Potential learners who self-declare as First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis or Inuit are now eligible for free application to any RRC Polytech program.

“We know improving access for Indigenous learners and for students from different backgrounds requires multiple forms of support,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President Academic.

“Waiving the application fee and working directly with Indigenous students and the communities that support them allows us to remove a financial barrier that is faced when individuals begin to think about joining RRC Polytech as a student. This is one step in alleviating additional barriers they may face in their journey from applying to attending.”

The initiative reduces a financial barrier for Indigenous learners and follows two month-long pilot campaigns in 2024 and 2025 that drew more than 400 and 700 applications, respectively.

These results demonstrated the demand for more accessible application pathways, contributing to the decision to make the initiative permanent. Laureen Janzen, Director of Student Support Services, said many Indigenous applicants shared that the initiative helped them feel welcome at RRC Polytech.

“One person said they felt like they won the lottery,” says Janzen. “By making this a year-round initiative, Indigenous applicants can now also take their time to consider program fit, meet with some of our support services on campus and really understand the programs and the admission requirements.”

RRC Polytech recognizes that financial barriers are only one of several challenges some Indigenous learners may face when considering post-secondary. Potential learners can connect with an Indigenous Academic Advisor to help navigate the transition to post-secondary.

Current students can also access support at RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Student Support Centres, where they can participate in events, cultural teachings and ceremonies, or spend time with friends.

Prospective students can learn more about programs at RRC Polytech’s Open Doors event – which invites future learners, families, community members and Nations to explore campuses, meet instructors and learn more about Indigenous support services.

The event takes place Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus.

To further reduce financial barriers, RRC Polytech is providing a bursary giveaway at Open Doors, offering all future students the chance to win a $5,000 bursary to put towards the costs of their program.

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.

“We’re excited to see that this partnership with RRC Polytech is already showing results,” says Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor of UM. “It’s a great example of how collaboration can leverage our shared strengths in research, facilities, equipment and curriculum to support student success and increase the number and diversity of engineering graduates in our province.”

As of Fall 2025, 10 seats are reserved per program per year. Nine students were admitted and registered for classes in Fall 2025, with eight registered for the Winter 2026 term. Within the initial cohort, seven were in Civil Engineering and two in Mechanical Engineering.

RRC Polytech and UM work closely with industry partners through advisory councils and ongoing engagement to ensure programming aligns with emerging labour market needs and supports Manitoba’s economic growth.

“This expanded articulation agreement between RRC Polytech and the University of Manitoba permits many more students in our province to have access to seamlessly build both their engineering science and engineering technology skills without leaving our province,” says Dr. Gerry Price, Chairman and CEO of Price Industries.

“These engineering skills are in great demand today and I’m happy to support this partnership that strengthens individual careers, supports industry growth and keeps talented Manitoba students learning, working and thriving right here at home.”

Both institutions remain committed to strengthening Manitoba’s engineering workforce through strong recruitment efforts, including initiatives that support participation from under-represented groups.

Through this partnership and existing pathway programs, such as RRC Polytech’s Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs and UM’s Engineering Access Program, Manitobans from all backgrounds can pursue accessible, flexible routes to an engineering degree.

Bursting onto menus around the globe as a featured flavour, hot honey is the latest food sensation that’s tickling the tastebuds of consumers — from casual diners to connoisseurs. Now, a uniquely Canadian version has hit the market as a result of an applied research project at RRC Polytech.

Bee Maid Honey Limited, a co-operative owned and operated by over 300 Western Canadian beekeepers, recently partnered with RRC Polytech’s Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) to develop its own signature version of hot honey that uses chipotle to bring smoky heat to its traditionally sweet and pure product.

“Bee Maid’s chipotle hot honey is a tasty example of how the Prairie Research Kitchen leads food innovation by supporting companies and communities with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a team of professional and student researchers who specialize in blending food science with culinary skills to solve specific challenges,” says PRK Director Mavis McRae.

Many hot honey products popularized in the US refer to its breakthrough use in the Nashville area and rely on a nondescript pepper blend to achieve its ‘hot’ characteristic, focusing more on heat than flavour. Bee Maid’s experts worked closely with the PRK team to develop a 100 per cent Canadian version with heat from a defined flavour profile that chefs with refined palates can instantly identify and trust to be consistent in their recipes.

