Trans Manitoba. Teddy worked with the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities to collaborate on an Indigenous Day community event, also focusing on compiling accessibility reports for Manitoba businesses and organizations.

At RRC Polytech, Teddy has participated in the Intercultural Partnership Program and Open Doors to create inclusive environments for newcomers and prospective students. Her broader community impact includes moderating conversations on civic engagement through The Gathering and organizing grassroots fundraising efforts for Siloam Mission.

For three years, Teddy has also contributed to national advocacy with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations where she sat on the National Indigenous Advocacy Committee, in her final year, she served as Vice Chair. Teddy’s work focuses on making systems more accessible and communities more compassionate.

An Advanced Care Paramedic graduate with Honours, Victoria (Torrie) Archambault is recognized for resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to community care. Over the past three years, she has balanced full-time work, intensive studies, and family life, demonstrating exceptional dedication even in the face of personal loss. Throughout her training, she remained actively engaged in her community, teaching CPR and First Aid to youth, seniors, and community groups, and organizing local fundraising initiatives. A committed mentor since 2015, Victoria has supported and guided paramedic students, fostering both clinical confidence and emotional resilience. Her contributions extend to her children’s school community, where she volunteers in event planning while also learning French to stay actively involved in her children’s education. Looking ahead, Victoria hopes to expand her impact through hospital-based animal therapy programs, inspired by the meaningful role comfort and connection play in patient care.

Competition often drives innovation and – as a high school racing event at RRC Polytech recently proved – it can also be an excellent motivator for young people to explore and showcase their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 

To encourage their natural curiosity in STEM and put concepts they’re learning in class each day into practice, local high school students were challenged to work together by designing, building, and racing miniature, self-propelled cars powered by various forms of mechanically stored energy.   

“This event is designed to promote collaboration and demonstrate how STEM subjects, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are interconnected, related, and often depend on each other in practical applications,” said Jesse Jamison, Mechanical Engineering Technology and CNC Machining Instructor at RRC Polytech. “In addition to nurturing their talent and sparking their creativity, we also wanted students to feel the sense of accomplishment and pride that working on a successful project brings to each member of a team.”  

Led by their dedicated teachers, seven teams from four Winnipeg schools spent months preparing before hitting the track to race their vehicles against their peers, aiming for maximum speed and accuracy. They followed the standard engineering design process of: 

• asking questions 

• brainstorming 

• planning and designing 

• creating and building 

• testing and improving 

“Identify a challenge. Map out a logical plan. Execute the actionable steps to provide a solution. This universal approach is what they’ll use regularly if they pursue STEM related programs in post-secondary,” said Jamison. “We want them to know that with the right training, the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to design, build, and race these vehicles can translate directly into high-demand, innovation-driven, fun and rewarding careers.”  

Each vehicle had to cost less than $200, weigh less than 4.5 kg and fit inside a one cubic metre box. Vehicle design and the methods for thrusting them forward varied dramatically but most implemented everyday items like cardboard; wood; lightweight metal; plastic; springs and levers; converted tape measures and mousetraps; and 3D printed gears and components. 

Each team had four attempts per vehicle and had to choose what they deemed their best run across the North Gym floor at NDC. Points were awarded for: 

• Maximum distance 

• Maximum distance per second 

• Maximum precision, closest to a straight line 

• Lightest overall weight of vehicle 

Only a handful of points separated the finalists, and in the end, quantity and quality were ultimately rewarded. Collège Jeanne-Sauvé entered three teams that meet weekly as a lunch-hour STEM club and they swept the podium – but not without some help. Their Louis Riel School Division rivals from Glenlawn Collegiate showed their collaborative spirit and some incredible sportsmanship by supplying the winning crew with a backup tape measure to power their 3D printed car, after theirs snapped on a previous attempt.  

“Glenlawn’s team showed nothing but class, we couldn’t have won it without them,” said Micah Dela Rosa, who also thanked his Team Rapid Tac V4 teammates, Charlie Meyers and Eric Johansen, along with CJS Pre-Engineering Teacher, Drew St. Laurent, who runs their STEM Club. “I love building, tinkering, designing, the whole creative process. So right now, I’m thinking about pursuing electrical engineering. This event was super fun and provided such a great space for all of us to learn.”      

