A Manitoba delegation of 200 cheered “TOBA, TOBA” as 31 high school, college and young apprentices took to the podium claiming 10 gold, 11 silver and 6 bronze medals at the Olympic-style Skills Canada National Competition in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

“We are very proud of all 60 Team Manitoba participants and their performances at the 21st Skills Canada National Competition. Participants trained for months leading up to the Annual Skills Manitoba Competition (held at Red River College April 9, 2015 in Winnipeg, MB) to qualify for the opportunity to represent Manitoba at the Skills Canada National Competition,” stated Maria Pacella, Executive Director of Skills Canada Manitoba. From construction and manufacturing to technologies and service, 550 young students and apprentices from 13 provinces and territories were in Saskatoon competing in 46 different trades over 2 days.

“I wish to congratulate Team Manitoba on their medals at the Skills Canada National Competition and to also recognize our staff’s support,” said David Rew, President & CEO of Red River College. “Our college is committed to support skilled trades as not only the host site for the Annual Skills Manitoba Competition but on a national level with a large contingent of staff attending and supporting by judging, volunteering and contributing through the National Technical Committee.”

Skills Canada Manitoba, a member of Skills Compétences Canada, is a provincial not-for-profit organization that works in partnership with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to attract young Manitobans to careers in skilled trades and technology. ’ Our youth are an important part of our future and now more than ever, the need for highly skilled workers in a variety of occupations is crucial to our country’ said Maria Pacella. This event is an excellent opportunity for youth and their families to network and learn from private and public sector employers about skilled trades and emerging technologies.

Skills Canada Manitoba has recently won the bid to host the 2017 Skills National Competition. The event will take place in Winnipeg in spring of 2017 and provide Manitobans with an opportunity to look at career options in skilled trades and technology. The Skills Canada National Competition highlights skilled trades and technology careers in a competitive environment and reinforces their importance in building a strong and vibrant economy.

Red River College was presented with the bronze award for Innovation in Applied Research by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) during the closing gala of their annual conference last night in Winnipeg.

The award celebrated the College’s dynamic applied research partnership with Manitoba Hydro.

“We are pleased to be recognized for the work we have done with Manitoba Hydro, one of our most important research partners and graduate employers,” said David Rew, President and CEO of Red River College.  “What an excellent opportunity to celebrate our research achievements in sustainable technology and design.”

Manitoba Hydro’s research collaboration with the College has focused primarily on green building design and technology and the electrification of vehicles. Two of their most notable projects include Manitoba Hydro’s award-winning energy efficient downtown office tower and more recently, the all-electric transit bus.

“Our partnership with Red River College has fostered an environment for creative integration on leading-edge technology that contributes to a more sustainable future,” said Scott Thomson, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro.  “We view our relationship with the College as an important driver for long-term change that will promote continued innovation and advancement of energy efficiency in Manitoba.”

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Paul Charette, former CEO of Bird Construction and Red River College alumnus, and his wife Gerri have donated $1 million towards the establishment of a research chair for the School of Construction Engineering Technology (SCET) at Red River College.

The Province has agreed to provide matching funds to create the new chair position, entitled the Paul Charette – Manitoba Applied Research Chair in Sustainable Construction.

“We are humbled by Paul and Gerri’s generous commitment and very pleased that the Province has responded with matching funds,” said David Rew, Interim President and CEO of Red River College. “It’s an excellent show of confidence in our School of Construction Engineering and Technology and our nationally recognized applied research program.”

This position will support student learning while helping the construction community develop innovative processes, technologies, and applications to reduce costs, boost productivity, and create more sustainable infrastructure; the Chair will also lead SCET’s research program.

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Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) brings its annual conference to Manitoba this year with the help of four local colleges. Assiniboine Community College, l’École technique et professionnelle de l’Université de Saint-Boniface, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology and Red River College will host this important national event from May 24 to 26.

Over 600 leaders from the technical education sector are expected to take part in this year’s conference that will look at how colleges and institutes lead change through innovative practices and approaches in teaching and learning, applied research and engagement with business.

