News

RRC Polytech launches year-round free application initiative for Indigenous learners

Posted: February 24, 2026

Potential learners who self-declare as First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis or Inuit are now eligible for free application to any RRC Polytech program.

“We know improving access for Indigenous learners and for students from different backgrounds requires multiple forms of support,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President Academic.

“Waiving the application fee and working directly with Indigenous students and the communities that support them allows us to remove a financial barrier that is faced when individuals begin to think about joining RRC Polytech as a student. This is one step in alleviating additional barriers they may face in their journey from applying to attending.”

The initiative reduces a financial barrier for Indigenous learners and follows two month-long pilot campaigns in 2024 and 2025 that drew more than 400 and 700 applications, respectively.

These results demonstrated the demand for more accessible application pathways, contributing to the decision to make the initiative permanent. Laureen Janzen, Director of Student Support Services, said many Indigenous applicants shared that the initiative helped them feel welcome at RRC Polytech.

“One person said they felt like they won the lottery,” says Janzen. “By making this a year-round initiative, Indigenous applicants can now also take their time to consider program fit, meet with some of our support services on campus and really understand the programs and the admission requirements.”

RRC Polytech recognizes that financial barriers are only one of several challenges some Indigenous learners may face when considering post-secondary. Potential learners can connect with an Indigenous Academic Advisor to help navigate the transition to post-secondary.

Current students can also access support at RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Student Support Centres, where they can participate in events, cultural teachings and ceremonies, or spend time with friends.

Red River Technology Vocational Area’s “Amazing Race” tour visits the Winkler Campus

Posted: February 23, 2026

RRC Polytech’s Winkler Campus recently played host to a stop on the Red River Technology Vocational Area (RRTVA)’s “Amazing Race” tour, joined by Manitoba’s Minister of Advanced Education and Training, Renée Cable. The whirlwind day took the Minister and fellow delegates through a series of schools and vocational shops across southern Manitoba, showcasing the hands-on learning that shapes the region’s future workforce.

A group of people stand in front of a building with a Red River College Polytechnic sign on the front. They hold signs with the names of their school divisions and smile at the camera.

A key highlight was the visit to the Winkler Campus, where the group met with students in the Health Care Aide program. This cohort is unique, as the majority of the students are currently in Grade 12 and participate through the RRTVA network. Representing five school divisions across the Pembina Valley, these students travel to the Winkler Campus to complete their training – an innovative model that delivers high-quality, polytechnic-level education directly to rural learners.

“This tour provided valuable visibility to our rural campus and highlighted the importance of expanding access to advanced education in communities like ours,” said Shaun Hillman, Manager, Winkler Campus. “Providing students in Winkler with local access to training allows them to build meaningful careers while strengthening the communities they call home.”

From Manitoba to Milano Cortina: how four RRC Polytech alumni are flexing their skills at the Olympics

Posted: February 20, 2026

At RRC Polytech, we know that a polytechnic education can take you far. Right now, a handful of alumni have taken their skills all the way to Italy for the Winter Olympics, Milano Cortina 2026.

Taking a break from their busy schedules, four Creative Communications (CreComm) alumni shared some pictures and perspectives from the Games – read more about how their time at the Polytech has prepared them for a career beyond borders.

Mike McIntyre

Sports Reporter/Winnipeg Jets Beat Writer, Winnipeg Free Press

Creative Communications, class of 1995

A person wearing a hat and glasses takes a selfie in front of the Olympics rings.

How does it feel to have the experience of working at the Olympics?

It’s truly a dream assignment, one I have been hoping and wishing I’d get to do for a very long time. I actually came very close four years ago, with plans in place to head to Beijing. But we ultimately decided to pull the plug just a few weeks before I was set to leave due to very harsh pandemic-related conditions that were in place which could have meant being detained well beyond the conclusion of the Games should a positive test occur.