“For over 70 years, Bee Maid has proudly packed the finest-quality white, golden and amber honey produced in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba,” says Shannon Bowden, Senior Brand and Communications Manager at Bee Maid. “Our iconic brand is world-renowned for traceability, quality assurance and sustainability — but prior to collaborating with the Prairie Research Kitchen we didn’t have the staff or product development resources to fully explore flavour enhancements like this.”

After connecting at Food and Beverage Manitoba’s annual Cultivate Sustainability Conference and Trade Show, PRK and Bee Maid’s shared mission to ensure this innovative food trend becomes a new standard was clear — and time was of the essence. So, the first-time partners got right to work swarming the problem with their collective expertise.

“Creating a great tasting new product that will stand out in a competitive marketplace was only part of the challenge in this project,” says McRae. “Honey crystallizes quickly when other ingredients are introduced so we had to perform many trials to determine the right combinations for a hot flavour profile that would complement and elevate Bee Maid’s delicious amber honey, while maintaining its smooth texture and prolonging its shelf life.”

After months of sensory and stability testing to perfect the process, the final product was launched and received rave reviews at Toronto’s annual Restaurants Canada Show, the nation’s largest hospitality and food service trade event. Gordon Food Service is currently distributing it to customers across Canada under its Brickman’s Brand, and it’s already featured prominently on the menus of local restaurants.

A Little Pizza Heaven now offers the ‘Heavenly Hot Honey’ — a buzzworthy combination with chicken, bacon, spinach and roasted red peppers — as part of its gourmet lineup, and suggests a hot honey drizzle as a flavour upgrade on any pizza.

“We tried it and loved it,” says co-owner Dave Fox. “It was a no-brainer for us to add a high-quality ingredient that’s trending with our customers, but there’s also tremendous value in supporting local honey producers because it’s our philosophy that cooperation within the sector drives economic success for everyone across the province.”

Working together for mutual benefit has been a consistent theme on the project. RRC Polytech’s Culinary Arts students and chef instructors also gained valuable experience through the project, by testing their own creativity when showing off the honey’s versatility in a recent culinary competition.

With an innovative new food item that serves as a testament to teamwork and the importance of surrounding oneself with a strong hive, Bee Maid is confident the project’s success will linger like the layers of flavour in its chipotle hot honey.

“Adding a little spice to our classic lineup of products immediately ignited sales with our commercial clients and we’re hopeful a retail option will be coming soon,” says Bowden. “We couldn’t have done it without our partners at PRK, so we’re excited to continue building relationships that allow Bee Maid to explore new product opportunities, increase market growth and demonstrate our belief in the power of collaboration.”

To access RRC Polytech’s vast array of technology, expertise and facilities, email rpi@rrc.ca.

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.

Adapting to a Changing World of Work

As AI automates certain tasks, it’s also creating new opportunities. Employers are looking for professionals who can work alongside intelligent systems, make data-driven decisions and use technology to improve productivity and creativity. That’s where RRC Polytech’s approach stands out.

By embedding AI and automation awareness into courses across disciplines — not just in IT — RRC Polytech ensures every graduate understands how digital transformation is affecting their field. Whether you’re a business professional using AI for marketing analytics, an engineering technologist designing smarter systems or a creative professional using generative tools to expand your ideas, RRC Polytech’s programs prepare you to thrive in an environment where human expertise and machine intelligence work hand in hand.

Flexible Learning That Fits Your Life

For many learners, the challenge isn’t just what to learn — it’s how to fit learning into a busy life. RRC Polytech’s continuing education and rapid training options make that possible. With fast-paced full-time and part-time offerings available through flexibly delivery, including online, hybrid, evenings and weekends, learners can gain new credentials or upgrade existing ones without stepping away from work or family responsibilities.

Rapid training programs are especially popular among professionals looking to pivot or upskill quickly in response to emerging technologies. Many are offered in condensed, focused formats that take days or weeks — rather than months — to complete, allowing students to put new skills into practice right away.

Human Skills in a Digital Age

While AI can process information at lightning speed, the human skills of creativity, collaboration and critical thinking remain irreplaceable. That balance is central to a polytechnic model of education, which combines technical expertise with communication, teamwork and problem-solving.

Each course is guided by instructors with real industry experience — professionals who understand both the promise and the limits of technology. Students graduate not only knowing how to use the latest tools, but also how to adapt as those tools evolve.

