The following news release was distributed by the Province of Manitoba:

The Manitoba government is supporting the launch of Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) modernized American Sign Language (ASL) – English Interpretation Advanced Diploma Program (AEIP) to improve outcomes for students serving both the Deaf and non-Deaf communities, Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced today.

“Embracing diversity and inclusion makes our communities and province stronger,” said Cable. “We’re proud to work with RRC to make Manitoba a more inclusive and accessible place. The new program will enhance student success and prepare graduates to provide interpretive services for Deaf Manitobans.”
The Manitoba government has provided $225,000 for one-time renovation and equipment costs, in addition to $190,000 in annual funding to support ongoing program operations.

The modernized program provides a strong foundation in ASL fluency and Deaf history and culture, with interpreting practice in both classroom and real-world settings, noted the minister. The program has undergone an academic transformation, revamping its content, design and delivery to better meet the evolving needs of learners and the community. Graduates will be equipped to work as entry-level interpreters in various settings including kindergarten to Grade 12 public schools, colleges, businesses and social services.

Other new program elements include:

• a three-year full-time program encompassing eight terms;
• revised admission requirements to ensure incoming learners have intermediate language fluency and a minimum of 120 hours of ASL learning;
• leveraging work-integrated learning opportunities such as practicums to augment in-class training and provide hands-on experience to enhance foundational skills for general interpreting; and
• opportunities for community involvement that will further increase ASL fluency and understanding of Deaf history.

RRC Polytech is also offering three ASL courses through Continuing Education to support greater proliferation of ASL language training and support future program participants to meet admission requirements, the minister noted. The first intake in fall 2025 has a projected enrollment of 10 students, with an annual capacity of 20 students.

“RRC Polytech is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity both on campus and in our communities,” said Aileen Najduch, acting vice-president academic, RRC Polytech. “Our programs are routinely updated and modernized to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the students and industries we serve. This new advanced diploma will have benefits to the community including a new learning lab and more simulation experience opportunities which will improve outcomes for students who will graduate from the program and ultimately for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community they will support.”

RRC Polytech consulted several partners and community representatives when structuring this programming and curriculum, including employers and practicum partners, the minister noted. Indigenous ways of knowing and learning have also been integrated into the program to strengthen relationships with Indigenous partners, learners and communities.

Longtime RRC Polytech supporter Walter Schroeder has been named one of 12 Manitobans to receive the 2025 Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour. Schroeder will formally receive the recognition in a ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building on July 17, 2025. 

The Schroeder Foundation, the philanthropical organization that Walter and his wife Maria established following his retirement, is behind RRC Polytech’s largest donation in history: a $15-million gift to launch the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts. 

The Schroeders, in partnership with RRC Polytech, created the Institute to support ongoing opportunities for students at RRC Polytech, and to foster growth and development in Manitoba’s burgeoning creative arts industry. 

“Walter Schroeder is one of RRC Polytech’s prolific supporters, and his generosity is driven purely by his dedication to changing students’ lives,” said Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “Through the Schroeder Foundation, Walter and Maria have created countless opportunities for students in Manitoba, particularly those with more barriers to accessing post-secondary education. The Schroeders’ investment in RRC Polytech, and their commitment to expanding programming to address needs, is a testament to their selfless desire to make Manitoba a more equitable place to work and learn, for all.” 

The Schroeder Foundation provides fully paid scholarships to hundreds of RRC Polytech students, which includes tuition, books, and wrap-around supports.  

In December 2024, the Schroeder Foundation reached a milestone of $18.2 million in support to RRC Polytech, with an additional $1.25 million donation coming on the heels of the $15 million Schroeder Institute gift, to provide even more full-ride scholarships for Winnipeg students. 

Schroeder Foundation students also have the opportunity to participate in the Transition to College program, which helps them start their programs with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed from day one. 

