Parade of Homes

FALL 2024 PARADE of HOMES 105 he Polytechnic Proud campaign encouraged nomi- nations from industry partners to highlight RRC Polytech alumni on billboards across the province. Qualico nominated 10 outstanding graduates employed at its companies, and the campaign featured three of them: Halle Doerksen, Blake Young and Kate-Lynne Hickey. Doerksen graduated from network services technology and started working for Qualico in February 2022 as a technical support specialist. "When I was nominated for this oppor- tunity, I felt very proud and seen. My effort was noticed," she says. "I also felt excited for the future generations to see what is possible. I hope high school kids would see this campaign and gain some ideas for what they can be in the future." Young spent two summers working for Qualico as a co-op student while pursuing the construction manage- ment degree program. He was hired full time as a construction co-ordinator for Kensington Homes in 2023. "I am forever grateful to be selected for this campaign. I believe it is an honour to be selected as the represen- tative of Kensington Homes," he says. "Red River College Polytechnic allowed me to excel in my field, and I continue to value my education I received." Hickey studied architectural engi- neering technology. One week after she graduated in 2022, she joined the Qualico team as a project co-ordinator for StreetSide Developments. "Being nominated by my employer and featured on a billboard was an incredible honour," she says. "It felt both exciting and humbling to receive recognition for my work." David Eggerman, Qualico's regional vice-president for Manitoba and Saskatchewan, expresses apprecia- tion for the impact of RRC Polytech's education. "In addition to the skilled trades, RRC Polytech equips students with the practical knowledge and skills essential to thrive in our industry," Eggerman says. "The longstanding partnership with RRC Polytech plays a pivotal role in preparing graduates who become integral members, not only for our resi- dential construction teams but also for diverse roles in our organization." Tony Balaz, vice-president of Kensington and Foxridge Homes, says RRC Polytech graduates have been part of their organization for more than 30 years in roles ranging from skilled trades to production and administration. "In addition, we have worked with the RRC Polytech summer work co-op program for over 14 years," he adds, "and we've found the students are ready to apply the skills they are learning at RRC Polytech and contribute great ideas." Brian Cornelsen, vice-president of StreetSide Developments, acknowl- edges that RRC Polytech graduates are invaluable team members in a range of roles. "Our enduring partnership with the RRC Polytech summer co-op program has further enriched our projects, as students bring fresh perspectives and practical skills that enhance our work," he says. "The dedication and preparedness of RRC Polytech graduates are a testa- ment to the quality of education they receive, making them a cornerstone of our ongoing success." At the same time, the Polytechnic Proud campaign allowed RRC Polytech to highlight diverse alumni and feature valued partners like Qualico. "RRC Polytech is pleased to showcase these talented alumni and the work they do to elevate their workplaces," says Fred Meier, RRC Polytech presi- dent and CEO. "Our organizations share a common vision of building strong communi- ties — and with a skilled and talented workforce, we will continue to achieve this together." T Polytechnic Proud B Y J E N N I F E R M C F E E RRC Polytech Red River College Polytechnic is showcasing its pride — not only in graduates excelling in their fields but also in industry partners who welcome them.

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