Despite the fact Manitoba has a very small team at these Olympics with just five athletes, all in hockey, I’m extremely grateful the Free Press saw value in sending me. And, as I’ve discovered here, there are countless stories to be told that have local connection – far more than I could have imagined. As I write this, with four full days remaining in the Games, I’m up to 41 unique stories/features for the newspaper, and I should exceed 50 by the time we wrap up here. I can honestly say this is the hardest I’ve worked in what is now my 31^st year in journalism, but also the most fun I’ve had – by far. Rewarding. Fulfilling. Inspiring. And truly memorable.

How did what you learned in CreComm, or the connections you made in the program, help you to be where you are today?

In a nutshell: Everything. How to think on the fly. How to work both independently and as part of a team. How to be resourceful. How to communicate with people in all walks of life and all situations, from the most difficult circumstances when I was on the crime beat to, at times, the most triumphant and joyful on the sports beat. How to write with clarity and focus and to draw readers in. How to identify story angles and ideas, perhaps in places you weren’t even looking or thinking the existed. How to be able to pivot and improvise.

What is one thing you learned in CreComm that you still use in your work today?

There are two: I was not the greatest typer coming out of high school when I joined CreComm, but it’s something I worked on a ton while in the program and it truly serves me well today. The ability to type quickly and accurately – I can do about 100 words per minute – is extremely valuable when you are often rushing to meet deadlines, which is a huge part of working on the beats that I’ve had (crime, then sports).

But truly, the most important one is time management. The day-to-day can become almost overwhelming at times if you aren’t able to juggle multiple tasks at once and maintain a clear line of thinking (and your sanity, of course). The workload in CreComm certainly helped prepare for the real-life challenges this job presents, and for that I am very thankful.

What advice do you have for someone who is considering going into CreComm?

Obviously, the world has changed significantly from the one that existed when I entered the program, at the age of 18, back in 1993. Upon graduation in 1995, there were ample, lucrative journalism jobs for those who were looking. That said, there’s no question in my mind the need for what we do is greater than ever.

Although the way journalism is being delivered has obviously evolved, it’s still an extremely valuable and rewarding career that I would encourage anyone to consider pursuing – especially if you are curious, creative and want to make a difference in your community.

Anything else you’d like to add about your career or working at the Olympics?

I’ve been extremely fortunate to essentially have two careers – one as a crime and justice reporter for two decades, which includes authoring six books, hosting a nationally-syndicated radio show for more than a decade and being involved in various documentary and television projects. And now, I’m in my 10^th year on the sports beat, getting to attend incredible events like the Olympics, Stanley Cup Finals, Grey Cups, an NBA Final, professional golf tournaments around the world and be on the beat of the Winnipeg Jets, for all home and road games, for so long.

The best part of it all is doing it in my hometown, and for the same employer, the Free Press – which continues to invest in independent local journalism in a way few media outlets in this country due. I take none of it for granted and still go to work pretty much every day, now at the age of 51, feeling like I’m the luckiest person on the planet. I do what I love, and I love what I do.

Daniella Ponticelli

Creative Communications, class of 2012

A person stands in front of the Olympic rings and poses for the camera.

How does it feel to have the experience of working at the Olympics?

This is Daniella’s second Olympics as a play-by-play commentator (also called 3X3 Basketball for Paris 2024 from Toronto). For Milano Cortina, she called women’s hockey and men’s and women’s ski cross.

Calling Olympic hockey has been an incredible experience for so many reasons. First, to go from starting in university hockey to calling at the Winter Olympics in four years is something I couldn’t have imagined. Secondly, making history with three other women as the first two all-female Olympic hockey commentators is something special. And third, it’s the culmination of work calling the last three IIHF Women’s World Championships that allowed me to be ready for this moment. I knew these athletes and their stories; I’ve met and spoken to many as well.

My work in the PWHL also lends itself to the international game as these Olympic athletes are stars in North America. Calling remotely is the reality for many Olympic commentators in Canada and certainly keeps us focused on what the audience can see — as that is our only view. We had some incredible angles of goals, shots and hits that were so clear it helped with analysis at times. Ultimately, nothing beats being there, but technology is changing sports broadcasting in this country.

