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News

Engineering technologist receives Distinguished Graduate Award from RRC Polytech

April 27, 2023

A Winnipeg engineering technologist who has been a local, provincial and national leader in his profession has been honoured with the Distinguished Graduate Award from RRC Polytech.

Robert Okabe, CEO and Registrar at the Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM), graduated with a Civil Engineering Technology diploma from RRC Polytech in 1983. His dedication to technicians and technologists, along with his passion for his community and volunteering, has set him apart and made him an outstanding candidate for the College’s highest achievement.

“RRC Polytech is proud to honour Robert Okabe with the Distinguished Graduate Award,” says College President Fred Meier. “His professional achievements truly embody the kind of commitment and leadership we aim to demonstrate to students. His contributions to Manitoba showcase the difference that RRC Polytech graduates make to our province, especially in the profession of applied science and engineering technology.”

Distinguished Graduate Awards honour and recognize the College’s finest graduates — those who have made an impact in their profession and their community through outstanding achievements in one or more of the following areas: humanitarianism, professional excellence and community service.

Okabe was recognized as a Fellow of Engineers Canada FEC in 2019 and as an International Engineering Technologist by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) in 2013. He has served in various positions for the CCTT and the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board.

Okabe is currently a Program Advisory Committee member with RRC Polytech, Assiniboine Community College and University of College of the North, and has provided invaluable guidance and advocacy with the accreditation of RRC Polytech’s engineering technology programs.

He also has a role in all nine of the College’s Engineering Technology Advisory Committees, which provide direction and curriculum support from those working on the ground.

“I am incredibly excited and proud to be receiving this award,” says Okabe. “I believe that giving back to the community is such an important thing I can do as a graduate and am proud to support the next generation. The College provided so much for me in my career, and it’s an honour to be celebrated in this way.” Read More →

RRC Polytech recognizes unsung office heroes on National Administrative Professionals’ Day

April 26, 2023

RRC Polytech is proud to celebrate National Administrative Professionals’ Day, and to recognize the valuable contributions these individuals make in our workplaces.

Staff and students are encouraged to thank the administrative professionals in their lives for the essential work they do here at the College, and across our community.

Celebrated on the Wednesday of the last week of every April, the day recognizes the work of administrative assistants, receptionists and other administrative support professionals.

This year, the day falls on April 26, when the College will host a 2.5-hour professional development session for administrative staff. Participants will discover how they rank in the four primary personality types — dominance, influence, steadiness and conscientiousness — using the popular DiSC tool.

“The administrative professional role is that of a ‘hero’ — supporting efficiency and productivity, providing the technical and administrative support to teams both internally and externally,” says Denis Cordella, Chair of Business and Management for RRC Polytech’s School of Continuing Education.

“They are ‘solution builders’ and proactively make a difference to support goals.” Read More →

RRC Polytech and RBC celebrate Indigenous food, fashion and music

April 19, 2023

In partnership with RBC Future Launch, Indigenous culture takes centre stage today as RRC Polytech students, staff and community members gather for a celebration highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship in Indigenous culture.

Running 1:00–5:00 p.m. at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, Indigenous Food, Fashion and Music: An RBC Reaction by Collision Community Event will showcase Indigenous culture and arts in Winnipeg. As part of RRC Polytech’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, the event will immerse guests in Indigenous culture, as represented by some of the brightest local entrepreneurs, chefs, designers and performers.

“Representation and celebration of Indigenous culture is an important way to let Indigenous students, staff and community members know they are welcome here and they belong at RRC Polytech,” says College President Fred Meier.

“When RRC Polytech connects with partners like RBC, amazing things can happen. This is the second year we’ve had the pleasure of hosting the RBC Reaction by Collision Event in-person, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank RBC for choosing to support RRC Polytech students.”

Event highlights will include a haute couture fashion show, delectable cuisine from local chefs, a crafter’s market with local artisans and music provided by Juno nominees Indian City. Featured guests include Brownees Urban Bistro, Feast Café Bistro, Olivia Nasikapow, Gayle Grubin, Dawn Harris, OGICHIDAA, and many others.

Miranda Harper, an RRC Polytech grad and drummer in the local rock band Venus Man Trap, is taking part in the event’s panel and looks forward to sharing her experience as an Indigenous musician with students and community members.

“We’re showing future Indigenous generations that they’re welcome here, that there’s space for them to innovate and be bold,” Harper says. “I get inspired when young people ask me questions, either about my experience as a musician or about my career in commercial banking. It’s important for me to share the path and journey I went on to get to where I am and hopefully motivate others to do the same.” Read More →

Indigenous Culinary students savour world-class training opportunity

April 4, 2023

A world-class event, a thousand hungry attendees, and seven eager first-year Indigenous Culinary Skills students from RRC Polytech were among the ingredients making up a true recipe for success, served up in downtown Winnipeg last month.

