RRC Polytech is bringing down costs for Canadians and helping them get ahead by continuing to grow its critical role in Canada's low-carbon transition, along with its capacity to train the workforce of today and tomorrow.
An established research leader in clean energy, EV and battery technology and sustainable construction, RRC Polytech is unleashing the power of pan-Canadian collaboration to make housing more affordable, catalyze change in the construction sector and create new jobs in the skilled trades.
With support from a $11.3 million investment from the Government of Canada's Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, RRC Polytech is joining its Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) partners in a national green construction training initiative to upskill and reskill Canadians to build and retrofit homes and buildings that reduce energy consumption in pursuit of the ambitious targets of net-zero emissions by 2050 and a net-zero electricity system by 2035.
Home to Manitoba's only Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre, RRC Polytech will use the funds announced last week to drive economic growth while helping Canada meet its climate and housing goals by working with its industry and academic partners to develop and deliver practical, innovative training in sustainable construction.
"This nation-wide training initiative is the latest example of how RRC Polytech's flexible learning model and vast applied research facilities and expertise combined with our commitment to foster collaboration with industry, communities and government uniquely positions us to not only support but to lead the low-carbon transition," says Fred Meier, RRC Polytech's President and CEO.
Accessible, industry-aligned training that equips workers with the technical and leadership skills they need to adopt green building practices, create sustainable designs and upgrade existing aging infrastructure will be offered through the Quick Train Canada platform exclusive to RRC Polytech in Manitoba with the first intake in Building Science for the Retrofit Sector scheduled for November.
The next phase of available courses will be launched this winter, as funding through the Advancing Access and Skills Training for Green Buildings and Retrofits initiative will be available until March 2028.
"This project-based funding allows us to expand our available suite of clean energy training and share that knowledge with our C2R2 partners while helping to reduce fees for students making this an affordable choice for local industry leaders to upskill their workforce and for individual learners who want to expand their knowledge to maximize on the opportunities created as the province transitions to a low-carbon economy," says Jill Latschislaw, Director of Corporate Solutions, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.
RC Polytech already offers multiple energy transition related micro-credentials, previously developed with its industry and C2R2 partners. Their modular design allows delivery to be tailored to a client's needs through online/hybrid options, regional campuses and Mobile Training Labs.
This customized training, along with continuous curriculum reviews of all programs, ensures workers are being prepared to use, maintain and upgrade the innovative products, processes and technology being developed using the Polytech's extensive applied research resources.
Working closely with such partners as the Manitoba Environmental Industry Association, RRC Polytech aims to further expand training and research to support the province's commitment to building the next generation of clean energy.
