Check out these events and celebrate National Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Month 2026 with us!
Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada) is the leading organization for Work-Integrated Learning in Canada. CEWIL partners with post-secondary institutions, community members, employers, government, and students to champion Work-Integrated Learning (WIL).
Each year, on the 4th Wednesday of March, we are pleased to celebrate the National Day of WIL with CEWIL!
This year the National Day of WIL is Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Students are invited to explore these events happening during National WIL Month.
- Mar 3 – Employer On-Campus: Hydro One (NDC)
- Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technology
- Mar 4 – Employer On-Campus: Hydro One (EDC)
- Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technology
- Mar 5 – Directions Business Conference
- Business and Applied Arts
- Mar 10 – Entry-Level Careers in Tax Accounting
- Business Administration – Accounting and Applied Accounting
- Mar 23 – Hospitality Insider Exchange
- Culinary Arts, Professional Baking and Hospitality Business Management
- Mar 23 – Flynn Lunch and Learn
- Architectural/ Environmental/ Municipal/ Structural Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, and Geomatics Technology
- Mar 25 – Indigenous Career Fair
- Mar 25 – National Day of WIL
If you have any questions about these events, please contact WIL@rrc.ca or careerservices@rrc.ca
]]>Spring is just around the corner, and our 2026 Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology co-op students will soon be seeking placements – an opportunity to add motivated, emerging talent and new perspectives to your team.
Mechanical Engineering Year 1, Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) Year 1, and Year 2 students are currently seeking full-time, paid co-op placements for a four-month term (16 weeks | 450 hours) running from May 4 to August 21, 2026.
To learn more about each co‑op program, select any of the links provided below.
Mechanical Engineering Technology Year 1
Electrical Engineering Technology Year 2 & Year 3
Electronic Engineering Technology Year 2
Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology Year 2
Employers who host co-ops may be eligible for wage subsidies through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) or through Manitoba Work Experience Tax Credits.
If interested:
- Register on Career Bridge. If you are not already registered, create an account on RRC Polytech’s job portal.
- Share your Co-op opportunity. Post directly on Career Bridge or share the position by e-mail – we can post the opportunity on your behalf.
- Confirm program fit. Our WIL Coordinator will work with your organization to ensure the opportunity aligns with program requirements or with another program.
- Student applications. Once approved, students may apply directly through your website, or an application package will be sent to you by e-mail after the deadline
For additional questions or to learn more about hosting a Spring 2026 Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Technology co-op student, please contact us at WIL@rrc.ca
]]>Read all about how Stan represented both RRC Polytech and Canada on the international stage — and how his “Work-Integrated Learning” experience turned into a once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventure.
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A career in surveying can take someone to an exciting variety of job sites — from rural to urban, populated to remote.
That’s where Colin Rivard started after graduating from the Civil Engineering Technology program, specializing in Geomatics, at RRC Polytech in 2012. With an entrepreneurial background, though, there was always a desire to build something of his own.
“My dad and his dad started a small business together. I saw how they got to see the tangible efforts of what you put into owning a business. There’s a direct correlation to the harder you work, the more benefit there is. I’ve always liked that.”
In 2018, Rivard founded RivaCore Surveys and Locates as a one-person operation, and since then he’s adapted his focus to building the ideal team and overseeing a period of fast expansion.
“Starting in the field, you just get a love for surveying and being by yourself with an instrument,” said Rivard. “The biggest thing that drives me now, though, is being able to work with a team that we’ve really developed over the years.”
Just last year, RivaCore had a small team of eight — today, they’ve grown to a staff of 23, with at least five more coming on for long-term projects before the end of 2025.
RivaCore, which provides services including pipeline, construction, topographic, heavy civil surveys and beyond, hasn’t just grown in numbers — it’s grown in reputation as well. The organization has clients across multiple provinces and its reputation for inclusion as a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation, as well as teamwork and community, have been at the core of their growth and success.