“The future belongs to those who can learn continuously,” says Meier. “AI will keep changing, and so will we. Our job is to help students build confidence — not just competence — so they can keep growing long after they graduate.”

Building Manitoba’s AI-Ready Workforce

Across Manitoba, industries from manufacturing to media are embracing automation, digital analytics and AI-assisted design. RRC Polytech plays a vital role in preparing that workforce — working closely with local employers to identify emerging needs and design programs that meet them.

Through partnerships with tech companies, start-ups and public sector innovators, RRC Polytech ensures its graduates are job-ready on day one. Employers know that an RRC Polytech credential represents more than academic achievement — it represents applied skills, practical experience and a mindset built for change.

Learn more at rrc.ca/explore and discover how RRC Polytech can help you adapt, advance and thrive in an AI-driven world.

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.

An initial success story is already in use on the production line of a local manufacturing leader, and the namesake of the Price Institute. In CAMTT’s inaugural project, a student-led team worked with the Price Industries’ Electronics division to automate a time-consuming manual inspection process.

Together, they created a trainable automatic vision system that combines hardware with a camera to capture images of printed circuit boards with trainable software that uses AI to predict and validate whether they pass quality control and quality assurance metrics of production.

“The students did a great job to get a working test fixture completed, tested accurately and deployed into our production line,” says Mike Nicholson, C.E.T. General Manager, Price Electronics. “We look forward to our next project at CAMTT as we continue integrating components that optimize cost, time, quality and efficiency.”

Partners can expect extensive cost-effective collaborative projects that leverage all of RRC Polytech’s research facilities and resources — including funding through the Digital Technology Transformation Initiative — and that are positioned for success by maximizing emerging technologies, state-of-the-art equipment and outside-the-box thinking to tackle specific challenges.

“CAMTT takes an interdisciplinary approach to system, product and solution development helping manufacturers harness emerging technology to reduce their labor market challenges, while training their future workforce,” says Dr. Vikram Banthia, Director of RRC Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics.

“Partner with us to leverage our technology, innovation, expertise, assets and talent and take your project from idea to reality.”

Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah’s mission to bring more local Indigenous business ideas to life has begun with the launch of its inaugural four-month entrepreneurship program and celebration of its first ever cohort of determined entrepreneurs.

Mittohnee is RRC Polytech’s business accelerator and incubator initiative, created by and for Indigenous entrepreneurs to help aspiring and established business leaders build the necessary networks and access the support and training required for increasing the success of any new or existing venture.

“By creating access, breaking down barriers and ensuring Indigenous entrepreneurs have the tools to succeed here in Manitoba, Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah is opening new economic doors,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“Whether it’s progressing a student’s idea from concept to reality or supporting an established Indigenous entrepreneur and/or band-operated business to pivot, scale up or explore new partnerships, Mittohnee will transform experiential learning, innovation and entrepreneurship into real business opportunities for Indigenous communities.”

The name Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah comes from a Neynowaywin (Cree) expression that means ‘If you are going to do it, do it right. If you don’t know how to do it right, learn how.’

Made possible by the power of partnership — between RRC Polytech, federal and provincial governments, generous corporate partners, TD Bank Group and Canada Life — Mittohnee is a true collaboration and the first of its kind in Manitoba. As one of three Indigenous incubators in the Labs4 national network, it offers additional connections to the innovation ecosystem across the country.

Mittohnee’s inaugural four-month entrepreneurship program will feature mentorship through an entrepreneur-in-residence, training workshops, networking events, opportunities to connect with other business leaders and even student competitions.

Director Amy Jackson — a proud member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, dedicated community connector and entrepreneur who founded a successful venture called Nativelovenotes during the pandemic — has tailored the program for maximum impact.

“From resources and connections to dedicated space for entrepreneurs to collaborate and grow their ideas, we provide everything they need in a really supportive environment,” says Jackson.

“When we help entrepreneurs succeed, they create jobs, build stronger communities and inspire the next generation. The ripple effect is powerful.”

Mittohnee is a natural but significant extension of RRC Polytech’s commitment to supporting Indigenous Peoples and communities. It will also benefit the students graduating from the Social Innovation and Community Development program, who may wish to continue the pursuit of their project concepts.