The top three teams earned custom-made working gear medals, and each participant received a single gear keychain souvenir. Each team also took a tour of the manufacturing and robotics labs in the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre guided by RRC Polytech’s instructors and alumni ambassadors who administered the race and are already looking forward to next year’s event. 

“Regardless of the final results, every student here is a winner. They all displayed a combination of critical skills and a passion for learning that leads to success in STEM based careers – and by the looks and sounds of it, they also had a ton of fun doing it!” said Jamison. “We hope to expand next year, invite even more schools to participate, and eventually see many of these talented young people back here as full-time RRC Polytech students in the very near future.” 

Learn more about STEM related programs at RRC Polytech

The Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems, known as P2INACLE, is receiving an additional $586,000 over two years from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) to advance Prairie innovation, building on an earlier commitment of nearly $900,000 announced last year. 

These federal investments will support applied research to help unlocking new, real-world solutions that can be leveraged by the mining industry. 

Administered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, P2INACLE is an applied research network bringing together the expertise and state-of-the-art facilities of five other polytechnics across the Canadian Prairies – RRC Polytech, NAIT, Red Deer Polytechnic, SAIT, and Northwestern Polytechnic – to spark innovation, fuel economic growth and drive transformation across the region and beyond.  

“Canada’s new government is focused on helping Prairie businesses turn good ideas into real opportunities,” said the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.

“This additional support for Saskatchewan Polytechnic through P2INACLE builds on our earlier investment and will help more businesses access the expertise, tools, and support they need to test new technologies, solve real-world challenges, and bring new products and processes to market. By supporting innovators across the Prairies, we are helping businesses grow, creating new opportunities for workers, and building a stronger Canadian economy for everyone.”   

“Saskatchewan and the Prairies have always punched above their weight, and our mining sector is a big reason why,” added the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development. “Investing in P2INACLE means strengthening our mining sector and the good, local jobs it enables in communities large and small across the Prairies and across Canada.”  

The P2INACLE network partnered with Saskatchewan’s International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) in early 2025 to launch its first pilot project. The initiative brought together research experts from the six polytechnics and industry partners from across Western Canada to identify challenges in the mining and minerals sector and begin developing practical, market-ready solutions.

Aiming to stimulate investment in Northern Manitoba, create Indigenous partnerships, and increase local employment, the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) has also become a key partner. 

In P2INACLE’s first year, a total of eight mining-focused projects, ranging from drone-based geophysical surveying to innovations in safety and advanced manufacturing, were completed – delivering tangible results for industry and community partners. 

“By leveraging polytechnic expertise, P2INACLE is a force multiplier,” said Sabrina Kehoe, the network’s navigator and manager from Sask Polytech. “P2INACLE is positioning itself as a catalyst for economic diversification, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses seeking access to specialized expertise and equipment. By streamlining collaboration and connecting partners, P2INACLE aims to turn applied research into real-world results more quickly.” 

RRC Polytech’s Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) enterprise is the institution’s gateway for industry to access its vast array of resources and now the P2INACLE network. One of the first successful collaborations through this initiative involved teaming up with EarthEx Geophysical Solutions Inc. and Sask Polytech to advance critical mineral exploration work in northern Manitoba – utilizing software engineering expertise at the ACE Project Space to create a tool to rapidly train computer vision models used in drone surveying.  

In another P2INACLE project, Dr. Baltej Rupal, Research Chair at the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics joined forces with Red Deer Polytech’s experts to explore how advanced manufacturing technologies, including cold spray, additive manufacturing and advanced welding, could enhance efficiency and performance in mining operations. 

“The integration of capabilities across the west is critical to accelerating Canada’s innovation economy across key sectors. PrairiesCan’s support of our Prairie network aimed at supporting industry-driven innovation and commercialization projects is timely and important,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director, Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech.

“P2INACLE is accelerating the access our industry partners have to expertise across a network of research centers and unlocking opportunities in sectors such as mining. Through partners such as the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund, the network is also increasingly focused on opportunities for Indigenous communities and northern economic growth.” 

