In January 2026, the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) announced that it will wind down its operations, with select programs transitioning to RRC Polytech. Following a comprehensive academic review, 19 MITT programs will be delivered by RRC Polytech starting this fall for the 2026–27 academic year.

Most programs will be offered at the RRC Polytech South Winnipeg Campus, which was formerly MITT’s Henlow, Fultz, and Pembina locations. You’ll notice signage for MITT and RRC Polytech at the South Winnipeg Campus, as current (in-progress) students finish their programs with MITT.

We know many applicants have been waiting for updates, and that this transition may feel uncertain. We appreciate your patience as we have worked collaboratively to ensure clear next steps.

RRC Polytech looks forward to welcoming you on campus and introducing you to the supports and resources available to students. The following information is to support you on the next steps of your academic journey as MITT programming transitions to delivery at RRC Polytech.

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 and the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) will host a joint Information Night on Thursday, May 7, from 4–7 pm at the South Winnipeg Campus. The event is open to prospective students, families, and current MITT students interested in programs that will be offered at the campus beginning Fall 2026. Attendees will have opportunities to learn about programs, explore spaces, connect with academic and student support teams, and receive guidance on applications and next steps.

As part of the transition underway at the South Winnipeg Campus, RRC Polytech and MITT will continue to share space through Fall 2026, while MITT students are supported in completing their programs. To help provide clarity for new students and visitors, a phased introduction of RRC Polytech branding is beginning in public‑facing spaces, including temporary exterior signage at the Henlow building and co‑branded materials for Information Night. Additional signage and wayfinding updates will be introduced gradually.

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.  

RRC Polytech and MITT are hosting a joint Information Night on May 7 at the South Winnipeg Campus (130 Henlow Bay) from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

This is a regular event for both institutions, but this year it includes additional information to help you understand program options and transition updates.

You will be able to:

• Explore programs
• Ask questions about admissions and graduation
• Get help with applications
• Learn about financial supports
• Speak with advisors and staff from both institutions

Attendees will be welcomed by academic leadership and staff from both RRC Polytech and MITT. The evening will consist of the following:

• There will be opportunities for students to learn about the 16 academic programs that will be offered through the South Winnipeg Campus and to visit program spaces. Click here for a full list of programs transitioning from MITT to RRC Polytech.
• Academic program transition information sessions, running every 45 minutes, to provide an overview of all updates shared to date.
• Funding advising for students to discover federal and provincial financial aid opportunities, and RRC Polytech scholarships
• Enrollment experts to assist students in applying to their program of choice at RRC Polytech for Fall 2026 and beyond.
• Academic advisors to assist in understanding admission requirements and specific program information.

The Information Night is May 7, 2026, at the South Winnipeg RRC Polytech campus, 130 Henlow Bay from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Registration is encouraged but not required and all are welcome.

More information can be found at here.

BRANDING AND SIGNAGE

RRC Polytech will begin to offer programming out of the South Winnipeg Campus beginning in Fall 2026.

As previously communicated, 19 current MITT programs will continue under RRC Polytech, ensuring continuity of training in key sectors. Students who are currently enrolled in MITT programs and are in progress will be supported through to graduation with their MITT credentials.

This entire transition is being implemented in a phased way to support continuity for students and staff, while providing clarity for future learners and the broader public.

A phased branding transition is also underway as part of this work. This will include:

• Information Night materials reflecting both RRC Polytech and MITT branding
• New RRC Polytech exterior signage updates in the coming weeks
• Interior signage and wayfinding updates over time

During this transition period, both MITT and RRC Polytech branding may be visible as systems, signage, and materials are updated.

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. 

Manitoba is currently experiencing increased spread of the measles virus, with public health officials confirming ongoing transmission in several regions of the province. 

This week, RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus was notified of two confirmed measles exposures on campus between April 20 – 23, 2026.

Please note that you may have been exposed to someone with measles at multiple locations at RRC Polytech – Notre Dame Campus, 2055 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg R3H 0J9 – including classrooms, labs, offices, and Tim Hortons from April 20 to April 23, 2026.

Particularly the following locations identified: rooms B141, B142, B201, B203, B208, B209.

RRC Polytech’s priority is always the health and wellbeing of students, staff and visitors. We are sharing this information so you are aware of the current situation and can take steps to protect yourself, your family and your community. 

We are closely monitoring guidance from Manitoba Public Health and will continue to share timely, accurate information with our community. By staying informed, checking immunization records, and following public health advice, we can work together to reduce the risk of spread and support a safe learning and working environment for everyone. 

For more information, please contact at HealthServices@rrc.ca.

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.