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News

Veteran cop to teach new course after ‘writing the book’ on modern law enforcement

October 25, 2018

Staff Sgt. Bob Chrismas, a 30-year veteran of the Winnipeg Police Service, is the newly hired instructor of Red River College’s Justice and Public Safety program, available by part-time delivery, with select courses available online.

“They (the College) reached out to me. They said they needed an instructor for a course called Policing in the 21st Century,” says Chrismas, now 56.

“I called back and said ‘Are you kidding? I literally wrote the book.’”

He’s not kidding. In 2013, McGill-Queen’s University Press published Chrismas’ book Canadian Policing in the 21st Century: A Frontline Officer on Challenges and Changes. It was the runner up for best non-fiction at the 2014 Manitoba Book Awards.

Like the book, RRC’s Policing in the 21st Century course will examine the history of policing and changes in policing philosophy, while also exploring what law enforcement may look like in the future.

“My passion that’s developed within the police service is trying to be more proactive and preventative. You get a much better bang for your buck out of crime prevention in the long run. With reacting, you’re often not addressing the root of the problem. You’re just reacting and arresting people.”

Learn more about Bob Chrismas here.

Red River College launches Empower Training Series: applied learning for everyone in every organization

September 21, 2018

These words from Confucius ring true: “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”

Learning is a continuous and fascinating journey, and the pinnacle of learning is the application of that newfound knowledge, putting what we have learned into action.

Learning does not stop after graduation; in fact, learning becomes even more prevalent once we enter the workforce and continuously evolves as businesses and industries change according to the demands of our local, national and global landscapes. The question that begs to be asked is: are all organizations equipped with the resources to effectively compete in these environments within a culture that breeds a strong, competent team?

Red River College (RRC) understands the importance of continuous learning, whether one is a student, a working professional or a skilled tradesperson. The College also realizes the challenges that exist when resources, in any capacity, are limited and effective training may not be available. In recognizing this need in the market, solutions can be found in RRC’s highly specialized abilities to “help your organization leverage its constrained resources to develop a culture of unrestrained innovation,” says Bill Rutherford, Corporate Solutions Manager at Red River College. It’s the perfect marriage of sharing educational resources to empower individuals to enhance and improve their organizations, here in our community and beyond!

The excitement that has fuelled this idea is now the strength behind the launch of the Empower Training Series. There is no set definition of the Empower Training Series and that’s the beauty of it. This series is completely customizable to enhance your team’s development by providing applied solutions to address emerging business trends.

Read More →

RRC celebrated second factory trained technician class

September 19, 2018

On August 29, Red River College (RRC) celebrated its second class of Peterbilt Technician Institute (PTI) students. All eight students are ready to start their careers as certified technicians with a Peterbilt service location or directly with a Peterbilt customer across Canada.

This class also marks Peterbilt’s 51st class in North America.

The Institute is a manufacturer-paid training initiative offered to graduates of RRC’s Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic program, and to those interested in advancing their skills to become certified Peterbilt technicians.

With the continued success of the Institute, RRC and Peterbilt anticipate continued interest and increased enrolment in the next two sessions, scheduled for June and September of 2019.

Learn more about the Institute offered at the College – the only location in Canada offering this unique training opportunity. See the classroom, lab and equipment here.

Congratulations to our students and their families!

Awards, bursaries and scholarships available for part-time students

August 9, 2018

Did you know that Continuing Education offers a range of awards for part-time students?

Throughout the academic year, Red River College assists students by administering awards, bursaries and scholarships from both corporate and private donors. These awards cover the specific requests of the donors and are intended to assist students who have shown outstanding abilities in academic or vocational areas and/or are in need of financial assistance.

We encourage you to review the complete list of awards and apply for all scholarships that you may be eligible for.

Student and machine learning merge through new courses at RRC

August 8, 2018

Learning and Red River College have always gone hand in hand. The difference in today’s environment is that students and machines are often learning at the same time.

Case in point: Red River College will launch two new courses this fall that both involve artificial intelligence — Python Essentials (Oct. 16 to Dec. 18, 2018) and Machine Learning with Python (Jan. 8 to March 19, 2019). According to Haider Al-Saidi, chair of RRC’s Applied Computer Education (ACE) department, the additions are in response to massive industry demand and a wide range of business applications.