In 2023, Walter and Maria Schroeder were awarded with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Manitoba Outstanding Philanthropist Award.  RRC Polytech also honoured the duo with an Honorary Bachelor of Education degree in 2022, in recognition of their dedication to removing barriers to education for Manitoba youth. 

IG Wealth Management (IG) and Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) today announced the inaugural 10 recipients of the IG Empower Your Tomorrow Indigenous Scholarship.

The 2025 scholarship includes $12,000 in financial support for each student to pursue their studies, a paid work-integrated internship at IG’s headquarters in Winnipeg and various year-round supports such as navigating childcare options and services, wellness and mental health resources and professional development. Additionally, RRC Polytech is creating opportunities for the scholarship recipients to develop their soft and hard skills through workshops and local conferences.

The scholarship is a part of the IG Empower Your Tomorrow program at RRC Polytech, initially announced in January 2024. The program supports up to 300 RRC Polytech Indigenous students each year within the School of Business, Information Technology, Creative Arts and the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts. Students benefit from an IG Empower Your Tomorrow Navigation Coach, who assists with their academic journey, promotes overall well-being and provides career coaching and mentorship opportunities.

 The 10 2025 IG Empower Your Tomorrow scholarship recipients are:

• Kaya Barkman
• Tristan Bickel
• Michael Delorme
• Jordan Fontaine
• Sage King
• Hevyn-Lee Martens
• Tyler Nykiforuk
• Matthew Paul
• Brandon Selkirk
• Cathrine Van Damme

“I would like to congratulate each student and thank RRC Polytech for their ongoing partnership as we work together to provide Indigenous students with the support they need to thrive academically and professionally,” said Damon Murchison, President and CEO, IG Wealth Management. “I’m looking forward to having this group join us at IG this summer and am certain they’ll make an impact on our business while benefitting from the experience.”

The scholarship recipients will work in various departments across IG this summer, gaining valuable professional experience through hands-on corporate engagement. IG employees will also have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with Indigenous talent for future opportunities.

“It’s inspiring to see our partners actively answering calls to Truth and Reconciliation by investing in the success of Indigenous students,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development, RRC Polytech. “Thanks to IG’s support, we’re not only celebrating the first award recipients – we’re witnessing how meaningful partnerships like this can pave the way for students to thrive in their education and be welcomed into the careers they’re pursuing. Financial support like this helps ease the challenges students face when they leave their communities, including the high cost of living in an urban centre, tuition and school-related expenses like books and equipment, as well as transportation and childcare costs.”

About IG Wealth Management

Founded in 1926, IG Wealth Management (“IG”) is a Canadian leader in delivering financial planning with approximately $139 billion in assets under advisement as of April 30, 2025. For more than 95 years, IG has been focused on improving the financial well-being of Canadians so they can confidently embrace all of life’s possibilities. Through a network of advisors located across the country, IG provides approximately one million clients with personalized advice, comprehensive financial planning, insurance and mortgage services and professionally managed investment solutions.  IG is a member of IGM Financial Inc. (TSX: IGM), part of the Power Corporation group of companies and one of Canada’s leading diversified wealth and asset management organizations with approximately $270 billion in total assets under management and advisement as of April 30, 2025. For more information, visit ig.ca.

About Red River College Polytechnic

RRC Polytech is Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning and research, with more than 150 full- and part-time degree, diploma and certificate options. Through hands-on and online learning opportunities and state-of-the-art instruction, we prepare our students to become leaders in their fields — while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands, and contribute to the province’s economic growth.

UM and RRC Polytech establish new partnership for students pursuing engineering

A new partnership between the province’s largest post-secondary institutions is creating a made-in-Manitoba pathway to earning an engineering degree.

Students graduating from Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) Engineering Technology programs are now eligible for direct entry into a department program in the Price Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba (UM), creating career options and opportunities for new graduates or industry professionals looking to level up.

