Overview
- 5 Month Applied Certificate
- Portage Campus, Portage la Prairie
- Theory available online
- Work experience
Description
This program provides you with the skills required to gain employment in the food processing industry. You will learn specialized training in the food processing industry.
The course work emphasizes maintaining a safe work environment and your role in workplace safety, how to maintain, clean and operate equipment along with the tools required to perform this work, how and when to apply good documentation practices that comply with industry standards. You will learn competencies in critical thinking, innovation, personal health and wellness, and self-evaluation.
This program has a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component that integrates classroom and laboratory learning with industry partners through co-op work experiences or industrial project based learning.
Graduates find employment in packaging and shipping departments, packing lines, product inspection of raw inputs, line operator in processing lines.
Admission Requirements
Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit
My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Upload Through Your Future Student Account
- Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
- Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
- Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.
If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.
Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.
Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.
Regular Admission Requirements
- Grade 12
- Submit proof of successful completion of or enrolment in Grade 12.
- Due within 30 days of applying. However, if you apply within six weeks of the start date of the program, this item is due within 5 days of applying.
- If you provide proof of
enrolment, your official final grades indicating successful completion
must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline
specified in your admission letter.
- If
you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not
submit your transcripts until requested to do so. See English Language
Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
- English Language Requirements (ELRs)
- Have you successfully completed the equivalent of three years of full-time secondary (high school) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction? To view a list of ELR exempt countries click here.
If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an
ELR exempt country in English but did not complete three years of high school, submit your transcripts within 30 days of applying for review.
- If you apply within six weeks of the start date of the program, this item is due within 5 days of applying.
Mature Student Admission Requirements
If
you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a
minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the
regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student
admission requirements.
- Academic Requirement
- High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in:
- one credit in each of the following courses:
- Due
within 30 days of applying. However, if you apply within six weeks of
the start date of the program, this item is due within 5 days of
applying.
- If you provide proof of enrolment, your official final
grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15
for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission
letter.
- If you completed your education outside of Canada or the
United States, do not submit your international academic credentials
until requested to do so. See Regular Admission Requirement 2 for more
information.
and
- Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2
English Language Assessments
The College reserves the right to modify this information without notice or prejudice.
ASSESSMENT RESULTS MUST BE DATED NO MORE THAN TWO YEARS PRIOR TO YOUR APPLICATION DATE!
| English Language Assessment | Minimum Required Levels |
|---|
| L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - Writing | L | S | R | W |
|---|
| CAEL and CAEL Online
(Canadian Academic English Language)
| 60 | 50 | 60 | 60 |
| CLB (LINC)
(Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available. | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| IELTS - Academic
(International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| PTE - Academic Online Assessment
(Pearson Test of English)
| 58 | 50 | 58 | 50 |
| Password Skills
(An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room.
Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor.
If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
| 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| Password Skills Plus
(Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
| 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| TOEFL-iBT
(Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas. | 20 | 18 | 19 | 21 |
Who Should Enrol?
Take this program if you would like to learn how to maintain a safe work environment, your role in workplace safety, how and when to apply good documentation practices that comply with industry standards and how to maintain, clean, and operate equipment along with the tools required to perform this work. Numerous employment opportunities exist in the food processing industry.
Locations, Dates and Fees
Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)
| Location |
Start Date |
Apply Link |
| Portage La Prairie Campus |
Aug 25, 2025 |
Apply Now |
Costs (estimates only; subject to change)
Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program.
For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685,
or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca,
which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit
one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres
or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan
applications well in advance of the class start date.
Program Outline
To earn an applied certificate, you must successfully complete the following courses and a four-week practicum.
Courses:
• Careers in Food Manufacturing
• Workplace Health and Safety
• Introduction to Quality and Compliance
• Manufacturing Tools and Equipment
• Communication Strategies
• Math for Manufacturing and Personal Finance
• Workplace Integrated Learning
Courses and Descriptions
(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution,
other RPL processes are available for
RPL courses.
Click here for more information.
For courses with no
RPL, please check
www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
COMM-1173Communication StrategiesRPL
More InformationEveryone communicates, but are they doing it well? Communicative competence takes practice and self-awareness. In this foundational course, students will learn through discovery and project-based activities to practice approaching situations critically and collaboratively. By developing their communication skills, students will improve their interpersonal ability, intercultural competence, and digital fluency to prepare for success in the workplace and beyond. The strategies students will gain in this course will be useful throughout their program and in their chosen industry.
MANU-1090Careers in Food Manufacturing
More InformationThis course introduces students to different career pathways in the food manufacturing industry. They will learn industry-related information that will expose them to the working environment, job roles and responsibilities, and career and salary outlooks for people employed in this sector of the industry.
Students will be introduced to different sustainable manufacturing practices and be provided with guidelines for improving mindfulness, managing time and stress, and setting and prioritizing tasks. By participating in this course, they will develop the personal and professional competencies required to find and keep employment in this growing and rewarding field.
MATH-1180Math for Manufacturing & Personal Fin.
