RRC Polytech to continue 19 programs from closing MITT

Long after the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology has closed its doors, 19 programs will continue on at Red River College Polytech.

Details about which programs would be making the move were released Wednesday following a town hall meeting between MITT staff and administrators from both post-secondary schools.

“The 19 programs are really representative of the great work that MITT has been doing and the high value that industry and community place on the program,” Christine Watson, vice-president of academic at RRC Polytech said.

The academic program review, conducted over the last few weeks, was extensive, Watson said. It considered enrolment, industry and labour-market demand and which programs were not being offered at RRC.

The programs include nine unique to MITT, including electronics technician and hairstyling. Ten others are considered equivalent to current RRC Polytech courses, including administrative assistant and carpentry.

In January, MITT officials announced the school, headquartered at 130 Henlow Bay in south Winnipeg, would be closing due to a decline in international student enrolment of about 55 per cent.

Students currently enrolled at the school will receive an MITT certificate or diploma upon graduation. Those who sign up in the fall will be under RRC Polytech’s banner.

MITT’s current academic calendar ends in September.

“Personally, I’m very excited about the opportunity for RRC Polytech to widen the circle of its impact — through not only the post-secondary academic programs, but new partnerships with the school divisions and adult learning centres,” Watson said.

An assessment will determine staffing needs and what positions will be available for MITT employees next year, Watson said.

“We really want to recognize that MITT has had a positive impact on Manitoba for a long time,” she said. “We want to carry on the good work. We want to honour the legacy that MITT is leaving through this transition.”

The surviving programs will continue to be offered at the south Winnipeg campus.

Neil Cooke, president of MITT said he’s pleased so many programs will continue.

“MITT has a proud history of meeting the labour market needs of the province, and we are pleased that the programs that have made MITT unique will continue to be available to Manitobans long after we wind down operations,” he said in a statement.

He said the transition’s focus continues to be “the success of our students as they complete their programs and ensuring that in-demand pathways remain strong, relevant, and available for future students.”

Minister of Advanced Education and Training Renée Cable wasn’t available for an interview but said in a statement the continuing programs are vital to Manitoba’s economy.

“By working together with industry, they are helping to ensure Manitoba’s post-secondary sector remains strong, responsive, and aligned with the skills and training our workforce needs,” she said in a statement, noting the transition has been “smooth.”

RRC Polytech and MITT will host an information night on May 7 at the south Winnipeg campus to highlight the ongoing changes and new programs.

MITT launched in 1983 as the South Winnipeg Technical Centre. It was renamed Winnipeg Technical College in 1999 and became MITT in 2014.

morgan.modjeski@freepress.mb.ca