“Machine learning has become an integral part of countless industries,” says Al-Saidi. “From game development to marketing, from air traffic control to self-driving cars and everything in between, we’re asking machines to analyze massive data and to make decisions based on that information. Understanding how those systems work is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.” Read More →

Fall Term is open for registration

June 18, 2018

You can now register for Fall term classes. Many sections fill up fast so check on the online catalogue to ensure to your spot.

Review the Program Guide to see what courses are required in each program. Always review the online schedule as new sections may be added.

Youth Recreation Activity Worker grads are ready to give back

June 13, 2018

On May 24, 12 students have successfully completed the Youth Recreation Activity Worker (YRAW) program, and are ready to provide inner-city youth with healthy recreational activities and serve as positive role models.

Each year, Red River College (RRC) and Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg partner to train individuals — many of whom face socio-economic barriers themselves — to work with inner city youth as recreational leaders. The nine-month program is designed for individuals ages 18-29, who live in or around Winnipeg’s inner city, and face barriers to obtaining their post-secondary education.

Graduates of the program find jobs with Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg, other inner city youth agencies, or as childhood educators and teachers’ aides. Other grads continue their studies in RRC’s Youth and Child Care diploma program or go on to university.

This program has been changing participants’ lives for 16 years. Two grads from the 2018 class, Paul McLean and Sappfyre McLeod, share parts of their graduation speeches on what this program has meant for them. Read More →

Picture Perfect at the Skills Manitoba Competition

June 4, 2018

Joe Kerr (Instructor), Min Kim (silver medalist), Heather Beckstead (gold medalist) and Rodney Braun (Lead Instructor)

A picture is worth a thousand words. The story, emotions, creativity and energy that can be captured in a photograph proves this fact, and the observer can identify, appreciate and enjoy the captivating work-of-art. This passion is what fuels photographers to bring their photos to life in creative visions.

The 21st annual Skills Manitoba Competition was held on April 12 at Red River College (RRC’s) Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. Over 475 students, from high school, post-secondary and apprenticeship programs, competed in 42 different skilled trades and technology challenges in six industry sectors. Achieving a medal at this level is no easy feat!

Two of RRC’s Professional Photography students participated in this competition and came out on top! Taking home the gold and silver medals in photography were Heather Beckstead and Min Kim, respectively. Congratulations on an impressive accomplishment!

Their challenge in this competition was to take three images that depicted document usage, oral communication and a mystery object. Participants were armed with a campus map of the various trades and technology events taking place, and were given the autonomy to choose an area, such as bricklaying, cabinet making or automotive, where their first two images could be captured. Read More →

Emerging Writers Launch: Readings from RRC creative writing students

May 31, 2018

Join us as our Creative Writing students share excerpts from their works. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from emerging writers and celebrate our talented students. This reading is led by instructor and bestselling horror and suspense writer, J.H. Moncrieff.

Date: June 14, 2018
Time: 6:00pm
Location: McNally Robinson Booksellers, 1120 Grant Avenue

This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited.

Join the next generation of Peterbilt Technicians

May 7, 2018

Red River College, along with Peterbilt Motors Company, is opening two new sections of the successful Peterbilt Technical Institute (PTI). The first class of PTI have a 100% employment rate as certified technicians for Peterbilt Motors Company.

PTI is a manufacturer-paid training program offered to graduates from RRC’s Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic program and Peterbilt employees who are interested in advancing their skills and training to become a certified Peterbilt technician.

This program allows the students to gain experience in all aspects of the work done at a Peterbilt dealership. Peterbilt Motors Company supplies the curriculum, laptops for the students, three trucks, two engines and specialized tools to help ensure the students’ success in becoming confident in their skills and career-ready by the end of the 12-week session. Peterbilt also trains RRC instructors to deliver the program at the College.

To be accepted, each student must have a high GPA, outstanding attendance and a clean motor vehicle record, plus pass an entrance exam and interview. Graduates may need to relocate but pay no additional tuition to gain skills that set them apart in their field.

The next intake dates are:

  • June 2018
  • September 2018

Watch the video to learn about the program.

For more information or to register, contact:

Randy Zyzniewski, Instructor | pti-info@rrc.ca | 204.697.5923 | rrc.ca/pti

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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