Opportunity knocked when organizers of last month’s International Indigenous Tourism Conference reached out to the College looking for help in feeding visitors to the RBC Convention Centre who were attending the largest Indigenous tourism event in the world.

Chef Patrick Anderson, an Indigenous Culinary Skills instructor at the College, didn’t have to do much to convince his current class members to step up and show off their skills. All seven first-year students immediately volunteered and even organized their own carpool to ensure they didn’t miss the chance of a lifetime — to work in the kitchen at a massive international event preparing upscale traditional dishes and learning from world-renowned top chefs.

“Our students got to work shoulder-to-shoulder with 11 of the most accomplished Indigenous chefs from all over North America, helping them make 650 portions of some of the most well thought-out and delicious Indigenous dishes,” says Anderson.

“Even I was blown away by all the amazing flavors they developed and served. This menu was proof that Indigenous cuisine is so much more than bannock, berries and smoked meat.”

Although cooking for convention attendees was a first-time experience for most of the students, they leaned on their training, their mentors and each other to embrace the moment and perform to rave reviews.

By the end of the night, their confidence was off the charts as they enjoyed samples of their work and even danced a few friendly jigs with event coordinators and guest chefs in celebration.

Culinary Skills students cooking at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference“It was a really useful experience,” says Culinary Skills student Belinda Johnson. “I’d been to conferences before when I worked in health care, but being able to help prep and plate next to these chefs was so exciting.”

The professional chefs could not stop raving to instructors about how diligent and skilled the students were. A few of the students even received job offers out of the experience.

“Our team did not look like first-year culinary students at this event — they acted like graduates,” says Anderson.

“They worked like experienced cooks that have an incredibly bright future ahead of them. One of the coordinators came up to me and told me she believes the future of the Indigenous culinary industry is very bright knowing there are programs like ours.”

College forges bond with CWB Welding Foundation to host Women of Steel™ program

March 31, 2023

RRC Polytech is partnering with the CWB Welding Foundation to remove barriers for women pursuing careers in the trades, by introducing the Women of Steel™: Forging Forward Program.

The tuition-free offering will foster personal growth and confidence by providing experiential learning for anyone who identifies as female and is interested in exploring welding or working in other welding-related skilled trades.

“Creating more pathways and opportunities for women and members of equity-deserving groups in our community to pursue rewarding and prosperous careers in the skilled trades industry is a key priority for RRC Polytech, and for our industry partners,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO.

“We are proud to be one of 14 hosts for the Women of Steel™ program in Canada and to partner with the CWB Welding Foundation, because by working together, we are pushing for progress, removing barriers to access and participation in the welding industry, and reinforcing the fact that a career in the trades is one that anyone and everyone can enjoy and excel at.”

Women of Steel™ runs May 1 to Aug. 25, with in-person training to be hosted at RRC Polytech’s Skilled Trades and Technology Centre. The 17-week pre-employment program (15 weeks of training, two of work placements) will deliver practical theory, hands-on welding training and skills development in a safe and supportive environment.

Shorter training periods will be used to familiarize participants with a number of welding processes, giving them the ability to obtain multiple CWB welding qualifications in various positions and making them ready for apprenticeship, post-secondary and employment. Read More →

Micro-credentials, maximum impact: Quick Train courses contribute to cleaner, more inclusive economy

February 22, 2023

Manitoba’s only polytechnic is ready to boost Canada’s resilient recovery, with the introduction of Quick Train Canada, a fully funded series of micro-credentials from post-secondary institutions throughout the country.

RRC Polytech is part of a coalition of Canadian colleges, polytechnics and cégeps, called Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2), that worked together to secure federal funding for this important training initiative, and is the only Manitoba institution to offer Quick Train courses.

C2R2 formally launched Quick Train at Mohawk College in Hamilton this morning, with the announcement of a $46.5-million investment from the federal government’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.

“One of our strengths as a polytechnic is offering agile, relevant training that empowers people to excel in their fields,” says Dr. Christine Watson (shown above, third from left), RRC Polytech’s Vice-President, Academic.

“This funding creates access to important upskilling and re-skilling opportunities throughout their careers, ensuring Manitoba has a workforce that contributes to a more sustainable and equitable economy.”

Quick Train programming is designed to enable workers and employers to update their skills quickly through multi-week, virtual and in-person learning. Each of the 14 C2R2 institutions offers

Quick Train courses specific to their areas of expertise, all of which support Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy while fostering equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Through this partnership, Manitobans have access to Quick Train micro-credentials from C2R2 institutions across the country. Many courses are offered in-person for local learners, while others are entirely virtual. Read More →

RRC Polytech opens doors to thousands of potential students

February 21, 2023

RRC Polytech will welcome more than 3,000 prospective students tomorrow for Open Doors, its first in-person open house event since 2020.

“After two years of virtual events, we’re thrilled to once again open our doors to future students to introduce the many options available to them through a polytechnic education,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President, Academic.

