News Releases

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Both students and industry in Manitoba will benefit from a state-of-the-art manufacturing training facility and program to be run jointly by the University of Manitoba and Red River College. The Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement is contributing just over $1.1 million towards the initiative.

 

The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and the Honourable Scott Smith, Minister of Competitiveness, Training and Trade for Manitoba, made the announcement today.

 

“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for the people of Manitoba by providing new opportunities to foster the best educated and most–skilled workforce in the world,” said Minister Toews. “Through our investment of over $500,000, we are demonstrating our commitment to creating an environment where Canadian students and businesses are provided with the right conditions to thrive and succeed.”

 

“This state-of-the-art manufacturing training facility and program is a great example of collaboration, between both students and industry leaders, as well as between the University of Manitoba and Red River College,” said Minister Smith. “It’s very appropriate that the funding that will benefit the organizations flows from a joint Federal/Provincial program, another example of successful collaboration.”

 

The University of Manitoba and Red River College will share the joint manufacturing training facility and program to be located on both campuses. Together, these facilities will be equipped to provide a comprehensive education for students at each campus, as well as the opportunity for skills upgrading and training for industry. Students from Red River College and the University of Manitoba will utilize the facilities at each campus to study different aspects of manufacturing.   

 

The University of Manitoba will house an advanced, computer based, product development program located in the new Engineering and Information Technology Complex.   This facility will be a 40-seat computer laboratory along with a mini-simulated manufacturing laboratory with a rapid prototyping machine, mini-numerical controlled machine tools and a small virtual reality system. 

 

 

Red River College will host two simulated factory laboratories that will provide students the opportunity to experience all steps of product manufacturing, using modern processes and advanced technology. 

 

“This exciting manufacturing training initiative is a perfect fit for Red River College, where applied learning is the foundation of our success,” said Jeff Zabudsky, President of Red River College. “We’re very pleased to be a partner in this innovative endeavour, which is sure to be a win-win situation for both students and industry in Manitoba.”

 

Industry will play a key role in the operation of the joint facilities by having input into course curriculum through the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME). The CME will promote and administer course activities for industry participants. Representatives from CME, the Industrial Technology Centre, the Composites Innovation Centre, the Manitoba Aerospace Human Resource Coordinating Committee, Red River College and the University of Manitoba will sit on an advisory board to govern the facilities. 

 

Under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the governments of Canada and Manitoba are working together and in partnership with community stakeholders to build the economy and strengthen communities. These priorities promote economic growth and diversification in the province. For more information on this and other projects funded under EPA, visit: http://www.epa.gov.mb.ca.

 

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