This new partnership provides RRC Polytech Engineering Technology graduates the ability to further their education and earn an engineering degree in Manitoba, allowing students to experience the benefits of both programs through an accelerated approach. Pathways are available for up to ten RRC Polytech graduates per year applying to UM’s Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering programs in Fall 2025.

“We’re thrilled to see this partnership with RRC Polytech become a reality. This will mean an easier transition for students, as we work together to develop and keep engineering talent here in Manitoba,” says Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor of UM. “UM’s Price Faculty of Engineering offers a comprehensive range of professional degree programs, co- and extra-curricular co-op, internship, and design opportunities to meet students’ interests, and it also offers the first-in-Canada Department of Engineering Education.”

This opportunity is open to RRC Polytech students graduating in 2025 as well as graduates from the last ten years.

“This partnership creates an invaluable pathway for graduates of RRC Polytech’s Engineering Technology programs to continue their educational journey right here in Manitoba. RRC Polytech and UM have a strong relationship, and this articulation agreement creates more opportunities for student mobility between our institutions. Most importantly it keeps talent here in Manitoba to support our industry and economy,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

A recent report from the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Canada West Foundation noted that over the past decade there has been more youth (aged 15 to 34) leaving the province than arriving, with one of the key factors being a lack of opportunities for career advancement. RRC Polytech and UM work closely with industry through program advisory councils and regular discussions about bolstering the province’s economy and providing training for the skills of tomorrow.

For Price Industries, it’s an important part of growing and attracting a strong local workforce.

“For decades, I have had the privilege of hiring and working with graduates from RRC Polytech’s Engineering Technology programs and UM’s Price Faculty of Engineering. Both institutes produce incredible talent that has been vital to the success of our company, and both institutes are our preferred providers of engineering talent, many of whom now lead our various business units. I’m championing this partnership because I know that individuals who take both programs will elevate their own professional skill level and help companies grow and succeed in a multitude of industries,” says Dr. Gerry Price, Chairman and CEO of Price Industries.

This collaborative approach between the post-secondary institutions leverages existing strengths in research, facilities, equipment, infrastructure, and curriculum with the shared goals of supporting student achievement leading to increased graduate numbers, increasing diversity of students, offering high-quality program delivery, and ensuring research success. Both RRC Polytech and UM strive to meet Manitoba employer needs for a diverse workforce through recruitment of under-represented students into Engineering programs.

“It is important for Manitoba’s Polytechnic and Manitoba’s U15 university to be collaborating on education and training opportunities, and we know that the dual credentials are highly valued in industry and support career mobility for the graduates in fields that are important to Manitoba’s economy and growth,” says Marcia Friesen, Dean, Price Faculty of Engineering.

Manitobans of all backgrounds can access an engineering degree through this partnership and existing pathway programs, including supports for Indigenous students through RRC Polytech and UM’s respective programs, Pathway to Engineering Technology Program and Engineering Access Program (ENGAP).

“No matter their level of education or career experience, students can obtain a diploma and degree in engineering and accelerate their career options. This type of cross-institutional agreement will provide clear steps and support for students to adapt seamlessly from classroom to industry,” says Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies, RRC Polytech.

This new agreement is available for students graduating from the following programs at RRC Polytech:

• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Municipal Engineering Technology
• Structural Engineering Technology
• Geomatics Technology
• Environmental Engineering Technology

Applications will close June 1, 2025 for the Fall 2025 start date.

In Fall 2026, the agreement is expected to have additional articulation pathways available for RRC Polytech graduates applying to Biosystems, Electrical and Computer Engineering programs at UM.

For more information about the partnership please contact: collegerelations@rrc.ca

Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, is proud to announce its partnership with Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah as the local presenting partner of the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch. Mittohnee is providing local Indigenous entrepreneurs with access to funding and resources to help jumpstart their business ideas.

Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah is RRC Polytech’s new Indigenous entrepreneurship acceleration and incubator initiative that is the first of its kind to cultivate a space in Winnipeg for technology, collaboration, and community. Mittohnee helps Indigenous students start their own businesses as they graduate out of RRC Polytech’s entrepreneurship-based Social Innovation and Community Development program. It does so by connecting them with a network of resources and expertise focused on process, people, and leveraging existing capacity.