“These students, who know and understand their communities and the challenges they face, now have the resources to build on their education, take their ideas and solutions and create a business that moves their vision forward,” says Jackson.

A total of 13 entrepreneurs of First Nations and Métis descent, each with their own dream, idea or business-in-progress, make up the initial cohort. In addition to their proud heritage, what they share is an eagerness to put in the work to learn, grow and succeed.

Among them is Darion Ducharme, the award-winning founder of Teqare, an Indigenous-owned education and technology training company empowering youth, adults, elders and organizations with hands-on workshops in cyber-safety, scam prevention, financial literacy, digital literacy and city life skills.

Ducharme is already a passionate role model making a difference and can’t wait to take his story to the next level and continue to inspire positive change.

“Teqare’s success, while amazing, has forced us to evolve from dealing with small-scale numbers and assets to much larger and complicated transactions,” he says.

“I see the training and mentorship through Mittohnee really helping me to manage business finances better to ensure return on investment and improve areas like proposal writing, which will allow our company to grow and thrive.”

Last week’s launch celebration included a culturally grounded ceremony, a motivational panel discussion and feast at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae in RRC Polytech’s Exchange District Campus.

Ducharme says the venue is important in continuing to build trust with Indigenous communities and — like the word Mittohnee itself — reminds everyone that entrepreneurship is not just about ideas, but about how you approach the work.

“This is a safe space where everyone makes you feel welcome, cared for and valued,” says Ducharme. “I believe Mittohnee will help us create a culture of people who come together to do what they are called to do. I can’t wait to get started.”

Learn more about Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah.

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.”

This morning’s event featured remarks from Meier, Broszeit and Rick Zimmer, Deaf advocate and former instructor and coordinator of Deaf Studies programs at RRC Polytech. Current Deaf students and students from the ASL-English Interpretation program came together to raise the flag.

French Deafblind artist Arnaud Balard designed the flag, which was adopted by the Deaf French National Federation in 2014 and has since been flown around the world. The Deaf Flag is a powerful symbol for Deaf communities, representing unity, recognition and the ongoing fight for equal rights. RRC Polytech sourced the flag directly from the World Federation of the Deaf.

The Deaf Flag now joins flags representing Treaty One, the Red River Métis and RRC Polytech’s Inclusive Pride flag, which are flown year-round at RRC Polytech. It will be flown for the remainder of the week, and every year moving forward during the International Week of the Deaf.

RRC Polytech is hosting its seventh annual Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement (TRCE) Week to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, on September 30.

This year, TRCE Week began on Monday, Sept. 22, with a virtual keynote from Phyllis Webstad, whose story of Residential Schools started the Orange Shirt movement in 2013.

RRC Polytech has also partnered with Nursing student Dasia Chatkana, whose original design is featured on the RRC Polytech Orange Shirt in support of the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award, which is awarded to Indigenous students every year in January.

“Every year for seven years, the RRC Polytech community has come together to learn about Truth and Reconciliation and Canada’s true history from Indigenous perspectives,” says Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy, Business Development and Research.

“It’s important for us as an educational institution to not only affirm these histories centring Indigenous Peoples, but also to raise awareness to non-Indigenous Canadians that what they were taught in school doesn’t necessarily reflect all realities.”

TRCE Week is five days filled with sessions to educate the RRC Polytech community about the many different responsibilities of Truth and Reconciliation.

While Truth and Reconciliation is a year-round commitment for RRC Polytech, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a focal point that encourages employees and students to immerse themselves in Indigenous Teachings, storytelling and experiences.

Opportunities to cultivate understandings of the true history and current issues impacting Indigenous Peoples, and reconciliation efforts by society as a whole, contribute to a stronger, more unified community that benefits all members.

“Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing process of learning and integrating new information, disentangling ourselves from misinformation and unlearning what we think we know, and opening ourselves to truths that might surprise or challenge us,” says Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement.

“All the sessions we host this week are something that each participant can take back to the classroom, to the workplace and to their personal lives — so they can continue the lifelong journey of learning today, tomorrow and every day into the future as we work towards building a better and brighter future for all,”

Planned sessions include a virtual keynote from Phyllis Webstad, whose story inspired the Orange Shirt movement; a Two Spirit Sharing Circle; workshops for Talking Sticks, drumming, and painting; and panel discussions with the Knowledge Keepers Council and staff on Indigenous perspectives in inclusive hiring and belonging.