More InformationThis course focuses on the fundamental mathematical skills required for a career in manufacturing. You will review basic concepts to improve your numeracy skills and learn how to perform mathematical calculations to help you succeed on the job. Since many manufacturing jobs require a strong foundation in math, you will be introduced to several mathematical principles, including measurement, conversions, algebra, and geometry as they relate to everyday plant operations. You will also increase your financial literacy by learning techniques to manage your income, track expenses, and manage personal debt.
QUAL-1003Introduction to Quality and Compliance
More InformationThis course introduces students to the concepts of quality and the basics of compliance, providing them with the building blocks for eventual success in the workplace. Students will evaluate their expectations of product quality and learn about good data and records management, good manufacturing practices, standard operating procedures and food safety to develop experience with the regulations, guidelines, and industry standards used to ensure quality and compliance.
SAFE-2020Workplace Health and Safety
More InformationThis course focuses on the role of legislation and government initiatives in protecting the safety and health of workers. The student will learn the rights and responsibilities of employees, employers and supervisors in complying with safety and health legislation. The student will also explore the ways that Human Resources departments support health, safety and wellness committees and other initiatives in the workplace by writing policies, designing safety training, and assisting with discipline. The student will also learn how to motivate employees to work safely, create an emergency plan, and conduct a job hazard analysis for health and safety risk management. This course will also cover respectful workplace conduct and legislation and workplace harassment and violence prevention.
Prerequisites:
More InformationThis course introduces the production machinery, hand tools, and instruments used in the food manufacturing industry. Students will review standard operating procedures to safely use and inspect and clean basic manufacturing tools and equipment. Students will also explore how preventative maintenance helps to protect and prolong the life of manufacturing production equipment.
WRKE-1058Work Experience
More InformationWork experience is a key component of your education. Work placement offers a unique opportunity to gain organized, valuable experience in the workplace. Develop the personal and professional skills required for a successful career in manufacturing. You will receive professional feedback on your job-related skills and abilities, determine your specific areas of interest in the food manufacturing industry and test your skills against the varied demands of the workplace.
CO-OP/Practicum Information
This program includes a work integrated learning component that will help students develop practical work experience through full time employment. All students who register in the program will have the opportunity to complete work integrated learning so that they will be able to practice and demonstrative the disciplines that they have learned and experience the lifestyle of shift work.
Computer/Laptop Requirements
Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red
River College programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need
to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College students require,
at minimum:
- Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam
- A high speed internet connection
- Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
- Slower
internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please
keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet
connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio
and video issues.
- Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.
Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates. https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/
Objectives/Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Introduction to Food Manufacturing program, the graduate should be able to:
- Adhere to safe practices with WHMIS and other regulatory guidelines to maintain a safe work environment.
- Perform activities to ensure that the quality requirements of a product, process, or service is fulfilled by applying established quality standards.
- Apply good documentation practices that comply with regulatory expectations and industry standards.
- Maintain, clean, and assemble equipment in accordance to established guidelines to ensure proper functioning.
- Operate production equipment as per manufacturer's instructions and recommended guidelines.
- Troubleshoot manufacturing equipment problems to improve processes and product quality.
- Demonstrate competencies that promote personal health and wellness.
- Demonstrate professional competencies that foster critical thinking, innovation and leadership.
- Develop practical competence as an entry-level professional while working under supervision.
- Communication effectively with various stakeholders in a variety of contexts.
- Express ideas effectively, both in oral communications and in writing.
- Engage in self-evaluation and critical reflection to inform professional judgement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.
Graduation Requirements
You must complete your program within four years from the start of
the first course in the program, unless otherwise stated in the program
outline
A program GPA of 2.0 (60%) is required to graduate. The practicum is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
You
will not be granted more than 75 percent of credit requirements for
graduation through prior learning assessment and recognition.
When you have completed all the required courses in
this program, be sure to apply for your certificate. When you receive
your certificate, you will be invited to participate in one of the
College's semi-annual graduation ceremonies. For complete details on
applying to graduate and convocation, see rrc.ca/convocation.
Questions about graduation? Please call the School of Continuing
Education at 204-694-1789 or toll-free at 1-866-242-7073, or one of the
regional campuses.
Graduation with Honours
If you obtain a grade
point average (GPA) of 3.8 or better for the program you will graduate
with honours. If you fail any course in the program, you will not be
eligible for this honours designation.
Employment Potential
This program provides you with the skills required to gain employment in the food processing industry. You will receive specialized training through hands-on learning in our classrooms and skills labs. Courses will emphasize how to maintain a safe work environment, your role in workplace safety, how and when to apply good documentation practices that comply with industry standards, how to maintain, clean, and operate equipment along with the tools required to perform this work, and competencies in critical thinking, innovation, personal health and wellness, and self-evaluation.
Employment potential includes:
• Technical positions in operations
• Milling and mixing equipment operator
• Process quality testing
• Large scale fermentation equipment operation
• Protein purification equipment
• Packaging and Shipping Department
• Packing line
• Product inspection of raw inputs
• Line operator on processing
Academic Advising Service
Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