“The landscape of work is ever-changing, and employers are seeking a diverse workforce. Open Doors gives us the chance to demonstrate how diversity drives innovation at RRC Polytech. We’re transforming our learning model, in part to address changes in the workforce, to prepare our students for the future of work.”

RRC Polytech is hosting 13 program-specific tours at the Notre Dame Campus and four at the Exchange District Campus, giving potential students a firsthand glimpse at the College’s equipment and facilities.

The Open Doors’ Exhibition Hall at the Notre Dame Campus will feature information booths where attendees can connect one-on-one with staff and instructors to learn more about RRC Polytech programs, campuses and supports.

“We know how important it is to create exposure to RRC Polytech early on, so we’ve been going out into the community to meet potential students where they’re at,” says student recruitment officer Clint Thiessen. “Now, we’re looking forward to welcoming these students onto our campuses to give them a taste of what they can expect from a polytechnic experience.

“RRC Polytech prepares students for today’s workforce because they learn from industry-trained faculty, on the latest equipment, and in environments similar to what they’ll find on the job.”

In addition to full- and part-time learning, RRC Polytech is increasing its micro-credential and flexible learning opportunities to provide more options to learners at any stage in their journey — whether they’re at the beginning of their career, or they’re upskilling or re-skilling as a mature student.

Open Doors – RRC Polytech’s Open House takes place Wed., Feb. 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. For more information, visit rrc.ca/opendoors.

For more information about RRC Polytech programs, visit rrc.ca/explore.

Early child development resource continues to grow with global reach

February 3, 2023

It started as a way to reduce the gap between research and early childhood education.

Today, RRC Polytech’s Science of Early Child Development (SECD) initiative has impacted the work of early childhood educators (ECEs), both here in Canada and on a global scale.

“Over the past few decades, there has been an explosion of neuroscience research that has increased our understanding of early brain development,” says Dr. Rob Santos, Chair of the Research department in the College’s School of Health Sciences and Community Services.

“These discoveries show that how a child’s brain develops, even before birth, is influenced by the environment and experiences surrounding the child, setting the foundation of lifelong health, learning and wellness.”

SECD began as a partnership between RRC Polytech and the Atkinson Centre at the University of Toronto. Later, the Aga Khan Development Network provided funding to the College to adapt SECD and create an international edition.

The resource is what’s known as a “dynamic knowledge mobilization initiative” — essentially, bridging complex research on understanding early brain development and using that research in resources and courses that professionals and students can easily understand. Read More →

Reinvented irrigation wheel ready to hit market with help from TACAM

January 31, 2023

It’s not often you can say you literally reinvented the wheel, but Matt Waldner of Cascade Manufacturing has that distinction.

Waldner, with ongoing support from the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) at RRC Polytech, is set to bring a low-maintenance, all-steel bolted wheel for irrigation systems to market this year.

Cascade, a company located in MacGregor, Man., that specializes in the design and fabrication of agricultural irrigation products, has been in business for 15 years and has been working on the bolted wheel since 2018.

Cascade’s all-steel wheel solves the age-old problem of deflated tires. The typical agricultural irrigation system you’d see from the highway uses that more classic definition of the wheel — with steel rims and an air-filled rubber tire, connected to the system by a nomadic pivot.

However, these wheels — as anyone who takes a spring drive through the city knows — are prone to losing pressure, wearing out and cracking over time under heavy use. This is where the all-steel wheel comes in.

“Nomadic pivots work really great, except for the issue of rubber degradation causing a maintenance issue,” says Waldner. “It might be three or 15 years, but within that time, the rubber will degrade and start to go flat in the middle of the field. With steel, we wanted to eliminate that integrity factor for flat wheels.”

Read More →

RRC Polytech rises to 11th place in ranking of Canadian research colleges

January 27, 2023

RRC Polytech is once again one of Canada’s top research institutions, as announced earlier this week in Re$earch Infosource’s annual ranking of the country’s top 50 research colleges. The College jumped three spots from last year’s 14th place position.

RRC Polytech ranks first in the prairies in the category Spotlight on College Research Activity – Medium Tier, and third for research partnerships nationwide. The College completed 93 applied research projects in the 2021 fiscal year.

“Partnerships are at the heart of everything we do at RRC Polytech,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“We work with industry every day to come up with innovative, sustainable solutions to business problems. Thanks to the support from our partners in the community, industry and government, we can continue to make positive change here in Manitoba and throughout the country.

“This national recognition reinforces that ground-breaking work doesn’t happen in a silo. It takes a community of creative staff, students and industry partners to achieve the results that place us so high on this list.”

An ongoing partnership between RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen, Prairie Fava — a Glenboro, Man.-based food startup — and Big Mountain Foods, a Vancouver-based innovator of plant-based consumer packaged goods, that resulted in an award-winning product is just one example of the innovative collaborations completed in the last year.

Another is a recent building airtightness test at Gordon Bell High School completed by RRC Polytech’s Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC) that will help the high school reduce energy costs by 50 per cent. Read More →

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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