Students are also seeing direct benefits from relationships established through P2INACLE. By participating in research projects, they’re gaining exposure to partner polytechnics and potential employers – broadening their skills and experience so that graduates leave with practical, job-ready skills and connections to companies in need of emerging talent. 

With renewed funding now in place, P2INACLE is set to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and translate its early momentum into lasting economic gains for Western Canada and beyond. The next phase will focus on scaling collaboration, accelerating commercialization and ensuring industry partners retain intellectual property as innovations move toward market. 

About:  

P2INACLE aims to drive economic growth and diversification through collaboration. It acts as a catalyst for regional prosperity by providing streamlined access to resources for industries, especially small and medium-sized enterprises and larger businesses. By leveraging the expertise and facilities of each polytechnic, P2INACLE offers tailored solutions for commercialization and diversification, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange. Learn more at  P2INACLE.ca. 

Last Friday, RRC Polytech welcomed Mayor Scott Gillingham for a tour and discussion focused on the future of Winnipeg’s aerospace and aviation sector, and how the Polytech supports this growing industry through workforce development and applied research.

Showcasing Aviation Training Excellence at Stevenson Campus

The visit began at RRC Polytech’s Stevenson Campus, home to aviation and aerospace training programs designed to prepare students for careers in this high-demand sector, including:

• Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Journeyperson
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
• Introduction to Aircraft Maintenance
• Aerospace Manufacturing

Conversations focused on addressing workforce shortages and expanding training pathways, with an emphasis on opportunities to support the Canadian Armed Forces and broader defense-related workforce needs – areas where RRC Polytech’s expertise and programming are well-positioned to make a meaningful impact.

Inspiring the Next Generation Through AAiM Day

Mayor Gillingham also experienced AAiM (Aerospace and Aviation in Manitoba) Day firsthand. The event brought hundreds of grade six students to campus to engage in hands-on learning activities that showcased the possibilities within aviation and aerospace careers.

This interactive experience demonstrated the importance of early science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) engagement in building a sustainable talent pipeline. By sparking curiosity at a young age, initiatives like AAiM Day play a key role in ensuring the industry’s long-term growth and resilience.

Advancing Innovation at Notre Dame Campus

The visit continued at the Notre Dame Campus, where the focus shifted to applied research and innovation. Discussions highlighted the Polytech’s strong partnerships with leading industry players like Magellan Aerospace and Boeing.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Composites
• Automation
• Emerging technologies

These partnerships position RRC Polytech as a hub for innovation, helping industry adopt new technologies that enhance productivity, competitiveness, and economic growth.

A Collaborative Vision for Growth

The conversation also explored the broader role municipalities can play in supporting innovation. Embracing new technologies and fostering collaboration between education, industry, and government will be essential to driving Winnipeg’s economic future.

Throughout the visit, Mayor Gillingham strong support for RRC Polytech’s initiatives, indicating a willingness to champion efforts related to workforce development, aerospace sector growth, and innovation – leveraging the City’s voice to help strengthen these priorities.

The visit reinforced the importance of collaboration in building a thriving aerospace ecosystem. With its industry-aligned training, applied research capabilities, and commitment to student success, RRC Polytech continues to be a key partner in advancing Winnipeg’s “Sky Economy.”

The following opinion piece by RRC Polytech President and CEO Fred Meier was originally shared in the Winnipeg Free Press on May 15, 2026.

Skilled tradespeople have always played a leading role in shaping Canada.

They’ve built, modified and maintained infrastructure that houses us, keeps us safe and makes it possible for us to have an advanced and diverse economy for generations.

Yet, somehow, we’ve failed to communicate this to young people at the family dinner table, in primary, middle and secondary school classrooms, at virtually any point of influence when discussing post-secondary education options.

This neglect around the optics of skilled trades has created a gap in public knowledge about what they entail. Skilled tradespeople have evolved their roles and capabilities in lockstep with the complexity of the world in which they work.

They are master problem-solvers, technology adopters, innovators, collaborators and leaders in business, labour and our communities.

