Early numbers from the first week of classes at Red River College are a sure sign that it will be another busy academic year for staff and students.

Fall 2015 numbers compared to the same time last year remain consistent and indicate Red River College continues the trend of experiencing high enrolments.

Over the past 15 years, Red River College has seen an overall increase of 66 per cent in its program enrolments.

“Human capital drives our economy – there is an increasing demand for a workforce with specialized skills and Red River College delivers education and training that keeps pace with industry trends and needs in our Province,” said Paul Vogt, president & CEO, Red River College.

Of particular note, this year’s enrolment saw increases in Business Information Technology (up 24%), Mechanical Engineering Technology (up 11%), Automotive Technician – Diploma (up 50%), and Manufacturing Technician (up 30%).

In addition to some key program areas, Red River College is also seeing continued growth in its Post-Graduate Diploma programs (up 48%) and a continued increase in the recruitment of international students (up 32 %).

The steady growth at Red River College means the College operates at capacity. This spring Red River College and the Province of Manitoba broke ground on a new 100,000 sq.- ft.,  state-of-the-art Skilled Trades Technology Centre at its Notre Dame Campus, which is set to be completed in 2017.

“Red River College has a central role in the creation of careers in Manitoba and the new Skilled Trades Technology Centre will train up to 1,000 students each year to provide industry with highly-trained employees,” said Vogt. “This new facility will be a key factor to increasing Manitoba’s skilled workforce to 75,000 by 2020.”

Over the next few weeks’ enrolment will fluctuate as numbers from Continuing Education programs, Regional Campuses and Apprenticeship programs are tabulated.

Annually, Red River College offers more than 200 full-and part-time degree, diploma, post-graduate 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 collaborating with industry to conduct research and ensure curriculum remains up-to-date.

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Young Manitobans who want to work as engineers will soon have more opportunities to enter the faculty of engineering thanks to $500,000 in new funding from the province that will create 18 new seats and a new hybrid pathway between the University of Manitoba and Red River College, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.

“Civil, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineers are in demand in our province and increasing the number of engineering graduates is necessary to create more good jobs and keep our economy growing,” Premier Selinger said.

The University of Manitoba (U of M) is the only institution in the province to offer accredited engineering degrees and the current seat capacity in the program is 336.

“The faculty of engineering at the University of Manitoba is in high-demand – attracting the best and brightest students from Manitoba and beyond,” said Dr. David T. Barnard, president and vice-chancellor.  “This investment ultimately will enable us to graduate more engineers, responding to a real and pressing need in our province.”

Undergraduate engineering enrolment has increased by 48 per cent at the U of M since 2008, Barnard noted.

The new hybrid engineering pathway will be introduced over several academic years through collaborative efforts between the University of Manitoba and Red River College (RRC), supporting increased credit transfer and recognition of prior experience for hybrid engineering students.

“Red River College is proud of the quality of its graduates and we welcome opportunities for them to further their education as a result of this pathway program with the University of Manitoba,” said Paul Vogt, president and CEO, Red River College.  “When you combine the experience our students receive from both institutions, it’s a recipe for success that will have a considerable benefit to many industries here in Manitoba.”

Once fully established, this new hybrid pathway will transition between 10 and 15 hybrid engineering students annually from RRC and other post-secondary institutions to U of M engineering degree programs.

“Engineers provide services that drive our economy,” said John Bockstael, president and CEO, Bockstael Construction, and graduate of the faculty of engineering at the University of Manitoba.  “It’s important that we provide opportunities for our students to receive a first-rate education in their home province where they can then build careers and contribute to our economy.”

Over the past 15 years, enrolment in Manitoba universities has grown 42 per cent overall, the premier said, adding enrolment in colleges has grown 52 per cent and apprenticeship placements have more than tripled.

Both of the initiatives build on the province’s commitment to provide more seamless pathways to career opportunities for Manitoba students and prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow including:

• working with schools, colleges and universities to ensure there are no wrong doors in education and a seamless transition between high school and post-secondary education;
• investing in shops classes and equipment so that students taking high school shops programs get their apprenticeship-certified first year of college instructions for free while still in high school;
• investing in dual-credit programs so students earn both high school and university credits in high school to get a head start on university; and
• hiring career development co-ordinators to work with schools, colleges and universities to help students find co-op and job opportunities while in high school.

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On September 9th there will be a battle of delicious proportions in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, that will pit Red River College’s (RRC) award-winning Chef Tim Appleton against Winnipeg Police Chief Devon Clunis, to see who has the best Jerk Chicken Recipe.

Annually, Chief Clunis hosts a Jerk Chicken event for members of the Winnipeg Police Service to raise money for the WPS Endowment Fund, and after meeting Chef Appleton and exchanging culinary taunts; Chef Appleton served Chief Clunis a grilled habanero pepper and that resulted in a challenge – a Jerk Chicken Cook-off.