“I come from a soccer background,” said Rivard. “It’s a team sport, and now I’m sitting here with work and I really enjoy it because I’m with this great team where everyone has each other’s back and tries to make it the best they can.”
One of the key aspects to the company’s growth has been bringing on students new to the world of surveying. Many of these students come from RRC Polytech.
“This was actually our first year hiring a Civil Engineering Technology summer student and it’s already become a company model for us,” said Rivard.
“We had an opportunity with the Alamos Gold project in Lynn Lake where we could have multiple surveyors on site, which was the perfect chance to bring in juniors and grow our team for the next few years.”
By bringing in students, Rivard is looking to provide a work environment that can inspire them to stay on board with RivaCore and support a positive cycle of learning.
“We can pour into these students… and build a loyal, knowledgeable surveyor base. Then, we continue to develop people from within, get them into higher positions, and we know what we’re getting. The RRC Polytech program is a huge resource for that.”
One of the students who joined the team this summer was Aidan Pacey, who is entering his second year in Civil Engineering Technology. His co-op at RivaCore saw him build experience as a survey assistant across Manitoba.
“I’ve been all over,” said Pacey. “Working in Lynn Lake on the gold mine project, back to the city to do model layouts, and out to Gillam to do a job there.”
Pacey’s long-term goal is to be in construction project management and, while he was new to surveying when he started at RivaCore, he’s found the time spent to be of tremendous value.
“I’m confident in it now. There are great teachers, great colleagues here.”
“Aidan is an absolute superstar,” said Rivard. “I’ve probably heard from four different senior staff members on different occasions come to me, by themselves and say ‘Colin, make sure you don’t lose that guy.’”
Pacey’s quick learning skills have helped him get out into the field solo, a rare opportunity for someone so green in their career. A willingness to learn has been present too, which is one of the key skills that Rivard looks for when hiring students.
“We want someone who will go somewhere, enjoy what they do, and work hard at it. We are looking for that willingness to learn and develop, and help out your coworkers in any way you can.”
Rivard remembers a day where he went into the RivaCore office in Dugald to clean things out of the storage room and Aidan was the first one to come up and ask if he needed a hand.
“There’s just an absolute willingness to help out the team in any way he can.”
It’s a culture that Rivard has been driving since he started his business.
“I recently took a leadership training program and the guy leading it used an analogy that really stuck with me: before you can paint an old tractor, you have to scrape the old paint before you can put a new coat on.
It dawned on me that we’re naturally good at training and making sure our people know the way that we do things. Rather than scrape off an old coat of paint, we’d rather grab new guys, give them an opportunity and let them run with it.”
It’s why the company will keep coming back to co-op students for future projects, creating a mutually beneficial relationship with the program Rivard graduated from 13 years ago.
“We’ve had one student say that he’s learned more in the first four days of his co-op than his entire last co-op. That gets me really excited.”
Profile by John Gaudes (Creative Communications, 2012).
Work-Integrated Learning at RRC Polytech
Work-integrated learning opportunities, including co-ops like Pacey’s at RivaCore, allow students to gain practical work experience while also providing industry with enthusiastic, skilled workers. A meaningful way to give back and mentor students, many alumni are employer partners. Learn more about work-integrated learning at RRC Polytech and how to become an employer partner here.
]]>Students from 5 of RRC Polytech’s IT programs are seeking 15–16-week full-time employer-paid co-op opportunities starting May 4, 2026. These programs are:
- Application Development and Delivery (replacing BIT) – 15 weeks; co-op end date August 14
- Data Science and Machine Learning – 15 weeks; co-op end date August 14
- IT Operations – 15 weeks; co-op end date August 14
- Full Stack Web Development – 16 weeks; co-op end date August 22
- Game Development: Programmers & Artists – 12 weeks; co-op end date July 24
Students have the skills and job readiness to act as: software developers, front- and back-end web developers, web designers or developers, full stack developers, Java developers, web application business analysts, IT services support, help desk associates, network administration, and more.