CICan’s 2015 Conference will be held at Winnipeg’s RBC Convention Centre, with a reception at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It will feature several prominent keynote speakers, including Comedian Rick Mercer, National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations and entrepreneur David Chilton, better known as the Wealthy Barber.

Several pre-conference activities will be held, including a symposium on rural education and partnerships hosted by Brandon’s Assiniboine Community College, a workshop on mentorship, an international forum that looks at ways colleges and institutes can support immigrant integration and a symposium on learning technologies hosted by Algonquin College.

For more information about the program, visit http://www.collegesinstitutes.ca/conference/

Colleges and Institutes Canada is the national and international voice of Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes and polytechnics. The association works with industry and social sectors to train 1.5 million learners of all ages and backgrounds at campuses serving over 3,000 urban, rural and remote communities in Canada. CICan operates in 29 countries via 12 offices around the world.

This week, Red River College will have an Italian flair as two well-known childcare specialists, Filippini Tizianna and Laura Rubizzi, participate in a 6-day conference aimed at teaching the value of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the importance of pedagogical research in early-childhood development.

Reggio Emilia is a worldwide program that is based on the principles that children are capable and competent and they should have some control over the direction of their learning. Developed in Italy following the Second World War, Reggio Emilia is quickly making headway in many Canadian public schools and daycares as it transforms cultural assumptions about children and their intellectual abilities. Read More →

Red River College (RRC) has been awarded $1.75 million over 5 years from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to establish the Centre for Building Envelope Performance (CBEP) at their Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg.

CBEP is expected to significantly increase access to the College’s facilities, equipment, and expertise for Manitoba’s building industry, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises whose products and services directly impact a building’s envelope.

The envelope can significantly impact a building’s overall construction and maintenance costs, durability, appearance, occupant comfort and health, and energy performance.

“This grant will provide a meaningful enhancement to our ability to serve Manitoba’s construction sector with advanced graduates and professional training, as well as fostering innovation in a critical component of building design and construction,” said David Rew, Interim President and CEO of Red River College.

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This week Red River College (RRC) will launch its spring 2015 advertising campaign to celebrate the success of alumni and the diverse, innovative organizations that hire them. 

“Red River College alumni are known throughout Manitoba and the world for possessing the necessary skills to be V.I.P.’s in their chosen fields,” said David Rew, Interim President & CEO, Red River College. “It’s just one of the many reasons RRC Grads Get Hired, and this spring we’re celebrating the role our alumni play in driving Manitoba’s economy and how they are leaders in their careers and their workplaces.”

As part of 2015’s spring campaign, Red River College invited organizations to participate in a creative, co-operative advertising campaign. The cost-sharing model provided an opportunity for industry partners to promote their brand and to celebrate an RRC grad, a V.I.P., within their organization. 

“This is an excellent opportunity to partner with Red River College and recognize a valued member on our executive team,” said Paul Soubry, President & CEO, New Flyer Industries Inc. “Red River College develops skilled grads that are driving Manitoba’s economy and New Flyer is pleased to provide meaningful employment in our community.”

Appearing this spring in Winnipeg and rural Manitoba, the 2015 billboard campaign features more than 40 members from RRC’s alumni community. Visit  http://blogs.rrc.ca/marketing/2015/03/rrc-grads-get-hired-billboards/ for a look at some of what you can expect to see over the next couple of months.

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Red River College is proud to be named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2015. This prestigious recognition highlights employers that stand out through their efforts to create diverse, inclusive workplaces.

This is the first time Red River College has been recognized with this distinction. Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2015 was announced today with 65 organizations leading the nation in creating inclusive workplace cultures.

“At Red River College we strive to ensure that equity and diversity are embedded in the College’s practices and that it is demonstrated in the classroom, and throughout the workplace,” said David Rew, Interim President & CEO, Red River College. “Equity and inclusion are an integral part of our values that allows Red River to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. I know I speak for the entire organization when I say how honoured we are to have Red River College recognized with this distinction.”