As the local presenting partner of the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch, Mittohnee will present the 1st Place Prize of $5,000 to the winning entrepreneur, engage as a final round judge, and provide community mentors to help entrepreneurs refine their pitch.

“This partnership between Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah and Pow Wow Pitch marks a full circle moment for me as both a proud alumna and long-time supporter of Pow Wow Pitch,” said Amy Jackson, Director of Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah. “Pow Wow Pitch’s mission to uplift and champion Indigenous entrepreneurs deeply aligns with Mittohnee’s vision to create space, support, and opportunity for our people to thrive through innovation and business. Together, we’re not just accelerating ideas—we’re building a future grounded in culture, community, and economic empowerment.”

“Collaboration is key to expanding support for Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “We’re excited to be partnering with Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah, led by Pow Wow Pitch alumna Amy Jackson—an inspiring champion for community and Indigenous entrepreneurship. Together, we are strengthening our impact across Manitoba by combining our efforts to provide meaningful support, mentorship, and opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous business leaders.”

By working together, Pow Wow Pitch and Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah are forging a path for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start, excel, and accomplish more for our communities.

About Pow Wow Pitch

Pow Wow Pitch is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding early-stage Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, with the co-presenting support of Mastercard and RBC. Our vision is to create a world where Indigenous entrepreneurs thrive, feeling supported, safe, and encouraged to develop their ideas and build businesses that create a positive cycle of growth. With a mission to provide resources and mentorship, we empower Indigenous entrepreneurs while amplifying their stories to inspire future generations and foster a more inclusive world.

For more information, visit powwowpitch.org.

Over the last few months, the monthly safety updates to the College community have focused mainly on security, however another important initiative at RRC Polytech is the health services we provide to students and staff.

RRC Polytech’s Health Services provides students and staff with a variety of health and wellness information for general interest, ongoing health condition maintenance, plus treatment for injuries and illness.

RRC Polytech has continued to see growth and expansion of the Exchange District Campus with the opening of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae and more students and staff working and learning downtown.

With the increased presence and growing needs downtown, we have recently begun an exciting initiative to bring a health centre to serve the downtown campus community.

This space is currently being renovated at The Roblin Centre and will be open to students or staff to make appointments with members of the Health Services nursing team who will work from this centre.

While the Health Services nursing team currently serves students at EDC through regular meetings downtown, bringing students to the Notre Dame Campus for appointments, or annual events like the flu vaccine clinics, this new space and presence will help ensure the College community can seek health service assistance from the nursing team when they need it.

We look forward to sharing more information about this exciting initiative with the College community once the space is complete and open in the near future.

Please remember the Health Services team is here to help with a number of supports and services to all members of the College community. The Health Centre is open from 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday and we encourage students or staff to call anytime to speak with nursing staff at RRC Polytech: 204-632-2238 or HealthServices@rrc.ca  

Canadian Public Relations Society of Manitoba (CPRS) awards Emerging Communications Leader and Outstanding Contributions to Truth and Reconciliation and EDIA to College’s comms team.

The Communications and Public Relations team at RRC Polytech was named Manitoba’s Communicators of the Year (MCOY) in two categories by the Canadian Public Relations Society of Manitoba last week. These six individuals were recognized amongst their peers at the annual awards ceremony celebrating excellence in the communications industry in Manitoba. 

Since 2008, CPRS Manitoba Communicators of the Year Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose work in communications has made a significant impact. The College’s Communications Officers took home the hardware in two of six award categories. 

Jenn Pazdor was named Emerging Communications Leader, a category recognizing public relations professionals with up to six years of experience who have demonstrated a strategic mindset and innovative approach above and beyond what is normally expected at the early stages of their career.  

