RRC Polytech reduces program offerings, lays off 26 staff

RRC Polytech has announced it will let go 26 employees as it prepares to end some programs and suspend others.

The post-secondary institution blamed the reduction in international student enrolment and reduced English language-training funding as a result of federal changes to immigration policy.

“These changes, along with shifting domestic enrolment trends in some programs and increased program delivery costs, have had direct impacts on operations and financial stability at RRC Polytech,” said a news release issued Thursday.

“These impacts have both immediate and long-term financial implications that we must responsibly address.”

Seven programs will end for good, including the professional sales and strategic marketing certificate, its hospitality business management diploma and its professional photography certificate.

Four will be halted temporarily, including its applied commerce education programs and its pharmaceutical and food manufacturing certificate.

Three others will be offered at reduced capacity, including its creative communications program.

The news release said all students currently enrolled in those programs will be able to complete their studies with no interruption.

RRC Polytech community members were notified of the changes in advance.

“These decisions are never taken lightly,” said a notice sent to staff shared by RRC and sent from the Polytech’s vice-president academic, Christine Watson.

“The staff and faculty affected by these changes have made strong and meaningful contributions to RRC Polytech, and their professionalism, commitment, and dedication to student success are deeply respected by colleagues across RRC Polytech.”

The information noted the 26 staff affected by the changes were notified Thursday and said the closures have nothing to do with the absorption of programs from the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, saying they are separate processes.

“These decisions are part of RRC Polytech’s responsibility to remain sustainable and aligned with Manitoba’s workforce needs,” said the release, noting the changes are based on a data-driven review.

morgan.modjeski@freepress.mb.ca