Overview
- Fifteen-week (four month) applied certificate
- January and September start dates
- Delivered at various campuses:
- Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg, Manitoba – full-time
- Designed to prepare Indigenous students for entry into RRC Polytech skilled trade programs.
- This program is open to Manitoba residents of Indigenous Ancestry (Status, Non Status, Inuit and Metis) only. Applications for this program received from individuals who are not a Manitoba resident and/or not a member of an Indigenous community will be cancelled.
Description
This applied certificate program extends to learners of Indigenous ancestry the opportunity to explore a variety of trades while developing skills in areas of mathematics, science, communication, and employability. You will connect with Indigenous values, teachings, and knowledge to your learning. You will also gain skills, knowledge, and attributes essential for entry-level positions in various skilled trades or to advance in trades training. You will have the chance to connect with diverse trades, engage in hands-on experiences, and interact with guest speakers and prospective employers.
Consider this program if you are a student looking for an introduction to a wide range of trades careers so you can prepare to enroll in RRC Polytech trades programs including:
The annual application deadlines for Skilled Trades - Foundations students applying to one of the trades programs listed above are:
• November 1 for winter start dates
• April 1 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.
Click Here for the Admissions Course Equivalence page. This page provides details on the high school courses and credentials needed for admission for applicants from outside of Manitoba. If you have High School education in Canada, use this guide to check your qualifications.
Please check the
Program Overview page, to see if this program is for Manitoba residents only.
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.
This program is open to Manitoba residents of Indigenous ancestry only. Applications for this program received from individuals who are not a Manitoba resident and/or not a member of an Indigenous community will be cancelled with no refund of the application fee.
Regular Admission Requirements
- Grade 12
- Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12
- 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
- Indigenous Ancestry (Status, Non Status, Inuit and Métis)
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. Indigenous Ancestry (Status, Non Status, Inuit and Métis)
Who Should Enrol?
Learners of Indigenous ancestry looking for the opportunity to explore a variety of trades while developing applied, hands-on skills in areas of mathematics, science, communication, and trades focused employment.
Locations, Dates and Fees
Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)
| Location |
Start Date |
Apply Link |
| Notre Dame Campus |
Sep 01, 2027 |
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
If you begin this program in January, you may apply to enroll in a Polytechnic Skilled Trades program for the following September. You must submit your progression application by April 1 for Skilled Trades programs starting in September.
If you begin this program in September, you may apply to enroll in a Polytechnic Skilled Trades program for the following January or September. You must submit your application by November 1.
You must successfully achieve graduation requirements for the Skilled Trades - Foundations program prior to starting a Polytechnic Skilled Trades program. To graduate from a RRC Polytech program, you must successfully complete all course requirements with a minimum program GPA of 2.0 (60%).
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.
COMM-1301Employability Skills
More InformationIn this course, students will explore the acquisition of essential skills needed in related careers, incorporating an Indigenous perspective. This includes skills in collaboration, professionalism, and developing goals for personal and professional growth guided by the holistic teachings of the Medicine Wheel, emphasizing balance across an individual’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Students will also explore the role of the Manitoba Apprenticeship Program and Unions to learn what prerequisites are required for apprenticeship eligibility and job acquisition. Throughout the course the use of digital tools will be incorporated to create and share content for the development of a professional portfolio.
MATH-1091Mathematics and Measurement
More InformationSkills in mathematics and measurement are essential in trades. In this course, students will focus on enhancing and/or developing the foundational mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills required to enter into the trades field. A wide-scoped approach is taken in mathematical topics to set students up for success in any field they wish to pursue. Topics include arithmetic, fractions, algebra, ratio and proportion, scientific calculators, measurement (metric and imperial), unit conversions, trigonometry, and geometry. An Indigenous perspective will be taken within the classroom through collaboration and knowledge sharing in assignments and activities.
