With the launch of its new strategic plan for 2022-2026, In Front of What’s Ahead, Red River College will embark on a bold new path forward by becoming Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech).
The new name recognizes RRC Polytech’s evolution into a unique post-secondary institution that blends deep, knowledge-based learning with applied, hands-on experience, and highlights the important role graduates play in growing Manitoba’s economy as Manitoba recovers from the pandemic. RRC Polytech’s new strategic plan and bold new vision were created in consultation with staff, trusted partners and community supporters over a nine-month period.
The process allowed RRC Polytech to shine a spotlight on its strengths, and recognize its blind spots to create three new commitments for the next five years:
- Transform its learning model to meet emerging needs.
- Commit to Truth and Reconciliation. Pursue Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in everything they do.
- Deepen partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community.
As Manitoba’s polytechnic, RRC Polytech’s top priority is preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work. Achieving this requires a leap into the future, rather than incremental steps – a bold approach that shows community and partners that the facility is not only ready to meet rapidly shifting demands, but to lead the way forward.
What is a polytechnic?
The term polytechnic is used around the world to identify institutions that focus on strategic workforce development. A polytechnic education combines the practical approach of a college education and the depth of study usually associated with a university program.
For students, this means more choices, flexible options and opportunities to gain highly sought-after skills — at the start of a career or anywhere along the way. For employers and partners, it means a pipeline to top Manitoba talent and a direct hand in developing a workforce that meets their current and future needs, along with partnerships and applied research collaborations to help position them at the forefront of innovation and growth.
A polytechnic education is:
- Applied, hands-on training combined with deep theoretical learning
- Flexible and accessible, and recognizes prior learning
- Industry-driven and responsive to labour market demand
- Built on lifelong, career-focused learning
- Focused on innovation through applied research and collaboration
Embracing the polytechnic model for RRC Polytech will help the facility better prepare and respond to disruption. RRC Polytech is built to respond nimbly and meaningfully to fluctuations in the labour market. Thanks to formal relationships and strategic partnerships with more than 750 professionals and leaders who power the province, our college is inextricably woven into Manitoba’s economy, the demands of its workforce, and its most pressing challenges and opportunities.