How did what you learned in CreComm, or the connections you made in the program, help you to be where you are today?

Everything I learned in CreComm got me to where I am. Camera work and editing is how I first got into covering sports in a meaningful way as a host, producer and videographer for a professional lacrosse team to working for the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium. From there, I began networking and trying new roles based on my television and radio background (built on what I learned at RRC Polytech and the jobs that can be traced back to internships). All the experiences I gained in that program made my personal journey from news journalist to professional play-by-play announcer possible.

What is one thing you learned in CreComm that you still use in your work today?

I have to give so much credit to Joanne Kelly, who thankfully joined CreComm faculty in my final year. Her approach to live television and how to interact with your environment, talk about what you see, expand on the picture and inform the audience in an authentic way is how I still aim to carry myself on any broadcast. Whether it’s covering a blizzard, hosting a telethon or calling a gold-medal game.

I remember setting up a standup for a news story at a specific location that required permission from the business owner. I got back to class only to hear Joanne say the standup lacked substance. And it did — what I said didn’t suit where I was and honestly didn’t add much to the story. So off we went to do it again, but better. That has stayed with me: do your work with intention from the start and pay attention to what you’re saying and how you’re saying it because that impacts how a story or a game or the news is received. I could go on and on about what I still use from CreComm, but attention to detail, being versatile and managing deadlines are the big three for me.

What advice do you have for someone who is considering going into CreComm?

My advice is simple: go in with an open mind and the humility to fail (repeatedly) and grow. I wish I hadn’t been so intense about getting everything right or not messing up. I was young and going through so much personally, so I’ve forgiven myself that, but I’d lighten up more if I could do it again.

CreComm is where you get to learn, explore your interests (and what you didn’t think were interests) and make mistakes. Mistakes are part of the professional journey so getting comfortable with moving on and improving is invaluable. Also, this is one of the few places where you’ll be able to pick the brains of incredible teachers and mentors, along with fellow students, about creative things. Lean into that and try new things!

Anything else you’d like to add about your career or working at the Olympics?

I’m just grateful that CreComm showed me how interconnected the media industry is and that you can change jobs, careers, passions and carve your own path as you go along. I never thought I’d be a full-time freelance play-by-play announcer after a decade in news, but here we are. I’m excited for more women to find their voice in sport, if that’s their passion, and trusting themselves to go for it.

Tanner Grywinski

Creative Communications, class of 2004

A person wearing a hat and parka stands in a curling rink and takes a selfie.

How does it feel to have the experience of working at the Olympics?

My experience at the Olympics this year has been nothing short of amazing. It’s been long hours and heavy workloads, snowstorms, incredible pizza and pasta, and hours spent on a bus up and down a mountain to and from our hotel. My assignment has been a challenging new gimbal camera position for the curling events.

When I’m not walking backwards following the athletes on the ice and keeping them in focus, I’ve gotten to explore Cortina D’Ampezzo and the surrounding mountains, shooting scenic beauty shots that start off each broadcast. I’ve met amazing fans, athletes and volunteers, and added a different element to the broadcast from my cinematic camera position that hasn’t been included in previous Olympic broadcasts. It’s been physically demanding, but I’ve gotten to work with new friends and old colleagues, and I’ve experienced a part of the Winter Olympics that I’ll never forget.

How did what you learned in CreComm, or the connections you made in the program, help you to be where you are today?

My CreComm experience really helped me be able to navigate many changing environments and adapt to new assignments. The whole reason I’m here can be traced back to the connections and contacts I’ve made in almost 25 years of working in television and broadcasting since my time at RRC Polytech. It was essential for me to know how to properly network and keep in touch with colleagues across Canada, following their careers and achievements (not just on Instagram but truly taking the time to connect with them). The communication skills I started refining throughout CreComm really helped set me up for the amazing career I have.