Game Development programmers and artists have a strong foundation in Unreal Engine and Unity, and work frequently in VR. Programmers use C#, C++, Blueprint and JavaScript to build game mechanics, user interfaces, and game AI. Artists have a strong foundation in all disciplines of 3D production art, and are proficient in Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter. They excel in asset creation, basic rigging and animation, material and look development, and integrating assets into game engines.
If you’re interested in hiring a co-op student or exploring if co-op is a fit for your organization, please reach out to our Industry Liaison Consultant today: you can reach Katie at ACEwil@rrc.ca
Important Dates
Work term start date: May 4, 2026
Post to Career Bridge: early January – early April
Deadline to extend an offer to students: April 10, 2026*
* The deadline aligns with the ACE Project Space industry project deadline. Most students will not be available for co-op jobs after this deadline
Potential Funding Opportunities
Employers may be eligible for wage funding or subsidies through Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) (domestic/permanent resident students only) or Manitoba Work Experience Tax Credits (all students). College staff are happy to discuss these options with you.
New to co-ops?
Co-ops are a form of work-integrated learning that integrates academic studies with quality experiences. They are an engaged partnership between RRC Polytech, an employer-organization, and a student.
The process of hiring a co-op student mirrors a regular job search with added support from College staff and potential funding opportunities to assist with paying students a fair wage (an average of $18-$22/hour for IT programs). Job postings, aligned to the program requirements, are posted on Career Bridge typically up to four months prior to the start of the work term. By indicating that the role is for a particular co-op term, only students who are approved for the work term will see your job posting.
More information on co-ops can be found through the following links:
Safety Terms and Conditions for Work-Integrated Learning Employers
]]>For Kiara Carpenter, nursing was never just an option – it was a calling. When she enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing program at RRC Polytech she knew she wanted a career where she could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives – and now in her senior practicum, she describes her education as a transformative experience.
“Through my training, I’ve learned that I am more resilient and adaptable than I thought. Nursing school challenged me academically, emotionally, and personally, but I discovered I can thrive under pressure, think critically in fast-paced environments, and grow from every experience,” she said. “The program has pushed me out of my comfort zone and prepared me to work in diverse clinical areas, from medical-surgical to pediatrics and palliative care. The instructors and preceptors have been supportive mentors, and I’ve developed lifelong friendships with classmates who share the same passion for nursing.”A pivotal moment in Carpenter’s journey at RRC Polytech was when she received a bursary from the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada) iHUB.“Receiving a bursary eased the financial stress that often comes with being a full-time student. It allowed me to focus more on my studies and clinical learning rather than worrying about balancing extra work hours. This support gave me the peace of mind to fully commit myself to my training and clinical experiences,” said Carpenter. “I felt incredibly grateful and relieved when I learned I was a recipient. It was encouraging to know that others believed in my potential as a future nurse and were willing to support me in achieving my goals.”Carpenter was one of more than 700 students from the Nursing and Dental assisting programs who have received a bursary from the CEWIL Canada iHUB since the Fall 2024 term, after a pilot program provided 60 recipients in senior practicums with bursaries last year.“These opportunities for on-the-job learning are invaluable to students, and this support from CEWIL Canada allows them to focus more fully on getting the most out of their practicums as they prepare the enter their fields after graduation,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “RRC Polytech is proud to be the largest trainer of health-care professionals, and these hands-on opportunities are an important part of the training that ensures graduates are well-prepared and confident from day one.”The senior practicum marks the culmination of nursing students’ academic journey however it can be expensive with financial demands extending beyond the classroom. Nursing and Dental Assisting students have a rigorous practicum schedule that leaves little room for part-time employment, amplifying this financial strain. The bursaries from CEWIL are aimed at helping to alleviate that financial burden in the final stretch of their program.