Canada cannot close productivity gaps, fill labour shortages or effectively nation-build if we keep treating career-focused learning as a backup plan and not a first choice. Shifting this mindset will help our country get what it needs most: graduates with skills that translate into good jobs, and communities with the talent and capacity to build and sustain prosperity.

Strong signals of support for skilled trades from the federal and provincial government support this assertion. It’s time for public perception to follow their lead.

During the next five years, the federal government is committing $6 billion to get more young Canadians into skilled trades. Previously, as part of its spring budget, the province of Manitoba earmarked $7.2 million for apprenticeship training.

For colleges and polytechnic institutions across the country, there is an added dimension of validation woven into these announcements, evidenced by statements such as this found in the Government of Canada’s spring economic update: “Too few young Canadians are entering the trades — missing out on well-paid jobs and long-term financial security. If we want them to benefit from the good jobs that the Build Canada agenda will deliver, we need a new approach.”

This is a decisive step toward parity of esteem: the recognition that universities, colleges and polytechnics are equal, but different, in purpose, and equally worthy of respect.

Colleges and polytechnics here in Manitoba and across Canada look forward to working with partners at the federal and provincial levels of government to ensure this ambitious undertaking occurs at the appropriate pace, aligns with regional labour market needs and has sufficient support for the necessary expansion of training capacity.

There is so much upside to these announcements in terms of career opportunities they will create and capacity they will help build.

The federal government’s investment to recruit, train and retain upward of 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers over the next five years will bridge critical labour market gaps in many key sectors and create more career inroads for underserved populations. It will accelerate growth in housing and defence and help us build the capacity necessary to transition toward a clean energy economy.

And the role the skilled trades will play in nation-building enterprises, like the Port of Churchill Plus project, will help unlock economic development opportunities in northern Manitoba and drive economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

There is no better moment than now for young Canadians to explore skilled trades opportunities. And for the influencers in their lives, there is no time like the present to learn about skilled trades.

Help the young people in your life make informed and right-fit decisions around post-secondary education that lead them to rewarding careers and continue the legacy of contribution that skilled trades make to Canada’s progress and prosperity.

Fred Meier is the president and CEO of RRC Polytech.

Manitoba’s regulated egg farmers invite everyone to enjoy a FREE coffee and a delicious egg sandwich TODAY from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the corner of King St. and Bannatyne Ave.

Grab a sandwich and hot coffee, meet local egg farmers, learn about how eggs are produced in Manitoba and hear the egg’s journey from our farm to your table. Attendees can take home MEF-branded swag, including whisks, cart coins and cookbooks, and radio station QX104 will be onsite, bringing happy vibes to kickstart the long weekend.

“We’re egg farmers, and we love what we do – it’s not just our tagline; we actually live it every day. This annual egg sandwich giveaway is a part of loving what we do,” said Gilles Maguet, an egg farmer from Ste. Rose du Lac. “Every day, Manitoba’s 170 egg and pullet farmers care for the hens that help feed our province. It’s wonderful to share what we do on-farm to get those nutritious eggs from our farm to your table.”

Culinary Arts students from RRC Polytech will once again be demonstrating their talents and gaining valuable experience by preparing 1,000 sandwiches fresh onsite at the Paterson Globalfoods Institute in the Exchange.

“Eggs are versatile, nutritious and an essential ingredient for most chefs on a daily basis, so it’s critical that these industry leaders of tomorrow learn how to cook eggs well and truly understand the benefits of eggs and egg products,” said Lylah Erkau, Chair of Baking and Culinary Arts at RRC Polytech. “Our partnership with Manitoba Egg Farmers provides students with added expertise in the classroom as they learn the fundamental role farmers play in feeding our community and growing our economy. This event brings us all together to share that important message with the public and allow the students to hone their skills.”        

Chefs Karl Oman and Jeffrey Brandt, instructors from RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts program have sourced local ingredients for these delicious egg sandwiches, including fan favourite Bothwell Cheese. They will oversee the kitchen as 14 first-year students get a taste of a fast-paced breakfast service, as part of their Indigenous Teachings and Community Connections course.