What is one thing you learned in CreComm that you still use in your work today?

One thing I learned in CreComm that I still use is the advice one of my journalism instructors gave me. If you’re ever upset or discouraged or displeased about something and feel you need to voice your opinion, go ahead and write the email that you want to write while your emotions are up, step away from it for a few hours, and then go back and read it again. Do you still want to send that email, or will you create more problems for yourself? This is a career that is based on proper and respectful communication, and your reputation follows you wherever you go.

What advice do you have for someone who is considering going into CreComm?

CreComm is an amazing place to learn how to multitask and manage multiple different projects at once. I remember thinking about how crazy it was to have so much on the go, with different deadlines and projects and whatever. It doesn’t get easier once you’ve finished the program. Being able to decide how to manage your time, your clients, your office, and your co-workers is essential. A job in broadcasting or media can be absolute chaos, and also the most incredible career in the world.

Anything else you’d like to add about your career or working at the Olympics?

I’ve constantly pushed myself, always priding myself on being adaptable, accessible and approachable. I’ve traveled all over the world, from the Arctic Circle, to Sumatra, to here in Cortina at the Olympics. I’ve never stopped learning new skills and applying them to my day to day life. I owe so much to the people I met and experiences I had during and after CreComm. As long as you keep saying “yes” and you aren’t a jerk to the people you meet and work with, your creativity will open doors in the future you don’t even know exist now. Stretch and take care of your body. Embrace the chaos, and never stop adapting.

Kyle Jahns

Media Attaché, Canadian Olympic Committee; Lead, Communication & Media Relations, Curling Canada

Creative Communications, class of 2013

A person stands outside in front of the Olympic rings with their arms raised

How does it feel to have the experience of working at the Olympics?

Working at the Olympics, especially in a support role with Team Canada is hard to put into words. It’s a deeply meaningful and, while challenging at times, rewarding experience. All three of my Olympic experiences have been different and I’m proud to have grown in the impact provided to our teams and the responsibilities I have acquired in supporting our team on this stage.

How did what you learned in CreComm, or the connections you made in the program, help you to be where you are today?

CreComm helped me gain the tools needed for not only how to do the job, but how to think. Learning how to ask the right questions, write clearly and understanding your audience are key to success. That helped me gain confidence when meeting industry professionals out of school. Those connections are ultimately what helped me find the career path I am on today.

What is one thing you learned in CreComm that you still use in your work today?

Clarity matters. Finding ways to express complex thoughts and ideas clearly are essential to the job. That was a skill I learned at RRC Polytech and is still something I practise in my day-to-day life and strive to improve.

What advice do you have for someone who is considering going into CreComm?

Say yes to opportunities, especially if they make you uncomfortable. It’s okay to make mistakes because they learning opportunities. Take advantage of any networking, volunteer positions and internships available to you because it can open so many doors in your career. With the wide skill set you learn in CreComm you don’t have to worry if your career path is mapped out. This program can open many doors for you.

Anything else you’d like to add about your career or working at the Olympics?

My path to working at the Olympics wasn’t linear. It took years of working smaller jobs, long hours and continuous learning. But if you have a passion or niche you are passionate about, be consistent in achieving your goals because it can lead to big opportunities.

Regional Campus Closures – February 18, 2026

Posted: February 18, 2026

Due to blowing snow conditions across the province, RRC Polytech’s regional campuses will be operating as follows:

Winkler Campus is closed and classes will be moved online
Portage Campus classes will be moved online
Stevenson Southport classes will be moved online

All other Campuses – including Regional and in Winnipeg – will be open with regular operations.

For those driving both inside and outside of Winnipeg, please drive with caution and adjust to weather conditions.

If you are unable to make it to campus safely due to road conditions, please contact your supervisor or instructor.

RRC Polytech will continue monitoring today’s changing weather. Any updates to campus operations will be shared on rrc.ca/marcom/news

MITT Program Information

Posted: February 17, 2026

A comprehensive review of all Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) programs is now underway and selected programs will transition to RRC Polytech. This program review will prioritize students and labour market needs and will determine which programs may be preserved and transferred to RRC Polytech, and which programs may no longer be offered.

