Manufacturing in Manitoba

8 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 RRC Chair of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Communications Bill Noakes says programs are constantly evolving to meet the needs of students and employers. PHOTOS BY DARCY FINLEY MAKE YOUR MARK IN IN MANUFACTURING RED RIVER COLLEGE DELIVERS A FULL RANGE OF INDUSTRY PROGRAMS By Pat Rediger for the Free Press "One of the students we had a couple of years ago sent us an email to let us know that he's running the machine shop at the University of Hawaii," says Bill Noakes, Chair of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Communications at the Notre Dame Campus. "There is a high demand for different manufacturing skill sets and our students gain the confidence to be productive members of the workforce." Manufacturing has been an integral part of RRC since it opened in 1938, and the program is constantly evolving and expanding to meet students' needs. Noakes says the strength of the manufacturing program is its diversity, giving students the option to enroll in multi-year diploma courses or certificate programs that span from five months to one year. "Students can choose the area of study and level of education they would like to receive," he says. "There is also the flexibility to move from one program to the next." One of RRC's most successful manufacturing programs is Mechanical Engineering Technology. The accredited 28-month diploma program prepares students to work in the design and production of high-quality manufactured goods. They can select specialty electives in their final term and they participate in two 16-week co-op work terms, which are beneficial to students and employers alike. "Students make a big impact on the job site," Noakes says. "Once employers hire one or two students, they always try and get them back the next year. They're always amazed at what their skill set is and how beneficial they are to that company." Students who enter the two-year Manufacturing Technician diploma program gain practical, hands-on knowledge of manufacturing processes, including conventional machining and metal forming operations, composites and advanced manufacturing methods. A heavy emphasis is placed on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine operation and programming, Computer Aided Design (CAD)/ Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and jig and fixture design. One of RRC's popular certificate courses is Precision Metal Machining. The one-year pre-employment course is designed for students who want to pursue an apprenticeship career path as a machinist or enter the workforce as a CNC operator. The five-month certificate Aerospace Manufacturing program is another unique offering. Manitoba has a strong aerospace sector and this course was developed in co-operation with local aerospace manufacturers to train students to work as skilled production workers in aerospace composite manufacturing. There are many manufacturing courses for students to choose from, and Noakes says staff are driven to give them the tools they need to succeed. "All of the instructors in manufacturing are very passionate and the majority have industry experience," he says. "I'm actually a tool and die maker, so I've always worked in manufacturing." Manufacturing is one of several programs that will benefit when RRC's new Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (STTC) opens at the Notre Dame Campus. Totalling approximately 100,000 square feet, the STTC will house new laboratory and shop space, as well as classrooms for up to 1,000 students per year in high-demand trades and technologies courses. Two manufacturing programs, Mechanical Engineering Technology and Manufacturing Computer Aided Drafting, will be moving to the building, along with associated office staff. "In this facility, we're going to implement new equipment and materials into the program to enhance student learning," Noakes says. "In the Innovation Lab, for example, students will be able to display their work front and centre." ❙ Learn more about manufacturing and many other RRC programs at www.rrc.ca. When you enroll in a manufacturing course at Red River College, you never know how far your education will take you. "THERE IS A HIGH DEMAND FOR DIFFERENT MANUFACTURING SKILL SETS AND OUR STUDENTS GAIN THE CONFIDENCE TO BE PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF THE WORKFORCE." RRC students have a wide range of manufacturing diploma and certificate programs to choose from. WORKING PARTNERSHIPS RRC IS ALWAYS EAGER TO PARTNER WITH EMPLOYERS THROUGH CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS. For information on hiring first- or second-year Mechanical Engineering Technology students for co-op work terms, contact Kathy Davis, co-op education coordinator. Phone 204-632-2902 or email met@rrc.ca.

• Cover