Even more Manitobans will have the opportunity to earn an engineering degree without leaving the province, thanks to an expanded partnership between RRC Polytech and the University of Manitoba (UM).

The two post-secondary institutions have finalized a new set of articulation agreements that significantly expand pathway options for Engineering Technology graduates seeking to pursue an engineering degree. The agreements build on a partnership announced last spring, and further strengthen collaboration that supports learners on their academic journey and workforce development in Manitoba.

“When post secondary institutions build on each other’s strengths, we create pathways that are stronger, more flexible and more accessible than any of us could offer alone,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “These partnerships allow us to provide the complementary learning opportunities our province needs — ensuring students, communities and industry all benefit from a more connected and collaborative education ecosystem.

“RRC Polytech is committed to working with our partners to strengthen and grow Manitoba’s workforce — bringing together our shared expertise to ensure learners can thrive.”

Under the new agreements, graduates of several RRC Polytech Engineering Technology programs are now eligible for entry into all undergraduate programs within UM’s Price Faculty of Engineering. This expansion opens additional career and academic opportunities for recent graduates — and those who have graduated within the past 10 years — who are currently in the early stages of their career and looking to advance their credentials.

The newly completed agreements extend pathways to Biosystems, Electrical and Computer Engineering, joining Mechanical and Civil Engineering, which were announced in May 2025. Read More →

Today, RRC Polytech and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) Local 73 celebrated the signing of an agreement that puts change into action to decolonize and enhance equity and inclusion within the Polytech’s Collective Agreement.

This collaboration — the first of its kind — represents a new and transformative approach to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action within labour relations and the collective bargaining process. What sets it apart is the intentional approach rooted in Indigenous knowledge and ways of being, guided by a Knowledge Keeper and supported by both RRC Polytech and MGEU.

“The signing reflects the collaborative work of RRC Polytech and MGEU to live our shared values, advancing Truth and Reconciliation organizationally and within Manitoba,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“This process stands out across Canada, setting a precedent for other post-secondary institutions by aligning with Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement (TRCE) and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA), honouring Indigenous Knowledge Protocols, and fostering leadership, mentorship and systemic change at the Polytech.”

To review RRC Polytech’s collective agreement, a joint Truth and Reconciliation Working Group was established through an expression of interest, comprised of eight staff and faculty representing both parties.

Guided by Kookum Barbara Bruce’s teachings, ceremony and wisdom, the group ensured the process moved forward in a good way, grounded in Indigenous Knowledge Protocols. Using priority-setting and Design Thinking — a non-linear, iterative process that reflects true Indigenous engagement — the working group developed recommendations under key themes for the collective agreement. Read More →

Today, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) announced a $3.3-million investment that will expand applied research capacity at RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC), helping local manufacturers and businesses in sectors vital to Manitoba’s economy to address gaps in their ability to innovate on the path toward zero emissions.

“Building a stronger, more competitive Canadian economy means investing in the Prairies’ unique strengths,” said the Hon. Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, in a news release.

“Our new government is helping Manitoba’s heavy equipment and vehicle sector innovate, adopt new technologies and create good jobs for workers and opportunities for local business. Together we are strengthening Canada’s clean industrial economy and ensuring we build Canada strong.”

The federal investment will help establish the Innovation Garage at RRC Polytech, in partnership with the Vehicle Technology Centre — a non-profit that works to accelerate Manitoba’s heavy equipment and vehicle (HEV) manufacturing cluster — the province, and private-sector partners. The funding is in addition to the $3.3-million investment made by the provincial government.

“This investment builds on the strength of Manitoba’s heavy equipment and vehicle sector, which exports around the world and supports thousands of good jobs right here at home,” said the Hon. Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation, in a news release.

“By partnering with industry and RRC Polytech, we’re helping companies adopt new technologies, scale up and bring more made-in-Manitoba innovations to the global market.”

The Innovation Garage is a flexible project space that will enable academic researchers and industry partners to work together to advance research and development of processes and products that support the HEV sector and accelerate the province’s transition to a low carbon economy.

It will feature leading-edge equipment, tools and technology, including a microgrid lab focused on energy innovation and HEV infrastructure, and a hydrogen and fuel cell lab to advance clean propulsion systems and other new technologies. Read More →

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just shaping the future — it’s reshaping the present. From health care to manufacturing, from marketing to software development, AI is transforming how we work, create and make decisions.

In this rapidly changing landscape, RRC Polytech is equipping students and professionals with the tools and confidence they need to keep pace with innovation — and lead it.

As Manitoba’s polytechnic, RRC Polytech’s programs pivot on one central idea: education should respond to industry change, not chase it. That philosophy is baked into every education and training offering, where flexibility, practical learning and direct links to employers ensure students can adapt to the evolving demands of today’s technology-driven workforce.