Other sessions explore Inuit culture, traditional teachings like the Cedar Bath, and the historical timelines of the First Nations and Métis.

RRC Polytech’s original Orange Shirt, which is released every year as part of TRCE Week, was designed by Nursing student Dasia Chatkana and can be purchased through the Campus Store.

To learn more about Truth and Reconciliation Week sessions, see the full event schedule.

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.”

Delivery of NREP is strengthened through collaboration with industry and government to meet Manitoba’s health-care needs. In 2023, RRC Polytech partnered with Shared Health and the CRNM to support 50 internationally educated nurses (IENs) through the Philippines Recruitment Initiative.

In 2024, the Manitoba government also launched a full-time pilot for IENs already in the province, offering up to 12 courses over 12 months.

At today’s event, students celebrated along with their friends, families, instructors and representatives from the Province of Manitoba, including Hon. Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care; Hon. Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training; and Hon. Malaya Marcelino, Minister of Labour and Immigration.

They also heard a heartfelt message from one of their peers, Melissa Reyes, who shared her experience re-committing to nursing after immigrating from the Philippines.

“After being away from the nursing profession for several years, I was slowly losing my confidence as a nurse,” says Reyes.

“I decided to take the full (NREP) program, which I would say is not a walk in the park, but it gave me back my confidence to work as a nurse and taught me the value of lifelong learning. The overall experience was truly transformative, refreshing my nursing knowledge and instilling in me a deeper appreciation for the profession.”

Learn more about the NREP at RRC Polytech.

RRC Polytech has launched a new housing alternative for students attending its Winnipeg campuses — and is looking for community members to open their doors.

Offered in partnership with home-share providers SpacesShared, the new initiative connects students with safe and affordable housing through intuitive technology, scheduled check-ins and dedicated human support.

And with RRC Polytech students now able to access the service, a call has gone out to local residents to sign up as potential hosts.

“When a student comes to study at RRC Polytech, we want to ensure they are supported — not only in their studies, but also in navigating Winnipeg and learning what our city has to offer,” says Giselle Martel, Vice-President, Finance and Administration at RRC Polytech.

“We’ve entered into this partnership to provide students with safe, affordable and convenient options for housing off campus. Having this program in place will reduce the stress for students navigating the housing and rental market on their own, and allow them to focus on their training.”

RRC Polytech’s student residence at the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute provides accommodations for 102 students, but there is a need for other options to support students coming from other parts of Manitoba and Canada, or from outside the country.

Enter SpacesShared, an organization with similar networks across Canada that’s committed to building, sustaining and supporting intergenerational home-sharing and fostering meaningful connections between students and hosts.

“RRC Polytech is the first partnership SpacesShared has in Winnipeg and we’re excited to provide students with a great housing option,” says CEO Rylan Kinnon. “We’ve seen success in cities across Canada and know that students at RRC Polytech will create lifelong friendships with their hosts. Bringing people together creates incredible opportunities for bonding and we love to hear from our hosts and students about the experiences they share together.”

Currently, there are eight people registered to host RRC Polytech students through the service, with hopes that more will register prior to upcoming academic terms.

Enrico Madrid and his wife are among the first local homeowners to sign up as a potential host through SpacesShared. He says he’s looking forward to building connections and maybe continuing his own lifelong learning.

“I enjoy seeing how young people now approach studies and how they learn, because then I learn a new way of doing things,” he says. “But hopefully I can help them learn too — math has always been my favourite.”

For Spila Lee, a graduate of RRC Polytech’s Hospitality Business Management program, sharing cultures and creating a sense of community was an important part of her experience living in residence as a student at RRC Polytech.

Lee says living with a host family would be a great way to integrate into Winnipeg’s way of life.

“The first year I was a resident I was quite impressed with all the activities I could join. I met a lot of different people, and I think it could be a similar experience for someone living with a host family,” she says.

“Living in a house with locals gives you the opportunity to explore the neighbourhood, go to favourite restaurants and try activities that you might not always hear about.”

She said the most important thing is that there will be a level of support from host families that can help students be successful in their training.

“Especially for newcomers — we came without any family support, so having someone be supportive really matters. Whether on campus or with a host family, it makes a really huge difference,” Lee says.

Learn more about accessing housing through RRC Polytech’s SpacesShared partnership, or sign up as a potential host.