University of Manitoba and RRC Polytech expand Made-in-Manitoba engineering pathways

Even more Manitobans will have the opportunity to earn an engineering degree without leaving the province, thanks to an expanded partnership from RRC Polytech and the University of Manitoba (UM).  

The two post-secondary institutions have finalized a new set of articulation agreements that significantly expand pathway options for Engineering Technology graduates seeking to pursue an engineering degree. The agreements build on a partnership announced last spring, and further strengthen collaboration that supports learners on their academic journey and workforce development in Manitoba.

“When post‑secondary institutions build on each other’s strengths, we create pathways that are stronger, more flexible, and more accessible than any of us could offer alone. These partnerships allow us to provide the complementary learning opportunities our province needs – ensuring students, communities, and industry all benefit from a more connected and collaborative education ecosystem,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “RRC Polytech is committed to working with our partners to strengthen and grow Manitoba’s workforce – bringing together our shared expertise to ensure learners can thrive.”

Under the new agreements, graduates of several RRC Polytech Engineering Technology programs are now eligible for entry into all undergraduate programs within UM’s Price Faculty of Engineering. This expansion opens additional career and academic opportunities for recent graduates and those who have graduated within the past 10 years, who are currently in the early stages of their career and looking to advance their credentials.

The newly completed agreements extend pathways to Biosystems, Electrical and Computer Engineering, joining Mechanical and Civil Engineering, which were announced in May 2025.  

“We’re excited to see that this partnership with RRC Polytech is already showing results. It’s a great example of how collaboration can leverage our shared strengths in research, facilities, equipment, and curriculum to support student success and increase the number and diversity of engineering graduates in our province,” says Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor of UM. 

“We’re excited to see that this partnership with RRC Polytech is already showing results. It’s a great example of how collaboration can leverage our shared strengths in research, facilities, equipment, and curriculum to support student success and increase the number and diversity of engineering graduates in our province,” says Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor of UM. 

As of Fall 2025, 10 seats are reserved per program per year. Nine students were admitted and registered for classes in Fall 2025; eight registered for the Winter 2026 term. Within the initial cohort, seven were in Civil Engineering and two in Mechanical Engineering.

RRC Polytech and UM work closely with industry partners through advisory councils and ongoing engagement to ensure programming aligns with emerging labour market needs and supports Manitoba’s economic growth.  

“This expanded articulation agreement between RRC Polytech and the University of Manitoba permits many more students in our province to have access to seamlessly build both their engineering science and engineering technology skills without leaving our province. These engineering skills are in great demand today, and I’m happy to support this partnership that strengthens individual careers, supports industry growth, and keeps talented Manitoba students learning, working, and thriving right here at home,” says Dr. Gerry Price, Chairman and CEO of Price Industries.

Both institutions remain committed to strengthening Manitoba’s engineering workforce through strong recruitment efforts, including initiatives that support participation from under-represented groups. Through this partnership and existing pathway programs, such as RRC Polytech’s Pathway to Engineering Technology Programs and UM’s Engineering Access Program (ENGAP), Manitobans from all backgrounds can pursue accessible, flexible routes to an engineering degree.