Red Deer Polytechnic means more for students, industry, and Alberta

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has more to offer. Through industry-relevant programming, partnerships, innovation and applied learning and research, Red Deer Polytechnic is well-positioned to advance the economic and social priorities of the province.

As a polytechnic institution, RDP continues to grow its program offerings in response to the needs of learners, communities and industries. Red Deer Polytechnic provides education, training and applied research opportunities in more than 80 programs across a breadth of credentials that include degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship training and a growing selection of micro-credentials.

During the past year, Red Deer Polytechnic has added 17 new programs, including five degrees. With funding support from the Government of Alberta, the Polytechnic has also added 700 more seats for students in high-demand programs that include healthcare, technology, business, arts and creative arts.

To complement its programming, Red Deer Polytechnic is growing its partnerships and connections to industries, benefiting learners, companies and society by developing more innovative and technology-infused learning environments to find solutions to challenges.

As highlighted in the institution’s “Polytechnic Means More” campaign, RDP provides more opportunities – including robust programming, innovation and industry connections – for students to acquire the necessary knowledge, competencies and experiences to attain rewarding careers.

Illya Omelyanchuk, an engineering student, is one of the Polytechnic’s learners featured in the campaign. According to Omelyanchuk, the technology, small class sizes, ability to collaborate with his peers and opportunities to connect with industry leaders are significant advantages of attending Red Deer Polytechnic. Along with his studies, Omelyanchuk has worked as an applied research technician in the oncampus Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC). The Centre houses $6.6 million in advanced manufacturing equipment and helps entrepreneurs with innovative manufacturing solutions while also providing meaningful learning and applied research opportunities for students.

Students such as Omelyanchuk, as well as industry partners, have been able to access unique opportunities through the CIM-TAC. He has worked with equipment such as 3D printers and scanners, augmented reality wearables and microcontrollers. Omelyanchuk has also received experience in developing electrical circuits and programming and coding software.

Through growing partnerships and access to state-of-the-art equipment, the impact of industry-relevant experiences and opportunities in applied research continue to grow at the Polytechnic, placing the post-secondary institution in the national spotlight.

Red Deer Polytechnic was recently ranked 38th on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges 2022 list by Research Infosource

Inc. The ranking highlights that in 2021, Red Deer Polytechnic attracted $2.6 million in applied research investment. It is also ranked first in the country in annual growth in research income. While the CIM-TAC and Energy Innovation Centre are key applied research centres, applied research occurs across the Polytechnic’s programming and will continue to grow.

For more information about Red Deer Polytechnic’s programming, services and facilities, please visit www.rdpolytech.ca. n