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.
