FULL-TIME | PORTAGE CAMPUS INTTF-CT Introduction to Trades

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Overview

  • Five-month certificate
  • February and August start dates
  • Delivered at various campuses:
    • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg, Manitoba – full-time
    • Peguis-Fisher River Campus, Fisher River, Manitoba – full-time
  • Designed to prepare Aboriginal students for entry into RRC Polytech trade programs

Description
Consider this program if you are an Aboriginal student looking for an introduction to a wide range of trades careers so you can prepare to enrol in RRC Polytech trades programs including:

An Aboriginal perspective is incorporated into the program, allowing you to connect with Aboriginal cultural values, traditions, and beliefs, and reinforcing positive cultural identity and enhancing self-esteem and pride. An Aboriginal cultural and spiritual advisor offers weekly circles, cultural teachings, and other traditional ceremonies such as the sweat lodge.

The program places a strong emphasis on math, science, and communications. You will receive a sound orientation to the trades through shadowing others in the job, visiting the shops, sitting in on classes, and meeting with invited speakers and potential employers. Tutorials and supplemental instruction are built into the program to address your individual needs. 

You will be enrolled in courses that will prepare you academically, and you may receive some credits toward your trades program, reducing your first-year course load. You will be fully integrated into the regular RRC Polytech trades programs. The Aboriginal Education Department will continue to monitor your progress and provide support as needed.

The annual application deadlines for Intro to Trades students applying to one of the trades programs listed above are:

  • November 1 for winter start dates
  • May 15 for fall start dates

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.

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Grade 12
    • Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit in each of the following courses:
      • Grade 12 English
      • Grade 12 Math
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, 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
      and
  2. Aboriginal Ancestry
    • Be of Aboriginal ancestry
      and
  3. Information Session
    • Participate in an information session
    • This item is not due within 15 days of applying and will be requested by the College at a later date

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.

  1. Academic Readiness Assessment
    • High school graduation is not required, but you will be required to successfully complete an Academic Readiness Assessment at the required competency level
    • This item is not due within 15 days of applying and will be requested by the College at a later date
      and
  2. Meet Regular Admission Requirements 2 and 3

Locations, Dates and Fees

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 1
$3,052.00
Books and Supplies
Year 1
$800.00
Other Fees
Year 1
$200.00

Winnipeg Locations

Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

Location Start Date Apply Link
Notre Dame Campus Aug 25, 2025 Apply Now

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 1
$3,166.00
Books and Supplies
Year 1
$2,300.001
Other Fees
Year 1
$255.002
1Includes an estimate of $1500 for the purchase of a laptop and $200 for required CSA Approved Safety boots with a minimum height of 6", CSA Approved safety glasses and Rubber/cotton gloves.
2Health and Dental Fees

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

If you begin this program in February, you may apply to enrol in a College trades program for the following August/September. You must submit your application by May 15 for trades programs starting in August/September.

If you begin this program in August/September, you may apply to enrol in a College trades program for the following January/February. You must submit your application by November 1 for trades programs starting in January/February.

You must successfully complete the Intro to Trades program prior to starting a College trades program.

Courses and Descriptions

(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
Year 1
Term 1Credit Hours
COMP-1050Computers 1
4
SAFE-1028WHMIS
0
SCIE-1020Trade Science
7
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
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.
ABOR-1028Intro to College Studies
More Information

This course assists students to develop effective methods of studying, reading textbooks, taking notes, preparing for examinations and managing their time so as to be successful at College. An emphasis will be on communication skills thru written assignments and oral presentations

ABOR-1029Employability Skills
More Information

This course is designed to assist students in preparing for work within the construction industry by practicing the necessary critical skills required for success. Employability skills can be defined as the transferable skills needed by an individual to make them ‘employable’. Employability depends on knowledge, skills and attitudes, how an individual uses those assets, and how they present them to employers. This course will enable students to better prepare for employment and meet the criteria for the communication courses required when enrolled in a trade program.

COMM-1139Intro to Trades Technology
More Information

This course prepares students for pre-employment and apprenticeship in-school technical training at the College.

COMP-1050Computers 1
More Information

This course develops competencies using Microsoft Word 2010 as a word processing program, with which you can create common business and personal documents. This course also introduces Microsoft Excel 2010 as a spreadsheet program that organizes and calculates accounting-type information. Nelson Keyboarding Pro will be introduced for keyboarding. Internet Explorer will be introduced for research and information gathering. 

MATH-1050Mathematics and Measurement
More Information

A practical Mathematics and Measurement course with an emphasis on exploring the principals for the industrial world.

SAFE-1016Safety and Wellness
More Information

This course will teach the students to view health and safety as an essential aspect of trade operations within a work environment. Human suffering from injuries due to accidents, loss of production and the social costs of health care as well as worker’s compensation will be examined with emphasis on prevention and wellness measures.

SAFE-1028WHMIS
More Information

The Workplace Hazardous Materials System (WHMIS) is a system for ensuring that important information about hazardous products is communicated where products are used, stored and handled. This course provides Information necessary to understand and interpret information about hazardous products, including pictograms (symbols), labels and Safety Data Sheets.

SCIE-1020Trade Science
More Information

A practical science course with an emphasis on exploring the principals of mechanics and electricity in a style that focuses on labs and practical formulas.

TOOL-1003Hand and Power Tools
More Information

Students in this course will be introduced to Safety I, a workshop setting and the safe use of hand and power tools. Practical experience will be available in drawing working diagrams and applying working projects from these diagrams.

Computer/Laptop Requirements

Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:

1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

2.  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.

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.

Other Information

Financial Assistance

First Nation students are advised to apply for financial assistance by contacting their Band Office, Tribal Council, or local management board.

Metis students are advised to contact their regional office of the Manitoba Metis Federation or Metis local management board.

Inuit students are advised to contact:
Government of the Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories Education
Culture and Employment
Manager of Student Services
Yellowknife, NWT  X1A 2L9
1-800-661-0793
Fax 1-800-661-0893

Nunavut students are advised to contact:
Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students
Nunavut Department of Education
Adult Learning and Post Secondary Services
Box 390
Arviat, Nunavut
X0C 0E0
1-877-860-0680
Fax: 1-877-860-0167
E-mail: FANS@gov.nu.ca

Inuit students from Nunavut are advised to apply for financial assistance from their Band Office. If residing in the province of Manitoba, students can also try contacting the Education Directorate at Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, phone 204-983-2338.

Applicants who receive, or who are eligible to receive City of Winnipeg or Province of Manitoba Social Assistance are advised to contact their local office.

Applicants who receive, or who are eligible to receive Employment Insurance benefits are advised to contact their nearest Employment Centre.

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.
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Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.