“Cooking one thousand egg sandwiches, in just a few hours, is an amazing learning opportunity for our students who must work as a team to plan, prepare and deliver a massive amount of food under the very real pressure of a tight timeline,” said Chef Brandt. “In addition to improving the skills and knowledge required to work in a commercial kitchen, they are also building confidence that will serve them well throughout the rest of their studies and their careers.”  

“When you buy eggs in Manitoba grocery stores, you are supporting a local Manitoba egg farm—just like ours!” said Maguet. “Those eggs are fresh, nutritious and affordable. Thank you for supporting local egg farmers!”

About Manitoba Egg Farmers – We’re Egg Farmers We Love What We Do®

Manitoba Egg Farmers (MEF) represents 170 regulated egg and pullet farmers in our province. MEF is an independent organization, funded entirely by egg and pullet farmers. Regulated egg farmers are the primary caregivers of their hens that produce over 76 million dozen eggs each year and feed all communities across Manitoba. Eggs are nutritious, versatile and can be eaten with any meal. For more information about egg farming in Manitoba, hen care or recipes visit eggs.mb.ca.

RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier, and the Honourable Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training had the opportunity to speak with Canada’s Minister of Finance, François-Philippe Champagne yesterday afternoon ahead of an event organized by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce to facilitate a conversation with the Minister regarding Canada’s Spring Economic Update 2026.

President Meier spoke with Minister Champagne about the recent $6B in investment to recruit, train, and retain upward of 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers over the next five years, and the need to ensure post-secondary institutions, like RRC Polytech, are supported to increase seat capacity in skilled trades programs where demand is high in order to deliver on this bold, national vision.

RRC Polytech looks forward to working with our partners at the federal and provincial government levels to ensure Manitoba’s contributions to this ambitious undertaking occur at the appropriate capacity and pace.

Over the last two years, RRC Polytech – and post-secondary institutions across Canada – has experienced the impact of immigration changes from the federal government resulting in ongoing reduction of international student enrolment and reduced English language training funding. These changes, along with shifting domestic enrolment trends in some programs and increased program delivery costs, have had direct impacts on operations and financial stability at RRC Polytech. These impacts have both immediate and long-term financial implications that we must responsibly address.  

RRC Polytech undertook a comprehensive Academic Planning Process for the 2026–27 academic year to prioritize our program delivery efforts and ensure we can continue to deliver the training Manitobans rely on. This data‑informed review considered application and enrolment trends, labour market needs, and the cost of delivering programs.   

As a result of this process, and concurrent budget planning, RRC Polytech has made difficult decisions affecting program delivery. 

Programs permanently ceasing: 

• Professional Sales and Strategic Marketing (Certificate) 

• Applied Accounting (Certificate) 

• Hospitality Business Management (Diploma) 

• CNC Machining and Advanced Technology (Diploma) 

• Professional Photography (Certificate) 

• Full Stack Web Development (Diploma) 

• Full Stack Web Development (Certificate) 

Programs temporarily ceasing: 

• Applied Commerce Education – Integrated (Degree) 

• Applied Commerce Education – After‑Degree (Degree) 

• Applied Commerce Education – Accelerated (Diploma) 

• Pharmaceutical and Food Manufacturing (Certificate) 

Programs with reduced seat capacity or sections: 

• Application Development and Delivery (Diploma) 

• Creative Communications (Diploma) 

• English for Academic and Professional Purposes (non‑credential) 

All current students in these programs will be supported in completing their programs with no interruption to their studies. 

The RRC Polytech community was informed of these decisions earlier and are being supported through this process. RRC Polytech is focused on supporting affected students, providing clear information about program pathways, and working closely with partners as these changes are implemented. 

While the 2026 provincial budget includes welcomed investments in areas such as healthcare training and apprenticeships, broader financial pressures remain across the post‑secondary sector. These decisions are part of RRC Polytech’s responsibility to remain sustainable and aligned with Manitoba’s workforce needs. 

Our focus as an institution continues to be alignment with Manitoba’s workforce needs and training learners who can begin to make an immediate impact in their industries and communities upon graduation.  

Guests at RRC Polytech’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae may think the Polytech has opened a stunning new art gallery, should they take a stroll through the building from May 5 – 7, 2026. 