Learning for the Real World

“Technology doesn’t stand still, and neither do we,” says Fred Meier, RRC Polytech’s President and CEO. “We constantly update our curriculum to reflect what’s happening in the workplace. AI is no longer something you learn about in isolation — it’s woven into everything.”

That’s clear across RRC Polytech’s technology programs. Students in Application Development and Delivery gain hands-on experience building software solutions that increasingly integrate AI-powered features such as automation, predictive analytics and natural language interfaces.

Meanwhile, the Data Science and Machine Learning program takes learners beyond theory, training them to turn raw data into meaningful insights — a skill that’s in high demand across nearly every sector. Graduates don’t just understand the tools of AI: they understand how to apply them ethically and effectively to solve real-world problems. Read More →

This evening, RRC Polytech will name Tessa Potter, an Emmy award-winning broadcast technician, the recipient of its 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award.

The award, which recognizes the remarkable personal and professional achievements of RRC Polytech alumni, will be formally presented at an event marking the 60th anniversary of the Electrical Engineering Technology program.

Potter graduated from the program’s Electronic Engineering specialization in 2000 and has since built a distinguished career in television, radio and live broadcasting, earning two Sports Emmy Awards for her work behind the camera at the 2022 Beijing and 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“Tessa’s career shows how far a polytechnic education can take you, particularly in technical industries,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“Tessa has built an incredible career through collaboration, hard work and continuous learning, which are all qualities that reflect her character and RRC Polytech’s values. We’re proud to count Tessa among our alumni and pleased to recognize her with this award.”

Potter works as a Senior Broadcast Technician at SBL Engineering and as a Broadcast Liaison with True North Sports + Entertainment, where she’s been supporting NHL and AHL broadcasts for over a decade. She balances these roles with broadcast contracts for major international sporting events, such as the UEFA EURO Finals, FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.

“I’m surprised, but also proud to be acknowledged as a worker who has taken my education and turned it into a career that has been valuable, given me the ability to look after my family and filled my days with challenge, intrigue and some really great people,” says Potter.

“Working in a field like electronics, the range of places where your skills can be applied is really wide. I now understand the importance of that fundamental knowledge even more than I did at the time.” Read More →

As governments, industry and academia work collectively to strengthen Canada’s economy, RRC Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics is proud to launch the new Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT) — a vital solution designed to drive technology adoption across the sector while training the workforce of tomorrow.

Serving as a hub to connect business and industry with applied research, innovation, technology transfer and talent, CAMTT will strengthen our workforce and economy by helping small and medium-scale enterprises in Manitoba address productivity through automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and mechatronics.

By leading collaborative projects as they upskill and reskill in their careers, students at the Price Institute will gain valuable experience solving real-world challenges.

“CAMTT is a collaborative workspace where industry and academic partners can work together to bridge gaps by accelerating the acquisition and adoption of existing and emerging technology,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“Our students will not only hone their skills by leading applied research projects — their insight, energy and expertise will lead to innovative solutions that support Manitoba businesses in today’s competitive global market.”

CAMTT is the first of its kind in Manitoba, with a new working space that can connect faculty, students and partners anywhere in the world. Manufacturers-in-residence will effectively guide teams dedicated to each venture as they experiment to perfect new concepts and processes under a shared vision. Read More →

There’s a meaningful new addition to the flags that fly on the front lawn at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus. This morning, in recognition of the International Week of Deaf People and the International Day of Sign Languages, the Polytech raised the Deaf Flag for the first time in its history, following a short ceremony open to the community.

“Today is a wonderful celebration of our values in action,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO. “RRC Polytech strives to be a place where all members of our community can learn, work and thrive. Our hope is that through raising this flag, we are sending a powerful message to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community that they are welcome and supported on our campuses.”

Deaf staff and faculty members initially raised the idea of flying the flag to demonstrate the Polytech’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, and to show all members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community that they have a place at RRC Polytech.

“The Deaf Flag is a symbol of unity and inclusiveness, making the timing of today’s event all the more significant as we welcomed the return of the ASL-English Interpretation program to RRC Polytech this fall,” says Cheryle Broszeit, an instructor at RRC Polytech.

The ASL (American Sign Language)-English Interpretation program recently underwent an academic transformation of its content, design and delivery to better meet the emerging needs of learners and the community and was led by feedback from the Deaf and interpreting communities. This fall, there are nine students enrolled in the renewed program.

“The ASL-English Interpretation program underscores the value of the connection between the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and interpreting communities,” says Broszeit. “The new and improved program now has a stronger foundation for our students, so they can begin their careers as interpreters confidently and competently once they graduate.” Read More →

The decision to enter a career in nursing is a noble and compassionate endeavor. For 62 recent alumni from RRC Polytech’s Nurse Re-Entry Program (NREP), that decision was something they’ve committed to twice.