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Red River College’s (RRC) Board of Governors announced today that Mr. Paul Vogt will join Red River College as the institution’s fifth President and CEO effective August 17, 2015.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Paul Vogt to Red River College,” said Lloyd Schreyer, Chair, Board of Governors, Red River College. “Paul’s extensive background as an administrator and public service leader and his contributions to education policy in Manitoba will be an asset as Red River College continues to evolve and grow as a leading post-secondary institution in Manitoba.”

Paul Vogt was head of the public service in Manitoba for eight years. He joins Red River College after serving as an Executive in Residence at the University of Manitoba and advising on the development of a multi-year post-secondary education strategy for Manitoba. He also helped to establish the province’s new Advisory Committee on Advanced Education.

“While Paul’s extensive background is well-suited for institutional leadership, his relationships within the community are key to driving strategic planning initiatives with various stakeholders who contribute to the mission of the College,” said Schreyer. “I look forward to working with Paul as the College continues to prepare skilled graduates to drive Manitoba’s economy.”

Education has been a fundamental part of Paul’s career. After completing his B.A. (Honors) in Political Studies at the University of Manitoba, he earned a Rhodes Scholarship and pursued graduate study at Oxford (where he earned an MPhil Politics degree) and Princeton University.  Following his studies he returned to Manitoba to begin a career as an educator and public servant.

Over the past 25 years, Paul taught at the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg and Canadian Mennonite University. He has lectured on a wide range of subjects, including public administration and governance, Canadian politics, political theory, feminist theory and economics.

From 1999 to 2005 Paul served as Policy Secretary to Cabinet for the Government of Manitoba, and from 2005 to 2013 he served as Clerk of the Executive Council and Cabinet Secretary. He was a Visiting Scholar at the University of Manitoba in 2013/14 and taught in the University of Manitoba’s and University of Winnipeg’s Masters in Public Administration program.

“Education is the cornerstone to create a thriving economy,” said Paul Vogt. “I am honoured to join Red River College, an institution that plays a critical role in our community with a proud past and bright future. By building on the College’s impressive track record and working with dedicated employees, labour and government, I am excited by the opportunity we collectively share to continue to evolve creating rewarding and engaging opportunities for students, staff, and faculty at Red River.”

External to his post-secondary contributions, Paul’s community and industry impacts are notable. He was the 2013 recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for Public Service, the 2014 recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration and the 2015 recipient of the University of Manitoba’s Distinguished Service Award.

He has served on the United Way Cabinet, the Board of the International Institute for Sustainable Development, and the Advisory Council to the Dean of Science at the University of Manitoba. Paul has also served on a number of scholarship and awards committees, including the Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee, the Loran Scholarship Selection Committee, the Order of Manitoba Advisory Council and the selection committee for the Public Service Excellence Awards.

He currently serves as the Chair of the Governance Committee of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy Board, the Fort Whyte Foundation Board and the 2017 Canada Games Committee.

Red River College (RRC) shall pay tribute to two community leaders and passionate Manitobans at RRC’s spring convocation ceremony held June 9 – 10, 2015 at the Centennial Concert Hall where 2600 RRC students will celebrate graduation.

Honorary Diploma recipients this year are President & CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Dave Angus (Business Administration), and local Winnipeg Radio Host and community advocate Mr. Ace Burpee (Creative Communications).

“Both recipients are leaders in their community; their contributions are widely known and well respected,” said David Rew, Interim President & CEO, Red River College. “On behalf of the Board of Governors and the Awards Committee, I congratulate both individuals for their outstanding contributions to our community and for their work as advocates for Red River College.”

Mr. Angus has been a long-standing fixture in Winnipeg’s business community, having served as the Chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and as the President and CEO since 1999. Under his leadership the Winnipeg Chamber has increased its membership to the highest level in its history and has been recognized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce as an Accredited Chamber with Distinction. ++

Mr. Angus also played an instrumental role in bringing a World Trade Centre to Winnipeg; establishing Leadership Winnipeg, Yes! Winnipeg and the BOLD initiative: a grassroots public policy campaign designed to mobilize the community behind forward-thinking BOLD ideas to increase prosperity in the City.

Mr. Burpee has been a celebrity and leader in Winnipeg’s broadcast industry for more than a decade and is well known for the hundreds of charitable events and causes, both local and international, that he donates his time to every year.

Through his tireless efforts Mr. Burpee has helped raise millions of dollars for countless charities and has helped bring awareness surrounding many important social and community issues.

Mr. Burpee’s community work has earned him many national and community-based awards including the Queen’s Diamond Jubliee Medal, the Hero of Mental Health Award, and the Volunteer Manitoba Award for Outstanding Community Leadership and last year he was recognized as a Manitoba Hero.

Mr. Burpee is the current host of The Ace Burpee Show on 103.1 Virgin Radio, a columnist with Metro Winnipeg, and the host of The Great Tastes of Manitoba.

The honorees will receive their diplomas at convocation ceremonies taking place Wednesday, June 10 at the Centennial Concert Hall.

To learn more about RRC’s convocation ceremonies visit: www.rrc.ca/convocation

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 →