Want to stay updated?

Current and future students can now sign up to receive updates about specific MITT programs.

By completing a short form, you’ll be notified as soon as new information becomes available – whether it relates to program availability and next steps.

We’re committed to keeping students informed every step of the way. As the review progresses and decisions are made, RRC Polytech will continue to share updates to support students in planning their educational pathways.

MITT Open House event postponed

Posted: February 17, 2026

As announced on January 28, 2026 the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) is currently in a transition period, winding down operations over the coming year.

A comprehensive review of all MITT programs is now underway and selected programs will transition to RRC Polytech.

Because of this transition and program review, the MITT Open House will no longer take place on February 19. The event will be postponed to a future date and held in partnership with RRC Polytech.

Please stay tuned to rrc.ca/mitt for information on the new date, and we hope to see you soon.

Prospective students are also encouraged to attend RRC Polytech’s Open Doors event, taking place on Wednesday February 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the RRC Polytech Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus.

Collaboration across institutions brings Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult Education program overseas to Shenyang

Posted: February 12, 2026

Classroom with an instructor standing in front of a chalk board and screen facilitating

When RRC Polytech instructor, Melissa Deroche, landed in Shenyang, China, she was greeted by her soon-to-be students at the airport. Deroche was heading to the Shenyang Institute of Engineering (Shenyang) along with co-facilitator Shanshan Wang to deliver an introductory module to the newly developed Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult Education (PGCAE).

“I immediately felt the strong partnership [between RRC Polytech and Shenyang] and connection to the cohort of 20 students,” said Deroche.

Building on almost 40 years of collaboration, RRC Polytech and Shenyang continue to share knowledge, partner on programming, host staff and student exchanges, and facilitate applied research projects.

Representing a decade-long conversation about offering a Certificate in Adult Education for instructors at Shenyang, the PGCAE program is the latest collaboration to launch between the two institutions.

The framework for the PGCAE is RRC Polytech’s Teaching for Learning in Applied Education (TFL) program, which was launched during the pandemic as a six-course-long online training. The TFL program is for educators of all experience levels, from new instructors, subject matter experts coming from industry to those with lengthy teaching careers who want to learn new practices to integrate into their classrooms.

Since launching the TFL program in 2021, RRC Polytech has been better equipped to support Shenyang’s request for training, integrating valuable feedback from its own instructors to enhance the course offerings.

The idea to develop training for instructors at Shenyang was reignited in 2022, leading to renewed conversations about a Certificate in Adult Education. The partnership was solidified during an Executive trip to Shenyang in fall 2024, and development of the PGCAE based on the TFL Program began that December.

Deroche led the development of the PGCAE program, adapting TFL content to best fulfil the needs of learners at Shenyang. For example, adjusting or removing Canadian-specific content or content such as YouTube videos that aren’t shareable in China, and building in HP5 interactive games and activities in lieu of in-person exercises.

Alongside the work to adapt content, Deroche worked with an instructional designer at the Polytech on a weekly basis to ensure accessibility and effectiveness for all learners.

To launch the PGCAE program in July 2025, Deroche and co-facilitator Shanshan Wang delivered a preliminary module in-person, as an “appetizer” to the five-course program which participants will complete asynchronously online.

The goal of delivering the training in-person was to prime participants to develop a strong foundation for learner-centered, inclusive teaching principles and strategies.

Deroche notes that before heading to Shenyang, she wasn’t sure what to expect when delivering the preliminary module. When she and Wang met the cohort, they discovered that they brought a wealth of knowledge – more than half of the participants had over 20 years’ teaching experience – and they were eager and enthusiastic to learn.

Group of people posing in a classroom, with most people making a peace sign. — Pictured: PGCAE Program participants with co-facilitators Shanshan Wang (front row, fourth from left) and Melissa Deroche (front row, third from right).