Today, a celebration was held at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae to recognize the individuals who have completed the program since 2024, qualifying them to write their National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses through the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM) and return to the profession as practicing nurses.

“These alumni are a reflection of the commitment RRC Polytech shares with the Province of Manitoba to strengthening the province’s health-care system and supporting nurses in returning to active practice,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

“Through targeted gap training and hands-on learning, RRC Polytech is proud to help nurses meet the CRNM’s entry-level competencies and rejoin the workforce with confidence. This program is not just about education – it’s about empowering skilled individuals to make a meaningful impact in our communities.”

NREP is composed of a series of courses that support nurses previously registered and trained — in Manitoba, across Canada or internationally — to gain the skills and competencies needed to return to active practice. Students review current nursing theories, skills and practices while integrating new knowledge and innovations.

The program has three cohorts per academic year and accepts up to 30 students per intake.

“It is always inspiring to meet students who have a passion for helping others and who choose to dedicate their lives to a career in health care,” says Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Community Services, RRC Polytech.

“The nurses we are celebrating have overcome great obstacles and shown pure determination and perseverance to get where they are today. I am confident they will be successful leaders in nursing roles across the province and will join a great team of RRC Polytech nursing alumni who make a difference in Manitoba, each and every day.” Read More →

RRC Polytech is bringing down costs for Canadians and helping them get ahead by continuing to grow its critical role in Canada’s low-carbon transition, along with its capacity to train the workforce of today and tomorrow.

An established research leader in clean energy, EV and battery technology and sustainable construction, RRC Polytech is unleashing the power of pan-Canadian collaboration to make housing more affordable, catalyze change in the construction sector and create new jobs in the skilled trades.

With support from a $11.3 million investment from the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, RRC Polytech is joining its Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) partners in a national green construction training initiative to upskill and reskill Canadians to build and retrofit homes and buildings that reduce energy consumption in pursuit of the ambitious targets of net-zero emissions by 2050 and a net-zero electricity system by 2035.

Home to Manitoba’s only Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre, RRC Polytech will use the funds announced last week to drive economic growth while helping Canada meet its climate and housing goals by working with its industry and academic partners to develop and deliver practical, innovative training in sustainable construction.

“This nation-wide training initiative is the latest example of how RRC Polytech’s flexible learning model and vast applied research facilities and expertise — combined with our commitment to foster collaboration with industry, communities and government — uniquely positions us to not only support but to lead the low-carbon transition,” says Fred Meier, RRC Polytech’s President and CEO.

Accessible, industry-aligned training that equips workers with the technical and leadership skills they need to adopt green building practices, create sustainable designs and upgrade existing aging infrastructure will be offered through the Quick Train Canada platform — exclusive to RRC Polytech in Manitoba — with the first intake in Building Science for the Retrofit Sector scheduled for November.

The next phase of available courses will be launched this winter, as funding through the Advancing Access and Skills Training for Green Buildings and Retrofits initiative will be available until March 2028.

“This project-based funding allows us to expand our available suite of clean energy training and share that knowledge with our C2R2 partners while helping to reduce fees for students — making this an affordable choice for local industry leaders to upskill their workforce and for individual learners who want to expand their knowledge to maximize on the opportunities created as the province transitions to a low-carbon economy,” says Jill Latschislaw, Director of Corporate Solutions, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. Read More →

This month, for the first time in its history, RRC Polytech hosted 10 spring convocation ceremonies across the province to celebrate its largest graduating class in three years.

Nearly 3,750 students from the Polytech’s eight Manitoba campuses crossed stages to receive degrees, diplomas and certificates this month. Winnipeg campuses alone saw a 10 per cent increase in graduates compared to spring 2024, with a total of 1,670 grads registering to attend ceremonies last week.

The increase prompted the addition of a fifth ceremony at the RBC Convention Centre, up over four events in the previous year.

“Convocation is a wonderful celebration — not only of our students’ hard work, but for the future of Manitoba, whose workforce is now receiving this influx of thousands of talented, job-ready individuals,” says RRC Polytech President Fred Meier.

“Our role as a polytechnic is to provide students from across the province with the education, skills and support to become industry leaders as soon as they leave our campuses. Graduation numbers have been increasing year to year — a clear demonstration that our commitment to meeting the emerging needs of both students and industry is working.”

RRC Polytech has seen considerable growth in domestic applications year-over-year, with fall 2024 applications rising 14 per cent since 2023, and winter 2025 applications increasing by 29 per cent from the year before. Enrolment numbers for domestic students also jumped by four per cent in fall 2024 from the previous year. Read More →