“CEWIL Canada is pleased to support innovative WIL experiences for students at RRC Polytech where students are able to receive financial support and recognition for their WIL experience,” says Charlene Marion, Executive Director at CEWIL Canada. “Funds such as these aim to eliminate barriers to WIL and increase access for all post-secondary students.”The $620,000 of support for nursing and dental assisting students at RRC Polytech comes from CEWIL Canada’s iHUB grant, funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative , and funds various work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students in Canada, including unpaid clinical practicums. The bursary was tiered and the amount determined by the number of hours spent in clinical practicum.Joshua Salisi, who was a recipient of one of the first bursaries in 2024, said the support was appreciated and would help him stay focused on his training before he entered the workforce.“The bursary from CEWIL Canada helps alleviate the added stressors during our senior practicum experience,” said Salisi. “In addition to tuition, many of us must cover the cost of extra scrubs, parking, and other miscellaneous expenses. Parking around hospitals is often expensive, and with us being there full-time, the costs quickly add up. This bursary gives us more breathing room to better focus on ensuring we have a successful senior practicum experience and help as many patients as we can!”RRC Polytech establishes long-standing partnerships with industry and community partners in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) initiatives, such as practicum experiences, which rely on an engaged partnership between RRC Polytech, a host organization, and a student. These opportunities integrate academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace or practice setting and focus on the development of student learning objectives and outcomes related to employability and life-long learning.For Carpenter, she is looking forward to continuing her journey and completing her senior practicum ready to transition into career.“I’ve not only developed the skills and knowledge to begin my career, but I’ve also grown personally. Nursing school has taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of lifelong learning. I’m excited to take everything I’ve gained at RRC Polytech and begin my career as a nurse, carrying forward the values and experiences that shaped me here,” she said.
]]>Students enrolled in the above programs will be seeking full-time, paid co-op employment opportunities for the Spring 2026 work term.
Employers are invited to post co-op job opportunities as early as November 1, 2025. If you are a previous employer partner, please post your position(s) directly to the co-op module of Career Bridge (see below for more information). If you are a new employer partner interested in learning more, please arrange a meeting or phone call for more information by emailing civilco-op@rrc.ca.
Work Integrated Learning with RRC Polytech
Co-ops are a form of work-integrated learning that integrates academic studies with quality experiences. They are an engaged partnership between RRC Polytech, an employer-organization, and a student. For more information see:
Spring 2026 Co-op Work Term Dates and Program Information
- Architectural Technology Students: Monday, May 4 – Friday, Aug 21, 2026 (16-week work term)
- Construction Management Students: Monday, May 4 – Friday, October 9, 2026 (23-week work term)
- Civil Engineering Technology Students: Monday, May 4 – Friday, October 16, 2026 (24-week work term)
Career Bridge
- All co-op opportunities are advertised through the co-op module of Career Bridge (viewable only by eligible co-op students, targeted by program area). Career bridge can also be used to post career opportunities (viewable by all students from all programs, new graduates, and alumni). Ensure you create your co-op posting in the co-op module.
- Detailed instructions: Including how to set up a new account and post a job
Potential Funding Opportunities
Employers may be eligible for wage funding or subsidies through:
- Manitoba Work Experience Tax Credits (all students)
- Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) (domestic/permanent resident students only). Many of our industry employers have had success applying through Magnet and ECO Canada: Environment Careers Organization of Canada.
Suggested Timelines: Posting/Hiring
Postings open Nov 1, 2025.
Many of our employer partners provide student offers in Jan/Feb (some earlier, some later).
We recommend all job offers be made before mid-April. Sooner is better!
- Post your position in the co-op module of Career Bridge as early as Nov 1.
- A WIL Coordinator will review your posting within 1-3 business days.
- Once approved by the WIL Coordinator, all eligible students in the targeted program(s) will be able to view your posting and apply.
- Set a closing date that suits your needs.