SAFE-1036Trade Safety and Orientation
More InformationIn this course, the student will get an introduction to the college, program and how it relates to industry and apprenticeship. Students will tour the labs and equipment, classrooms, college facilities and review the college learning management system and its many capabilities. By observing safety standards such as PPE, Safe Work Procedures, and Toolbox Talks, we will be creating a safety culture to prepare the students for work in various Construction Trades as well as prepare them for the workforce.
SCIE-1030Trade Science
More InformationScience is integral to every trade. This course provides students with a working knowledge of scientific topics that directly affect the trades. Students will explore the principles of mechanics, gas laws, thermodynamics and electricity in relation to the safe operation of tools/equipment. Science in the trades also translates to innovation in the field. Innovation, through an Indigenous perspective, will provide students the opportunity to conduct research into past, present, or future innovation in their field of interest through a self-directed research project.
TRAD-1016Hand and Power Tools
More InformationIn the trades, a wide range of tools and technical documents are used. Incorporating Indigenous perspectives and practices, this course will introduce students to common hand and power tools, including their proper usage, maintenance, and safe handling. Students will also explore the use of measurement and layout tools and learn how to interpret the basic drawings and documents used in various trades. Through experiential learning, students will engage in hands-on projects guided by experienced Red Seal instructors in fields such as Plumbing, Refrigeration, Carpentry, Electrical, and Automotive, among others. Students will showcase their readiness for further studies or entry into the trades workforce by documenting their learning and projects in professional portfolios.
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.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate should be able to:
- Describe a variety of trades and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Understand how Indigenous perspectives and knowledge are applied to the Trades.
- Perform basic technical tasks within the trades, utilizing principles of mathematics and scientific concepts.
- Apply critical thinking strategies when considering how to use of tools safely and effectively
- Use basic hand and power tools in conjunction with trades-related tasks in a safe manner
- Adhere to trades acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
- Effectively communicate using computer technology, written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills.
- Develop goals for employment or future study in the trades industry.
Transfer Credit Opportunities
Students would be eligible for transfer credit for COMM-1173 Communication Strategies and SAFE-1036 Trade Safety and Orientation courses if offered in the subsequent RRC Polytech Skilled Trades progression program.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
Students will require safety glasses and safety boots.Partnerships
Qualico Trades for All Award
Qualico has established ten $5,000 awards to support RRC Polytech students in the skilled trades. These awards recognize the vital role that tradespeople play in building Manitoba’s infrastructure and economy, while also honoring the legacy of Qualico’s founders, Dr. David Friesen and Katherine Friesen. Since 1951, Qualico has been at the forefront of real estate development, transforming communities through a commitment to quality, innovation, and ethical business practices. This same commitment is reflected in RRC Polytech’s mission to provide hands-on, industry-focused education that empowers students to excel in their chosen careers. Qualico’s story began with the construction of just six homes and has since grown into one of Canada’s leading integrated real estate companies. With operations spanning Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Metro Vancouver, Saskatoon, Regina, and even Austin and Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas, Qualico remains a privately-owned business that values community investment and workforce development. The Qualico Trades for All Award supports individuals pursuing careers in the trades by providing financial assistance and encouraging program completion. It is open to students entering RRC Polytech’s Plumbing, Carpentry, Cabinetry & Woodworking, Electrical, and Refrigeration certificate programs. Each recipient receives $5,000, distributed in two stages: $2,000 upon selection and $3,000 upon completion of the program. The award is available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons/refugees, with consideration given to financial need and commitment to the trades. Preference is given to graduates of the Introduction to Trades program and individuals from employment equity groups, supporting diversity and inclusion in the industry. Applicants must submit a short paragraph on their motivation for pursuing a construction trades career. Graduates of the Introduction to Trades program should also describe its impact on their decision. Deadline for applications for fall start programs is October 15th and for winter start programs is March 15th. Please note the name of the award to enter on the application form. Once the application is submitted, instructions will be provided for submitting the required documents.
Employment Potential
Entry level trades roles or continuation into Apprenticeship or pre-employment Level 1 programs at RRC Polytech.
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.