“The experience felt like a mini teaching retreat between countries. It’s rare that as an instructor you get [the opportunity] to just talk and focus on what makes good teaching,” said Deroche. “It was truly special to carve out five days to focus on our teaching craft.”

The PGCAE brings Canadian teaching concepts and pedagogical approaches to Shenyang, allowing instructors to discover new practices and core principles to integrate into their classroom.

The experience with the first cohort at Shenyang was a resounding success, receiving positive feedback from participants, including:

“It feels good to learn and know that I am working to be a better teacher. I feel supported by the instructors.”

“This is the best teacher training course I have ever attended.”

The first cohort is now working through the PGCAE program on LEARN with Deroche providing support and guidance to participants.

The strong relationships fostered by the program instructors, Deroche and Wang, have played a pivotal role in maintaining effective communication and providing ongoing support. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in building the program’s momentum and ensuring learners receive a high-quality experience.

The PGCAE program demonstrates strong cross-institutional collaboration, which has been made possible through the support of leadership from Shenyang, the School of Education, Arts, and Sciences and the Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships at RRC Polytech.

Building on the success of the PGCAE program, a second cohort of instructors at Shenyang will begin their training in July 2026.

Designing Manitoba’s Tech Workforce: Industry Insights at RRC Polytech

Posted: February 9, 2026

RRC Polytech is striding into the future with an interactive session on AI, automation, and leadership – and what they mean for Manitoba’s tech workforce.

Join us on February 25 at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae for Designing Manitoba’s Tech Workforce: Industry Insights, a dynamic, interactive event focused on where technology is headed and how we can get there together. This opportunity brings together industry professionals, educators, and innovators to spotlight the best and brightest shaping Manitoba’s tech landscape as part of MbTech Week, driven by Tech Manitoba.

“Tech Manitoba encourages anyone with a stake in Manitoba’s digitally-enabled workforce to attend this session. It’s an opportunity to share your perspective on existing skills gaps and will help shape practical, targeted training solutions that are needed by industry,” says Kelly Fournel, CEO, Tech Manitoba.

If you’re looking to build new skills, strengthen your organization’s workforce capacity, or stay ahead of emerging tech trends, this event offers practical insights and fresh perspectives you can put to work right away.

Stephanie Remniak, chair, Information Technology and Professional Studies, says that RRC Polytech is eager to empower individuals and organizations to stay ahead of the constantly-evolving curve.

“Whether through upgrading skills in our programs, courses and microcredentials or partnerships to design custom training, we help build the talent and expertise needed to close skills gaps, strengthen teams, and drive real innovation,” says Remniak.

At the centre of the event is an interactive, facilitated discussion where participants will share insights on current skills gaps in Manitoba’s tech sector. Attendees will also explore how RRC Polytech, Manitoba’s only polytechnic, responds with targeted, rapid training solutions that meet industry needs in real time.

The session will feature Marie Hacault, Youth and Talent Initiatives, Industry Engagement, Community Connector at Tech Manitoba, who will share industry perspectives and help spark conversation around workforce development and innovation.

Join an engaging design‑thinking experience that begins with a brief, light LEGO/AI activity to spark creativity, then quickly shifts into the core of the session with deep, question‑driven exploration. Participants will collaborate in groups, use technology to engage with thought‑provoking questions, and take part in facilitated discussions that fuel innovative thinking and lead to practical, high‑impact solutions.

The event will be held in the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae with plenty of time to network with peers, industry leaders, and education partners.

Come ready to share, build, and help design the future of Manitoba’s tech workforce.

RRC Polytech and University of Manitoba expand Made-in-Manitoba engineering pathways through new articulation agreements

Posted: February 4, 2026

Seven people stand in a row and smile at the camera.

Even more Manitobans will have the opportunity to earn an engineering degree without leaving the province, thanks to an expanded partnership from RRC Polytech and the University of Manitoba (UM).