As part of Red River College’s submission many areas were highlighted as initiatives that support an inclusive and open environment at Red River, they include the College’s LGBTT* Initiative, Mental Health First Aid, along with many wellness and staff award and recognition programming to support staff success and well-being.

“Red River College has always been proactive in their efforts to support its employees and today’s award is ongoing recognition of the work we are doing,” said Lori Grandmont, Acting Vice-President, Human Resources and Sustainability, Red River College. “I want to congratulate our staff for their work on these initiatives and for their input into continually finding new and innovative ways to strengthen our workplace.

Red River College would also like to congratulate other Manitoba organizations recognized with this award – The Government of Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Public Insurance, Cargill Ltd., and Boeing Canada Operations Ltd.

Red River College has nine campuses and annual enrolments of more than 30,000 in full-and part-time degree, diploma and certificate programs. Through award-winning instruction and training on state-of-the-art equipment, RRC prepares its students to become leaders in their fields, while partnering with industry to conduct research and ensure curriculum remains up-to-date.

Red River College is giving Manitoba electric vehicle (EV) owners a boost with its recently installed and operational Level 3 (30KW DC) quick charging station, the first of its kind in the province and one of about two dozen across Canada.

Drivers of Level 3 compliant EVs, including Nissan Leafs, Mitsubishi i-MiEVs, and Teslas, can now drop by the College’s Notre Dame Campus to charge up while contributing to research on the charger’s performance in Manitoba’s climate.

“With the installation of this new charger, we continue to play a leading role in Manitoba’s green transportation future,” said David Rew, RRC interim president and CEO. “This rapid charging station is another key element in our Mobility from Green Energy Initiative and a logical next step in our vehicle technology research program.”

Level 3 stations can charge an EV to at least an 80 percent charge in 15 to 30 minutes; this is compared to a 220/240V Level 2 charger, which can take 4 to 6 hours to get to full charge, or an 110/120V Level 1 charger (like those found around your house), which can take about 24 hours.

“There are currently no other rapid charging stations of this level in a climate as diverse as Winnipeg’s,” said Ray Hoemsen, director of Applied Research & Commercialization at Red River College. “The effect on both the Lithium ion battery and vehicle performance when utilizing rapid charging in extreme winter weather is still unknown.”

The new charging station will be handy for compliant EV owners – especially those traveling from out of town – who need a quick boost to make it to their next destination.

“EV owners who live more than an hour’s drive from Winnipeg will now be able to use their EVs to commute to the city,” said Robert Elms, president of the Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association. “This is a major step forward in the establishment of EV charging infrastructure in Manitoba.”

Red River College is sharing the charging station with whoever is able to use it, so long as they register and agree to participate in its study when called upon.

Funding for the charger was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; it will be used as part of the College’s ongoing EV research, testing, and demonstration projects at its Electric Vehicle Technology & Education Centre (EVTEC).

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Download a copy of the backgrounder here.

Download our fact sheet on EVTEC here.

For Immediate Release: March 12, 2015

WINNIPEG, MB – Tonight, from 5:30pm to 10:00pm, Creative Communication students will fill the Roblin Centre Atrium (160 Princess Street), to show off their documentaries, read from their books, and talk about their newly founded non-profits as part of the IPP expo: the first event to feature IPPs in an interactive and creative manner. The IPPe is free and open to the public.

The event, created and run by Creative Communications student Brina Gervais, gives the public a chance to meet the up-and-comers in the communications industry, including many students who’ve already gained city-wide attention for their incredible and community-enriching year-long projects. Now, they will be available for meet-and-greets and open conversations as they show off their projects once more.

The IPPe will feature:

·      38 IPPs

·      A new presenter every 15 minutes

·      16 tables in the Atrium throughout the night

·      A live broadcast booth from Red River Radio’s morning show hosts

·      Interactive booths

More information on this year IPPs can be found by visiting www.theIPPexpo.com or by contacting the event coordinator, Brina Gervais at (204)390-8414.