Six Red River College students were among the Team Manitoba members who picked up medals at last weekend’s Skills Canada National Competition in Saskatchewan.

The students were part of a team of 60 high school, college and apprentice-level participants in the annual Olympic-style competition, which took place May 27-30 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.

All told, Team Manitoba brought home 27 medals — 10 gold, 11 silver and six bronze — from the event, which saw 550 young students and apprentices from across Canada competing in 46 different trades areas.

“I wish to congratulate Team Manitoba on their medals … and also to recognize our staff’s support,” says David Rew, interim president of RRC, which hosted Team Manitoba’s provincial qualifying rounds on April 9 of this year.

“Our College is committed to supporting skilled trades, as not only the host site for the annual Skills Canada Manitoba Competition, but also on a national level, with a large contingent of staff attending and supporting by judging, volunteering and contributing through the National Technical Committee.” Read More →

Red River College earned a bronze award for Innovation in Applied Research this week, during the closing gala of College and Institute Canada’s (CICan) annual conference in Winnipeg.

The award celebrates 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, interim president and CEO of RRC. “What an excellent opportunity to celebrate our research achievements in sustainable technology and design.”

The College’s research collaboration with Manitoba Hydro has focused primarily on green building design and technology, and on the electrification of vehicles. Two of its 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 RRC 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.” Read More →

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

The province will provide matching funds to create the new chair position, which will be called 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,” says David Rew, interim president of RRC. “It’s an excellent show of confidence in SCET, and in our nationally recognized applied research program.”

The new position will support student learning while helping the construction industry 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.

“Being a 40-year veteran of the construction sector, it’s clear that research and innovation are lagging far behind other sectors,” says Charette. “I believe that sustainable infrastructure is what our industry really needs to move toward.” Read More →

A new Skilled Trades and Technology Centre at Red River College will train up to 1,000 students each year for well-paying jobs, and provide industry with the highly-trained employees needed to expand and be competitive in a challenging international economy, it was announced today.

“Manitoba is building like never before and jobs in the skilled trades will be in greater demand as our economy expands,” said Premier Greg Selinger. “We want to provide students with the training they need to begin a great career and build their futures right here at home.”

A $60-million investment in the new 100,000-sq.-ft., state-of-the-art facility will boost trades and technology education space at RRC’s Notre Dame Campus by more than 30 per cent, Selinger said. The centre will be an important hub for the province’s skills training strategy and will be a key factor in increasing Manitoba’s workforce by 75,000 highly-trained people by 2020, the premier added.

“I wish to applaud the Province of Manitoba for continuing to invest in skilled trades and the ongoing investment in Red River College. This new facility will allow us to continue to enhance and expand our offerings in skilled trades education and further allow us to build on our work in many technology sectors,” said Interim RRC President David Rew.

“Not only will the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre further expand our applied learning environment, but it fosters a collaborative approach among many of our program areas that will have a positive impact on our pre-employment training, applied research projects and overall student success.” Read More →

The province has tabled new legislation that would provide Red River College with its own enabling act, and ensure appropriate spending and financial oversight while supporting the College’s mandate.

“Red River College is an essential part of our plan to grow the economy and create opportunities for young people to get the skills they need to get a good job here in Manitoba,” Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum said today.

“The proposed new Red River College act would strengthen the College’s financial oversight and governance, so it can continue to meet the needs of students and industry, and remain an important part of Manitoba’s strong post-secondary education system.”

The standalone legislation would build on the Colleges Act by introducing important measures that will allow RRC to continue to fulfil its mandate. Key elements of the proposed legislation would include: Read More →

Red River College is extending the VIP treatment to its graduates this spring, through a newly-launched promotional campaign that celebrates the achievements of not just our alumni, but also the diverse organizations where they find employment after graduating.

As part of the new campaign, RRC invited employer organizations to partner with them on a creative, co-operative advertising blitz. The cost-sharing model provided an opportunity for industry partners to promote their brands, while also showcasing a VIP (and RRC grad) within their ranks.

“RRC alumni are known throughout Manitoba and the world for possessing the necessary skills to be VIPs in their chosen fields,” says David Rew, interim president at RRC.