The two post-secondary institutions have finalized a new set of articulation agreements that significantly expand pathway options for Engineering Technology graduates seeking to pursue an engineering degree. The agreements build on a partnership announced last spring, and further strengthen collaboration that supports learners on their academic journey and workforce development in Manitoba.

“When post‑secondary institutions build on each other’s strengths, we create pathways that are stronger, more flexible, and more accessible than any of us could offer alone. These partnerships allow us to provide the complementary learning opportunities our province needs – ensuring students, communities, and industry all benefit from a more connected and collaborative education ecosystem,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “RRC Polytech is committed to working with our partners to strengthen and grow Manitoba’s workforce – bringing together our shared expertise to ensure learners can thrive.”

Under the new agreements, graduates of several RRC Polytech Engineering Technology programs are now eligible for entry into all undergraduate programs within UM’s Price Faculty of Engineering. This expansion opens additional career and academic opportunities for recent graduates and those who have graduated within the past 10 years, who are currently in the early stages of their career and looking to advance their credentials.

The newly completed agreements extend pathways to Biosystems, Electrical and Computer Engineering, joining Mechanical and Civil Engineering, which were announced in May 2025.

“We’re excited to see that this partnership with RRC Polytech is already showing results. It’s a great example of how collaboration can leverage our shared strengths in research, facilities, equipment, and curriculum to support student success and increase the number and diversity of engineering graduates in our province,” says Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor of UM.

As of Fall 2025, 10 seats are reserved per program per year. Nine students were admitted and registered for classes in Fall 2025, eight registered for the Winter 2026 term. Within the initial cohort, seven were in Civil Engineering and two in Mechanical Engineering.
RRC Polytech and UM work closely with industry partners through advisory councils and ongoing engagement to ensure programming aligns with emerging labour market needs and supports Manitoba’s economic growth.

“This expanded articulation agreement between RRC Polytech and the University of Manitoba permits many more students in our province to have access to seamlessly build both their engineering science and engineering technology skills without leaving our province. These engineering skills are in great demand today, and I’m happy to support this partnership that strengthens individual careers, supports industry growth, and keeps talented Manitoba students learning, working, and thriving right here at home,” says Dr. Gerry Price, Chairman and CEO of Price Industries.

Both institutions remain committed to strengthening Manitoba’s engineering workforce through strong recruitment efforts, including initiatives that support participation from under-represented groups. Through this partnership and existing pathway programs, such as RRC Polytech’s Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs and UM’s Engineering Access Program (ENGAP), Manitobans from all backgrounds can pursue accessible, flexible routes to an engineering degree.

A Warm Welcome, a Meaningful Milestone: RRC Polytech’s First HR Management Cohort in Nunavut Completes Training

Posted: February 2, 2026

RRC Polytech’s first-ever customized delivery of the Human Resources (HR) Management Certificate program in Nunavut has wrapped up with a celebration in Winnipeg, marking a major milestone for workforce development in the territory.

Students and their families gathered at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae in Winnipeg to celebrate the completion of the 13-month course along with representatives of the Government of Nunavut (GN) and the Province of Manitoba on January 23.

During remarks at the celebration, Elaine Uppahuak, Associate Deputy Minister, Inuit Employment and Public Service Development, noted how students completed the program with shared purpose in respect and care – which are the foundations of Inuit leadership.

“You are the vision of the Nunavut Agreement not just in numbers, but in leadership and decision-making,” said Uppahuak.

Theresa Adamache, student delegate for the cohort, extended thanks to her fellow students, to instructors, to educational assistants and technical support, to the GN departments, and to students’ families. She described how each group contributed to the success of the cohort – whether it was the instructors for their commitment, the departments for their flexibility, or their families for their constant support, everyone that had gathered for the celebration was part of the students’ journey.

“Our diverse life and work experiences enriched our discussions and helped us connect course concepts to real-life situations. Your dedication has opened new doors of opportunity, adding valuable knowledge and experience to your portfolios,” Adamache noted in her remarks to classmates.

