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

The new partnership provides RRC Polytech grads the opportunity 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 10 College grads 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, and to graduates from the last 10 years.

“This partnership creates an invaluable pathway for graduates … to continue their educational journey right here in Manitoba,” says RRC Polytech President and CEO Fred Meier.

“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.”

A recent report from the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Canada West Foundation noted that over the past decade there have been more people 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,” says Dr. Gerry Price, Chairman and CEO of Price Industries.

“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.”

The 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 and 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 Programs 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,” says Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC Polytech.

“This type of cross-institutional agreement will provide clear steps and support for students to adapt seamlessly from classroom to industry.”

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

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

Applications will close June 1 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.