“It’s just one of the many reasons RRC Grads Get Hired. 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.”

Appearing this spring throughout Winnipeg and rural Manitoba, the new billboards, bus benches and digital ads feature more then 40 members of RRC’s accomplished alumni community.

“This is an excellent opportunity to partner with RRC and recognize a valued member of our executive team,” says Paul Soubry, president and CEO of New Flyer Industries, whose vice-president of human resources, Janice Harper, is featured on one of this year’s billboards. (See above.)

“Red River College develops skilled grads who are driving Manitoba’s economy, and New Flyer is pleased to provide meaningful employment in our community.”

Visit RRC’s Marketing and Web Presence site for a sneak peek of the full campaign.

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 the College has been recognized with this distinction. The full list of employers for 2015 was announced earlier 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 RRC President. “Equity and inclusion are an integral part of our values that allow the College to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. I know I speak for the entire organization when I say how honoured we are to have [been] recognized with this distinction.”

As part of the College’s submission, many areas were highlighted as initiatives that support an inclusive and open environment, including the College’s LGBTT* Initiative and Mental Health First Aid resources, along with a number of wellness and staff awards, and recognition programming to support staff success and well-being. Read More →

Red River College is giving Manitoba’s electric vehicle (EV) owners a boost, via the recently installed and operational Level 3 (30kW DC) quick charging station, the first of its kind in the province and one of only two dozen or so 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,” says David Rew, interim RRC president. “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 per cent charge in 15-30 minutes; this is compared to a 220/240V Level 2 charger, which can take four to six 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,” says Ray Hoemsen, director of Applied Research and 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. Read More →

Following a comprehensive search, Red River College is pleased to announce Debbie Frankel will take over the role of Vice-President, Finance and Administration, commencing May 19, 2015.

A Certified General Accountant, Frankel joins RRC from the Misericordia Health Centre, where she served as chief financial officer for the past three years, managing a large operating budget with a diverse area of responsibility that included finance, supply chain management, food services, plant services, security and parking and project coordination.

Frankel has an extensive financial background serving Manitoba’s healthcare industry. Her roles have included administrative director, director of finance, and chief administrative officer at the Grace Hospital, as well as director of finance for CancerCare Manitoba.

At RRC, she will serve as chief financial officer and treasurer for the Board of Governors. In her role, she will oversee all aspects of the current Finance and Administration portfolio.

“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Frankel to Red River College’s executive team,” said David Rew, Interim President and CEO. “Her skills and experience will be a tremendous asset to our organization. She brings the necessary expertise and leadership to the College in the areas of finance and administration and we are pleased to welcome such an accomplished and qualified individual to our team.”

In recognition of a generous gift and ongoing support from TransX Group of Companies, Red River College unveiled a plaque today naming a classroom in the organization’s honour at the Heavy Equipment Transportation Centre (HETC).

The newly-named space symbolizes the long-standing partnership between TransX and RRC, which includes support of alumni and student success, and a $100,000 pledge.

TransX joins a host of other industry partners that have supported HETC by providing opportunities for students who graduate from a variety of RRC programs.

“Support from industry partners like TransX assists Red River College in creating opportunities for students that align with industry needs,” says RRC President David Rew. “TransX’s financial and advisory support allows the College to create a state-of-the-art learning facility designed with industry in mind. Our students are the ultimate beneficiaries of their support, and we are grateful for this ongoing partnership.”

Located at RRC’s Notre Dame Campus, HETC boasts 60,000 square feet of classroom and lab space in which students can work on large vehicles representing a variety of industry sectors. Offering modern transportation technology, the facility meets the LEED silver standard in energy efficiency, and is home to four RRC programs: Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic, Outdoor Power Equipment Technician, Transport Trailer Mechanic Apprenticeship and Transport Truck/Bus Apprenticeship.

“We are proud to support a first-class training centre at Red River College that helps promote, attract and train heavy duty technicians for the transportation industry,” says Mike Jones, Vice-President of Operations at TransX. “Our industry relies on highly skilled graduates and we’re proud to partner with RRC to continue to provide these types of opportunities.” Read More →