Education | Winter 2025

EDUCATION GUIDE

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SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • DECEMBER 2025

RRC POLYTECH

RRC Polytech programs prepare learners to thrive in the age of AI Technology doesn’t stand still and neither do we, says RRC Polytech’s President and CEO

A rtificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just shap- ing the future – it’s reshaping the pres- ent. From healthcare to manufacturing, from marketing to software develop- ment, AI is transforming how we work, create, and make decisions. In this rapidly changing landscape, RRC Poly- tech is equipping students and professionals with the tools and confidence they need to keep pace with innovation – and lead it. As Manitoba’s polytechnic, RRC Polytech’s programs pivot on one central idea: education should respond to industry change, not chase it. That philosophy is baked into every education and training offering, where flexibility, practical learning, and direct links to employers ensure students can adapt to the evolving demands of today’s technology-driven workforce. LEARNING FOR THE REAL WORLD “Technology doesn’t stand still, and neither do we,” says Fred Meier, RRC Polytech’s President and CEO. “We constantly update our curriculum to reflect what’s happening in the workplace. AI is no longer something you learn about in isola- tion – it’s woven into everything.” That’s clear across RRC Polytech’s technology programs. Students in Application Development and Delivery gain hands-on experience build- ing software solutions that increasingly integrate AI-powered features such as automation, predic- tive analytics, and natural language interfaces. Meanwhile, the Data Science and Machine Learning program takes learners beyond theory, training them to turn raw data into meaning- ful insights – a skill that’s in high demand across nearly every sector. Graduates don’t just under- The future belongs to those who can learn continuously. AI will keep changing, and so will we. Our job is to help students build confidence – not just competence. ” — Fred Meier , RRC Polytech President and CEO

stand the tools of AI: they understand how to apply them ethically and effectively to solve re- al-world problems. ADAPTING TO A CHANGING WORLD OF WORK As AI automates certain tasks, it’s also creating new opportunities. Employers are looking for professionals who can work alongside intelligent systems, make data-driven decisions, and use technology to improve productivity and creativ- ity. That’s where RRC Polytech’s approach stands out. By embedding AI and automation awareness into courses across disciplines – not just in IT – RRC Polytech ensures every graduate under- stands how digital transformation is affecting their field. Whether you’re a business profession- al using AI for marketing analytics, an engineer- ing technologist designing smarter systems, or a creative professional using generative tools to expand your ideas, RRC Polytech’s programs prepare you to thrive in an environment where human expertise and machine intelligence work hand in hand. FLEXIBLE LEARNING THAT FITS YOUR LIFE For many learners, the challenge isn’t just what to learn – it’s how to fit learning into a busy life. RRC Polytech’s continuing education and rapid training options make that possible. With fast- paced full-time and part-time offerings available through flexibly delivery, including online, hybrid, evenings, and weekends, learners can gain new credentials or upgrade existing ones without stepping away from work or family responsibilities. Rapid training programs are especially pop- ular among professionals looking to pivot or upskill quickly in response to emerging technol- ogies. Many are offered in condensed, focused formats that take days or weeks – rather than months – to complete, allowing students to put new skills into practice right away. HUMAN SKILLS IN A DIGITAL AGE While AI can process information at lightning speed, the human skills of creativity, collabora- tion, and critical thinking remain irreplaceable. That balance is central to a polytechnic model of education, which combines technical exper- tise with communication, teamwork, and prob- lem-solving. Each course is guided by instructors with real industry experience – professionals who under- stand both the promise and the limits of tech- nology. Students graduate not only knowing how to use the latest tools, but also how to adapt as those tools evolve. “The future belongs to those who can learn

continuously,” Meier says. “AI will keep chang- ing, and so will we. Our job is to help students build confidence – not just competence – so they can keep growing long after they graduate.”

start-ups, and public sector innovators, RRC Polytech ensures its graduates are job-ready on day one. Employers know that an RRC Poly- tech credential represents more than academic achievement – it represents applied skills, practi- cal experience, and a mindset built for change. n Learn more at rrc.ca/explore and discover how RRC Polytech can help you adapt, advance, and thrive in an AI-driven world.

BUILDING MANITOBA’S AI-READY WORKFORCE

Across Manitoba, industries from manufactur- ing to media are embracing automation, digital analytics, and AI-assisted design. RRC Polytech plays a vital role in preparing that workforce – working closely with local employers to identify emerging needs and design programs that meet them. Through partnerships with tech companies,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RRC POLYTECH

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