In fact, it’s the annual iteration of the Schroeder Institute Grad Showcase – a vibrant culmination of months (and often years) of students’ hard work. The showcase highlights the talents of graduating students across design, media, film, photography, and game development disciplines, offering RRC Polytech staff and students a chance to experience their impressive output.  

The Showcase brings together graduating students from seven programs: 

• Communication Design 

• Digital Film and Media Production 

• Digital Media Design (DMD): Interaction Design and Development 

• Digital Media Design (DMD): Video and Motion Graphics 

• Game Development: Art & Programming 

• Graphic Design 

• Photography 

Participating students have each focused on a project that highlights what they’ve learned throughout their programs: 

• Communication Design students present “Rolodex,” their term-long, largely self-directed design projects. These works tend to be exploratory and experimental in nature, showcasing creative problem-solving, concept development, and personal design voice. 

• Digital Film and Media Production students will be sharing screenings of their short films, which they wrote, acted in, produced and edited all on their own. 

• The DMD: Interaction Design program is showcasing a mix of prototyped design work and larger scaled projects designed by students, with the content ranging from a zoo display, to a sliding game, to a cocktail menu. 

• The DMD: Video and Motion Graphics graduates are presenting demo reels that capture their versatility and technical skills. These reels feature a range of 2D and 3D motion graphics, videography projects, and compositing work that reflect both creative vision and industry-ready execution. 

• From the Game Development: Art & Programming program, visitors can play fully developed video games created collaboratively by art and programming students. These projects demonstrate creativity, technical complexity, user experience design, and teamwork. 

• Graphic Design students are exhibiting a wide spectrum of creative work, including branding systems, campaign concepts, packaging, web and app design, and illustration. Adding an interactive dimension to their showcase, these students also operate the Gift Shop, featuring products that they have designed, branded, and produced themselves. 

• The Professional Photography program presents a year-end collection that highlights their creativity and technical expertise. The work spans a range of styles and subjects from portraiture to landscapes, offering visitors a compelling visual narrative of each photographer’s approach and perspective. 

Open to RRC Polytech staff and students, the Schroeder Institute Grad Showcase is an opportunity to support graduates, explore emerging talent, and experience firsthand the innovation and dedication that define the Schroeder Institute. 

For more information about the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment & Media Arts, please click here. 

RRC Polytech hosted the 28th Annual Skills Manitoba Competition on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at its Notre Dame Campus. An amazing display of hands-on expertise, talent and determination, the event showcases the diversity of skilled trades and technology across all sectors along with the many promising futures to be found in these occupations.  

Secondary, post-secondary, and apprentice level students from across the province competed against their peers in over 40 different contests designed with industry partners to measure job-specific competencies. The Olympic-style theme encourages sportsmanship, collaboration, and a competitive spirit. The event is supported by over 300 volunteers representing education, industry and labour.  

Many gold medal winners will advance to form Team Manitoba and compete against the best in the country at the Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto, Ontario on May 27 – May 30, 2026. 

“The demand for talented workers continues to grow, creating opportunities across all sectors for positions with great pay, job security and flexibility,” said Maria Pacella, Executive Director of Skills Canada Manitoba. “This competition spotlights the merits of pursuing post-secondary training in trades and technologies while providing a fun and supportive environment. It inspires students to explore their options and discover new passions that can lead to a rewarding career.” 

Over 140 competitors across a wide range of programs represented RRC Polytech this year – almost half of them reached the podium and twenty-five gold medalists are planning to attend Skills Canada Nationals. Recognized as the province’s largest institute of applied learning and research with deep connections to industry, RRC Polytech offers over 150 full- and part-time degree, diploma, and certificate programs, including apprenticeship training. 

“The annual Skills Manitoba Competition is an energizing and entertaining showcase of the talent, focus, and creativity powering Manitoba’s workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic at RRC Polytech. “In addition to proudly cheering on our own students, we’re thrilled to demonstrate the value of practical training and collaboration to the next generation of skilled, passionate learners – and share tangible examples of how RRC Polytech’s wide variety of trades and technologies programming helps to drive the economy and strengthen communities across the province.”  

Here is a consolidated list of all medalists from RRC Polytech with their contest and rank.