Jenn joined the College as a Communications Officer in March 2024 for a one-year term position. In that time, she led communications efforts for several large-scale events at RRC Polytech, including announcing the College’s largest-ever gift to establish the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts and the grand opening of the Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre.  

A Creative Communications grad (2019), Jenn is now pursuing a post-graduate diploma in Communications Management while working full-time as a Digital Automation Specialist at RRC Polytech. 

“I am truly honoured to be the recipient of this year’s MCOY Emerging Leader award. I often say the best decision I ever made was coming to RRC Polytech for the Creative Communications program,” said Jenn Pazdor.  

“This award is yet another example of how well the program prepared me with confidence and tools to achieve big things in this profession. Having one of my former instructors – now a valued mentor – present me with the award was a very surreal experience and makes this achievement even more special. I’m deeply grateful for the trust and support I’ve received from the team at RRC Polytech and from all the folks I’ve worked with and learned from in my career so far. Manitoba’s communications industry is truly special to be a part of.” 

Jenn was also recognized for her commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead in the ever-evolving communications landscape. She is also actively involved in Winnipeg’s creative and running communities, as a committee member of CreativeMornings Winnipeg and The Good Way Run.  

In the Team Award Category, five Communications Officers – Robin Ringland, Kevin Olszewski, Laina Hughes, Breanne Lucky, and Lauren Parsons – were awarded for Outstanding Contributions to Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. 

They were recognized for their efforts to advance RRC Polytech’s reconciliation and EDIA initiatives through strategic communications, including the pivotal role they play in supporting the College’s strategic plan, “In Front of What’s Ahead,” and advancing its commitment to enact truth and reconciliation, and pursue EDIA in everything we do. 

“This small yet nimble team consistently puts forward new, creative, and strategic ideas to engage the community in our institutional efforts,” said Conor Lloyd, APR, Director, College and Public Relations.  

“Initiatives such as the ‘Not a Grey Area,’ anti-racism campaign, the EDIA calendar working group, the Indigenous style guide, and their efforts to meet and engage with students across the province and share their stories, have significantly enhanced our outreach and engagement, making our commitment to these values more visible and impactful.” 

The team also played a key role in developing the College’s annual Report to the Community, which shares data collected through Key Performance Indicators and highlights the stories of progress towards the college’s commitments. This report is a powerful tool for accountability and transparency, showcasing the college’s achievements and ongoing efforts. 

“Through storytelling, outreach, internal campaigns, and a focus on diverse voices, the Communications team has helped build a culture that truly celebrates and embraces difference. Their efforts have boosted engagement among employees and students, bringing people together through events and initiatives that reflect our commitment to inclusivity,” said Melanie Gudmunson, Chief Human Resource Officer at RRC Polytech in her letter of support. 

“The RRC Polytech Communications team is a great example of how strategic communication can drive meaningful progress. Their innovative and thoughtful approach to reconciliation and EDI sets a benchmark for others to follow.” 

Both nominations were submitted by Emily Doer, Manager of Communications and Public Relations at RRC Polytech. 

RRC Polytech’s goal is to prepare students to become leaders in their fields. Creative Communications and Communications Management grads and staff continue to be recognized for their contributions to the public relations and communications industry. At the 2024 MCOY awards, out of five award categories, four were won by RRC Polytech grads and teams they worked on, and one by a current program chair. 

Learn more about the 2025 MCOY Awards: Past MCOY Award Recipients – Canadian Public Relations Society Manitoba 

RRC Polytech recognizes today, Monday, April 28, 2025, as the National Day of Mourning, where we honour those who have become ill, were injured or killed in the workplace. Today is a reminder to our entire community about the importance of safety in everything we do at the College.   

RRC Polytech will fly our flags at half-mast today in recognition of those affected by workplace tragedy, and our commitment to preventing workplace illnesses, injuries, and fatalities.  

According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, there were 1,057 recorded fatalities at work in 2023, and nearly 215,000 claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or illness in Canada. Among these deaths were 29 young workers aged 15-24. 