- A closing date of approx. 3 weeks from the date of posting is recommended.
- Upon closing, you will receive an email including a link, code and instructions to view all applications.
- Contact any suitable candidates to arrange interviews.
- Whenever possible, please work with the student to determine an interview time which will be least disruptive to the students’ academic courses.
- Provide a suitable candidate with a job offer.
- Provide a short window of time for the student to accept (as necessary, and to suit your needs).
- If a student accepts your offer, email civilco-op@rrc.ca to inform us, or update the student’s application status in Career Bridge to “position accepted.”
- Once all positions have been filled or if you are no longer seeking applications, please expire your posting on Career Bridge.
- If no suitable applications are submitted by your first posting deadline, please email civilco-op@rrc.ca to request the posting be extended.
- Do not re-post your position. We will extend your posting deadline as many times as necessary until you find the right fit.
Questions?
Please contact civilco-op@rrc.ca for more information.
]]>the Winter 2026 term is now open to post
RRC Polytech’s IT students are looking for 15–16-week full-time employer-paid co-op opportunities starting January 5, 2026. These programs are:
- Application Development and Delivery (replacing BIT) – 15 weeks; co-op end date April 24
- Data Science and Machine Learning – 15 weeks; co-op end date April 24
- IT Operations – 15 weeks; co-op end date April 24
- Full Stack Web Development – 16 weeks; co-op end date May 1
- Information Security – 16 weeks; co-op end date May 1
Students have the skills and job readiness to act as: software developers, front- and back-end web developers, web designers or developers, full stack developers, Java developers, web application business analysts, IT services support, help desk associates, network administration, information security consultant/risk manager/officer/risk analyst/auditor, and more.
If you’re interested in hiring a co-op student or exploring if co-op is a fit for your organization, please reach out to our Industry Liaison Consultant today: you can reach Katie at ACEwil@rrc.ca
Important Dates
Work term: January 5 – April 24 or May 1, 2026
Post to Career Bridge: starting September 1, 2025
First deadline to extend an offer to students: November 21, 2025*
Final deadline to extend an offer to students: November 28, 2025
* The first deadline aligns with the ACE Project Space industry project deadline. Most students will not be available for co-op jobs after this deadline
Potential Funding Opportunities
Employers may be eligible for wage funding or subsidies through Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) (domestic/permanent resident students only) or Manitoba Work Experience Tax Credits (all students). College staff are happy to discuss these options with you.
New to co-ops?
Co-ops are a form of work-integrated learning that integrates academic studies with quality experiences. They are an engaged partnership between RRC Polytech, an employer-organization, and a student.
The process of hiring a co-op student mirrors a regular job search with added support from College staff and potential funding opportunities to assist with paying students a fair wage (an average of $18-$22/hour for IT programs). Job postings, aligned to the program requirements, are posted on Career Bridge up to four months prior to the start of the work term. By indicating that the role is for a particular co-op term, only students who are approved for the work term will see your job posting.
More information on co-ops can be found through the following links:
Safety Terms and Conditions for Work-Integrated Learning Employers
]]>- Business Information Technology (see: Application Development and Delivery) – 15 weeks
- Full Stack Web Development – 16 weeks
- IT Operations – 15 weeks
Students have the skills and job readiness to act as: software developers, front- and back-end web developers, web designers or developers, full stack developers, Java developers, web application business analysts, IT services support, help desk associates, network administration, and more.
If you’re interested in hiring a co-op student or exploring if co-op is a fit for your organization, please reach out to our Industry Liaison Consultant today: you can reach Katie at ACEwil@rrc.ca
Important Dates
Work term: August 25 – December 12, 2025
Post to Career Bridge: starting May 5, 2025
First deadline to extend an offer to students: August 1, 2025*
Final deadline to extend an offer to students: August 15, 2025
* The first deadline aligns with the ACE Project Space industry project deadline. Most students will not be available for co-op jobs after this deadline
Potential Funding Opportunities
Employers may be eligible for wage funding or subsidies through Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) (domestic/permanent resident students only) or Manitoba Work Experience Tax Credits (all students). College staff are happy to discuss these options with you.