The Corporate Solutions team launched the program in 2024 in partnership with GN, the first of its kind to bring critical HR training directly to Inuit learners in Iqaluit. GN provided full tuition and employer support for 25 GN employees across multiple departments.

The program was designed to reflect the realities of work and education in the north. The customized approach included an adapted timeline, accelerated delivery through intensive five-day sessions, and curriculum shaped by current trends in HR and the historical and cultural context of Nunavut and northern workplaces.

With students across three different time zones, commuting challenges, unpredictable internet connection, and environmental factors like blizzards, the program needed to be flexible. Deadlines shifted to accommodate internet outages, classes moved online when freezing temperatures forced closures, and instructors worked with students directly to ensure that they could meet the learning outcomes despite disruptions.

Students came from all backgrounds. Some were new to post-secondary education, while others travelled south to go to school in the past. Ages ranged between 19 and 75, with students coming from all stages in life – including a grandmother.

Laura Nowdluk, who’s graduating with the certificate, says that the program was a great way to broaden her knowledge of the systems she works with in her day-to-day job as a Human Resources Coordinator in the Department of Justice for GN. She graduated from the program with honours, making her eligible to waive the national knowledge exam for the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Designation.

“I wanted to widen my knowledge of human resources because it’s much different than what I thought it’d be,” said Nowdluk, who studied computer science and biotechnology in Kingston after high school before returning home.

Nowdluk says while that getting back into the work rhythm in Nunavut following the celebration in Winnipeg, she’s looking forward to applying for her CPHR Designation. She says that with the experience she gained in the program, she made a lot of valuable connections along the way.

“A lot of my fellow classmates are really nice. I really enjoyed being in an Inuit cohort – I got closer to people that are similar to me in some ways,” said Nowdluk.

Georgette Rochon, Business Development Manager, Corporate Solutions, says that the program’s success reinforced the importance of responsive, learner-informed design. The delivery team continued to adjust the day-to-day schedule, refine the timing of the program, and shape content based on student feedback and emerging workplace needs.

“All the students graduating from the program achieved the 70 per cent GPA they need to write the national CPHR exam,” said Rochon. “The success we’ve seen and the feedback we’ve gotten from GN has encouraged us to expand the program for the second intake.”

The current cohort, started in Fall 2025, had increased to 45 seats to welcome both Inuit and non-Inuit GN employees who would benefit from the same training.

One of those current students, Tejpal Panesar, Job Evaluation Consultant, Department of Human Resources, says he wants to refresh his knowledge in human resources, particularly in communications. Panesar attended the publication design and management program in college from 2001 to 2004, so he’s looking forward to bringing updated learning into his work.

After moving to Nunavut from Montreal in 2012, Panesar built his career through a series of roles that reflect the unique opportunities available in the north. Between advancing to a permanent manager role in food services for the correctional facility in Iqaluit and transitioning to a new role as an HR assistant at the department of Economic Development and Transportation, Panesar decided to take a pay cut at the time to move into HR. From there, he had advanced into an acting manager role within five months, then he was recruited by GN’s Job Evaluation department in 2021, where he currently works.

“Working in Nunavut has been a very different experience from anywhere else I’ve worked. The close‑knit nature of the communities, the cultural richness, and the way relationships shape day‑to‑day work all make it unique. One of the biggest adjustments for me has been learning to work across long distances and adapting to situations where resources or timelines don’t always line up the way you expect. At the same time, the collaborative spirit here and the strong sense of community support have been incredibly rewarding and have really shaped how I approach my work,” said Panesar.

Now that he’s settled in Nunavut with his wife and two adopted children, Panesar says the upcoming program will help him approach his role with greater efficiency and expertise.

This customized training solution responds to the needs of the people that drive the workforce and the realities of living and working in the north. As the program continues to expand, the success of the first cohort and expansion of the second represent not only a pathway to professional certification, but a long-term investment in community capacity, leadership, and education for Nunavut.