Each of these numbers represents a vast network of loved ones who are deeply affected by these tragedies: family, friends, co-workers and community members whose lives are forever changed. 

This is a solemn reminder of the role we all must continue to play in ensuring a safe working and learning environment for everyone who enters our campuses. As a College, we directly impact the practices and behaviours we instill in our students, which they carry forward into their careers and future workplaces.  

RRC Polytech is committed to a proactive approach to safety and to setting an exceptional standard as an educational leader of safety and health. Some of the initiatives RRC Polytech have undertaken to provide all staff and students with a safe and healthy environment include:  

• Security Services – RRC Polytech continues to enhance security measures with the ongoing mission to protect and provide a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors. We have enacted new security measures at EDC and provide regular safety updates to the community, and our Safe Walk and Safe Ride programming provides an average of 180 Safe Rides per day. Learn more on the safety and security section of our website.  

• Campus Alerting and Emergency Response Plan – The Campus Alerting project has been successful in enhancing communications efforts to keeping our College community informed on everything from icy parking lots and sidewalks, to power outages, to an evacuation of an area if necessary. Informacast is a mass notification software that allows RRC Polytech to broadcast alerts in a timely and efficient manner. Alerts will appear through your mobile phones, emails, on-premise devices (office phone or computer), or MS Teams. Staff and students are encouraged to subscribe for updates through the campus alerting system.   

• Machine Guarding Program – RRC Polytech continues to review and update protective guards and equipment on campus. Since the project started, the College has audited more than 800 machines, and made safeguarding upgrades to over 348 pieces of equipment in student labs, workshops, and facility management spaces, ensuring every piece of equipment on campus complies with the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations, and replacing those that don’t.  

On this National Day of Mourning, take a moment to reflect on the importance of workplace safety, and let us honour those who have been affected by workplace-related incidents. We all must work towards a future where everyone can learn and work safely.  

We remember workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job. We commit to protecting workers and preventing further workplace tragedies.  

If you have questions or ideas on how we can continue to make RRC Polytech a safe place to work and learn, please reach out to safety@rrc.ca.   

The next generation of skilled professionals are putting their talents on display today as they compete in the 27th Annual Skills Manitoba Competition. 

Approximately 500 young Manitobans will compete in over 40 Olympic-style hands-on contests at the secondary and post-secondary/apprentice level. It’s a showcase of skills in robotics and manufacturing, 3D character computer animation, construction trades, hairstyling, and many more. 

Gold medal winners of many of the competitions will form Team Manitoba and advance to the Skills Canada National Competition in Regina, Saskatchewan May 27-May 31, 2025 

Hosted by Skills Canada Manitoba, this event is designed to provide much needed awareness of Canada’s skilled workforce shortage, while encouraging young people to pursue a career in a trade they enjoy. 

“The skilled trades offer opportunities for positions with great pay, job security and flexibility. There is a continuing significant worker shortage in many of these areas,” said Maria Pacella, Executive Director of Skills Canada Manitoba, “Most people are unaware of the merits of post-secondary training in trades and technology and competitions like this allow students to explore their options and see where something that started as a hobby can be a rewarding career.” 

Skills Canada Manitoba has hosted the annual competition at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Notre Dame Campus for 26 years, and for high school competitors it is also an opportunity to meet instructors, see the shop and lab spaces and learn more about post-secondary options. 

“The Skills Manitoba competition is one of the most exciting and energizing days on campus every year,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Our programs provide training for in-demand skills that allow our graduates to have a positive impact on our province’s economy and communities. It’s exciting to walk through the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre and see the incredible talent showcased by our students and competitors from both the high school and post-secondary levels. We’re always proud to watch our students compete, and to welcome the next generation of talent onto campus in hopes we will see them enrolled as students in the near future.” 