New to co-ops?
Co-ops are a form of work-integrated learning that integrates academic studies with quality experiences. They are an engaged partnership between RRC Polytech, an employer-organization, and a student.
The process of hiring a co-op student mirrors a regular job search with added support from College staff and potential funding opportunities to assist with paying students a fair wage (an average of $18-$22/hour for IT programs). Job postings, aligned to the program requirements, are posted on Career Bridge up to four months prior to the start of the work term. By indicating that the role is for a particular co-op term, only students who are approved for the work term will see your job posting.
More information on co-ops can be found through the following links:
Safety Terms and Conditions for Work-Integrated Learning Employers
]]>
Outstanding co-op experience at MacDon takes Brandon Doucet to the fields in Australia
It took Mechanical Engineering Technology student Brandon Doucet approximately ten seconds to say ‘yes’ to an opportunity that would take him across the world to Australia for six months.
While on a co-operative work placement with MacDon Industries, Brandon was working on a prototype for a new combine header that was completely new to the agriculture industry. When it came time to test the product in the field, his supervisors noticed the interest he had taken and asked if he would be willing to conduct the testing with Australian farmers.
“It was a big leap, I learned a lot about who I am and what kind of worker I am and what kind of work that I enjoy,” says Brandon, who was 19 years old at the time of his co-op. “All in all I travelled every state and drove more than 30,000 kilometres – on the other side of the road. I got to see a lot of the country and met locals who had so many stories about farming and life.”
The product Brandon was testing is the MacDon FD261 FlexDraper, which is now available publicly to farmers worldwide. The header is 61-feet long, which about ten feet more than the previous FD2 design and about double the length of a standard combine header used to harvest crops. The header also flexes to cover the ground better and produce a better yield.
The six months of field testing entailed working directly with Australian farmers, using their combines with the MacDon prototype header. Brandon would perform regular inspections, maintenance, upgrades, and operation of the prototype equipment in the field. He would also collect data from the hydraulic and electrical systems, which would then be relayed back to the engineering team in Winnipeg for further analysis.
“I really enjoy all the nitty gritty details of engineering testing, laying out what’s being tested, why it’s being tested and how the improvement can make a better product,” says Brandon. “During this experience I really grew to respect how much documentation plays a role in engineering. Keeping things organized so it can be looked back on after each change, and using what was learned to continuously improve.”
When Brandon first started his co-op with MacDon he had one more term left in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program before graduating. On top of the stint in Australia, he also had the opportunity to work on projects in cities across North America and decided to take a total of 16 months off from the program to gain the real-world experience.
Part of the reason he felt comfortable and confident in that decision was the reassurance from his instructor, Doris Peloquin, that the program would still be there for him to complete. She emphasized that having the diploma completed would help him in his career, but that there is value to taking on practical experiences when they present themselves.
“Co-op or internships give the students the ability to apply what they’ve learned during classwork in a real-world scenario. At RRC Polytech we do a good job of providing hands-on learning scenarios in class but it’s not quite the same experience of what you gain from a real-world experience,” says Doris. “There’s networking and professionalism and learning their soft skills – especially that ability to communicate at different levels; with leaders and those on the shop floor, and interdepartmentally.”
After graduating from RRC Polytech this June, Brandon plans to attend Lakehead University to obtain his Engineering Degree and aspires to work in Motorsport Engineering.
“Before my co-op with MacDon, I remember thinking there’s no way I’d leave Manitoba. But now I know I can always travel, learn from different parts of the world, and then come home with new ideas or ways of doing things,” says Brandon.
For more information about the Mechanical Engineering Technology program visit RRC Polytech’s Program Explorer page.
