Education

C M Y K 6 Winnipeg Free press - saturDaY, august 1, 2015 NewPrograms, NewPossibilities 204.775.8175� herzing.ca/winnipeg rrc stats: 96% of RRC grads get jobs within six months of graduation 96% of employers report being 'more than satisfied' with RRC hires 43% of full-time, first- year students come to RRC with previous post- secondary experience 98% of RRC grads choose to stay in and work in Manitoba 15% of RRC's student population is made up of aboriginal learners 200-plus full- and part- time degree, diploma, post- diploma and certificate options are available at RRC 92% of RRC grads would recommend their program to a friend 16% of RRC students are immigrant or international learners RRC consistently ranks as One of Canada's Top 10 most research-intensive colleges 30 different countries are represented in the applied- research work conducted by international students at RRC t he college is offering two new programs during the fall-winter session that are designed to help students train for a lucrative career in a short amount of time. The Distribution Tech certificate program begins in January. The program includes seven courses and a five-week work practicum that will prepare students for a career in the distribution and warehousing industry. Graduates will immediately be able to step into introductory and intermediate roles in the industry. As the college's program manager Sam Levy explains, anyone who finishes the program successfully is practically guaranteed a job after graduation. "We've seen some real growth in the warehousing industry in the last five years," he says. "There's serious demand for people to come into the industry already trained. It tends to be a profession with a lot of on-the- job learning." The problem with untrained employees learning the trade while they work is that they often discover they're not suited for the job, says Levy. "The turnover rates are higher than what the industry would like to see. The employment potential is really good, especially for someone who has training," he adds. Distribution Tech is a comprehensive training program that will prepare students to step into a variety of roles, including warehouse manager, supervisor, shipper/receiver, materials handler, picker/loader and labourer. Although it was designed for people with no experience in the industry and no formal training, it will also give those already working in warehousing the training they need to move up to the next level in their careers. Entry-level workers in the warehousing industry typically earn wages in the low $30,000s, but Levy says graduates of the program could possibly earn as much as $60,000 to $70,000, depending on where they get hired. Positions are available at smaller private businesses as well as larger public companies. "When you consider tuition is $5,500, that's a significant return on investment," he says. "You can be career-ready within five months. I can't overemphasize how in sync this is with what employers are asking us to offer." Another new program that was developed in order to meet industry demands is Real Property Assessment, which begins in the fall. Students will learn how to assess the value of real estate for taxation purposes. "There's a big demand for people in this specialized industry, and there are a number of jobs available within the city and province," says Levy. "This course allows you to start a career with them." Two courses within the program are critical: Real Estate Mathematics and Real Estate Appraisal. Some students will find that's all they need to start an exciting new career. "If you take those two courses and you already have a diploma or degree, you're able to take an entry level position with the city or province," Levy explains. "We're offering them as individual courses running part time in the evenings. They sync up really well with a business-education program." The Real Property Assessment program is available through distance learning as well. "Students could go on to complete their entire program through distance learning with the University of British Columbia," says Levy. A job bank at the college helps connect graduates with their new careers, but Levy says making sure Red River's training is in line with industry needs is the key to their students' success. "For all of our programs we have a steering committee that includes employers from all sectors," he says. For more information on these and other courses available through Red River College's Continuing and Distance Education, please see their website at www.rrc.ca/continuinged. ■ The problem with untrained employees learning the trade while they work is that they often discover they're not suited for the job. Red River College prides itself on effectively training its students for the workforce. Ninety-six per cent of Red River graduates get a job in their field within six months of graduation. The Distribution Tech certificate program begins at Red River College in January. The program will prepare students for careers in the distribution and warehousing industry. Photo by Darcy Finley red river college in sync with emPloyers By Holli Moncrieff for the Free Press

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