The 27^th annual competition will take place today, Thursday, April 10, 2025: 

9:00 am – 2:30 pm 
Red River College Polytechnic, 2055 Notre Dame Ave. 
Operations Room – A137 

Medal Presentations at 3:30 pm in the South Gym 

Annual Young Women’s Conference:
During the competition, 170 young women from junior highs in Manitoba will have the opportunity learn about career options in the trades and technology field at the Young Women’s Conference. Also hosted by Skills Canada Manitoba, this one-day event features entertaining and informative keynote speakers and team activities plus an opportunity to talk to mentors from employers such as Manitoba Hydro, CN and Birchwood. 

Media is invited to learn more about how these young women view their future career opportunities in the trades and technology field on: 

Thursday, April 10, 2025 
9:30 am- 2:30 pm 
Red River College Polytechnic, 2055 Notre Dame Ave. 
Voyageur Cafeteria 

For information contact:  
Maria Pacella, Executive Director 
Skills Canada Manitoba 
204-770-4287 

Outstanding co-op experience at MacDon takes Brandon Doucet to the fields in Australia

It took Mechanical Engineering Technology student Brandon Doucet approximately ten seconds to say ‘yes’ to an opportunity that would take him across the world to Australia for six months.

While on a co-operative work placement with MacDon Industries, Brandon was working on a prototype for a new combine header that was completely new to the agriculture industry. When it came time to test the product in the field, his supervisors noticed the interest he had taken and asked if he would be willing to conduct the testing with Australian farmers.

“It was a big leap, I learned a lot about who I am and what kind of worker I am and what kind of work that I enjoy,” says Brandon, who was 19 years old at the time of his co-op. “All in all I travelled every state and drove more than 30,000 kilometres – on the other side of the road. I got to see a lot of the country and met locals who had so many stories about farming and life.”

The product Brandon was testing is the MacDon FD261 FlexDraper, which is now available publicly to farmers worldwide. The header is 61-feet long, which about ten feet more than the previous FD2 design and about double the length of a standard combine header used to harvest crops. The header also flexes to cover the ground better and produce a better yield.

The six months of field testing entailed working directly with Australian farmers, using their combines with the MacDon prototype header. Brandon would perform regular inspections, maintenance, upgrades, and operation of the prototype equipment in the field. He would also collect data from the hydraulic and electrical systems, which would then be relayed back to the engineering team in Winnipeg for further analysis. 

“I really enjoy all the nitty gritty details of engineering testing, laying out what’s being tested, why it’s being tested and how the improvement can make a better product,” says Brandon. “During this experience I really grew to respect how much documentation plays a role in engineering. Keeping things organized so it can be looked back on after each change, and using what was learned to continuously improve.”

When Brandon first started his co-op with MacDon he had one more term left in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program before graduating. On top of the stint in Australia, he also had the opportunity to work on projects in cities across North America and decided to take a total of 16 months off from the program to gain the real-world experience.

Part of the reason he felt comfortable and confident in that decision was the reassurance from his instructor, Doris Peloquin, that the program would still be there for him to complete. She emphasized that having the diploma completed would help him in his career, but that there is value to taking on practical experiences when they present themselves.

“Co-op or internships give the students the ability to apply what they’ve learned during classwork in a real-world scenario. At RRC Polytech we do a good job of providing hands-on learning scenarios in class but it’s not quite the same experience of what you gain from a real-world experience,” says Doris. “There’s networking and professionalism and learning their soft skills – especially that ability to communicate at different levels; with leaders and those on the shop floor, and interdepartmentally.”

After graduating from RRC Polytech this June, Brandon plans to attend Lakehead University to obtain his Engineering Degree and aspires to work in Motorsport Engineering.

“Before my co-op with MacDon, I remember thinking there’s no way I’d leave Manitoba. But now I know I can always travel, learn from different parts of the world, and then come home with new ideas or ways of doing things,” says Brandon.

For more information about the Mechanical Engineering Technology program visit RRC Polytech’s Program Explorer page.