News

Through a new partnership between RDP and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, aspiring LFES candidates can now complete their Firefighter Applicant Physical Test closer to home.

RDP is proud to be part of a network of 38 post-secondary institutions who are receiving more than $24 million in Lab to Market funding from the Government of Canada.

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to provide innovative education, training and applied research opportunities that address industrial and societal needs across Alberta. In collaboration with Stardust Solar, an award-winning, registered provider of The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners ® (NABCEP®), RDP offers a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation Masterclass. This micro-credential helps individuals acquire and enhance their knowledge and skills in the solar installation industry. “ The Solar Photovoltaic Installation Masterclass offers flexible, online training to prepare individuals for solar installation as a career or for personal interest,” says Martin Thomsen, Interim Dean, Continuing Education and Corporate Training. “At RDP, we align our programming to help fulfill labour market demand and contribute to the priorities of the province.” The 20-hour online component of this program consists of three modules: Solar PV Technology, Grid-Tied Solar PV System Design and Off-Grid Solar PV System Design. Throughout these modules, students will advance their competencies in a range of areas, including solar electric code, system assessments, shading analysis and wiring. This engaging online program culminates in six hours of hands-on training at Red Deer Polytechnic. Students enrolled in the Solar PV Installation Masterclass will design, wire and test a small micro-inverter based rooftop

As a new year approaches, we reflect on the fun we have had celebrating our 60th anniversary with you all. It has been a pleasure reminiscing throughout 2024 with our 60th anniversary events and social media timelines posts. To help cap off the celebrations, we’ve condensed RDP’s history into a fascinating timeline. We hope you enjoy! In 60 years, Red Deer Polytechnic has proudly grown from 119 students with only 5 staff members and 10 instructors to be one of Alberta's sought-after destinations for post-secondary education, attracting students from across the province, the country and around the world. The vision of RDP (formerly Red Deer College) has always been bold. With humble beginnings that started in the hallways of Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School and turned into the beautiful campus on the busy corridor of the Queen Elizabeth Highway. Now with 80+ industry-ready program areas 60% of programs including Work-Integrated Learning 4200 solar panels on campus 770 International students in 2023 from 35 countries 3553 Indigenous students in 2023 192 ACAC provincial team and individual titles within Athletics But before all that, what was then Red Deer Junior College was established by the Order-in-Council in 1963, where we became the

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has been recognized for its high-quality culinary education, ranking 17th among the best culinary schools in Canada by University Magazine. “We are proud to be acknowledged across the nation for our dynamic culinary programming,” says Garnett Schoettler, Chair of Culinary Programs and Instructor at RDP. “At Red Deer Polytechnic, we offer enhanced education and training opportunities in collaboration with industry partners that help fulfill labour market demand.” Red Deer Polytechnic offers both a three-year, part-time Cook Apprenticeship and a two-year, full-time Culinary Arts Diploma program to address the needs of students. In both programs, aspiring cooks will learn from experienced chefs, advancing their knowledge and skills in a range of areas, including food preparation, nutrition and budgeting. During the Cook Apprenticeship, students attend the Polytechnic one day per week for 40 weeks annually, providing opportunities to apply their culinary knowledge in the workplace. RDP’s Cook apprentices dedicate 1,560 hours each year and a total of 4,680 hours honing their skills in paid industrial settings. Upon successfully completing RDP’s Cook Apprenticeship program, graduates receive both an education credential and journeyperson certificate. In the final year, students are eligible to earn a Red Seal Endorsement on their journeyperson

On behalf of Red Deer Polytechnic, we would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of long-time RDP friend and supporter, Bill Welikoklad. Bill’s connection to RDP began in 1966 when he worked as a general foreman on the construction team that built Red Deer Junior College. A generous, community-minded leader, Bill and wife Irma have been instrumental in supporting higher education in Central Alberta. Together, Bill and Irma have elevated the RDP student experience through generously supporting student awards that relieve the financial burden of students attending post-secondary. They have also supported the creation of exciting new learning spaces on our campus, such as the Welikoklad Simulation Lab, a high-tech learning environment where RDP Health Sciences students can experience simulations of real-world patient care scenarios. Bill and Irma were also instrumental in helping us achieve our downtown campus expansion. Bill and Irma have built a true legacy of developing new opportunities for the betterment of Red Deerians, and Red Deer Polytechnic. Bill’s legacy will continue to positively impact our students and region for decades to come.

Exro Technologies Inc. ( TSX: EXRO, OTCQB: EXROF) (the “ Company” or “ Exro”), a leading clean-technology company that provides new-generation power control electronics that expand the capabilities of electric motors and batteries, announced today the successful installation of its first in-field Cell Driver™ Battery Energy Storage System (“ Cell Driver™”) at Red Deer Polytechnic (“ RDP”). The installation was led by Cellex Energy Inc, Exro’s subsidiary dedicated to Cell Driver™ development and commercialization, and was completed earlier this month. This achievement will be celebrated with an official ribbon cutting ceremony this morning with members of RDP, Exro, and local officials. The RDP installation integrates Exro’s Cell Driver™ system with a 1.6-megawatt rooftop solar system (nearly 4,200 solar panels) and a one-megawatt Combined Heat and Power Unit installed in partnership with Inferno Solar, at RDP’s Energy Innovation Centre. The project is intended to demonstrate how clean energy technologies can be incorporated into existing commercial buildings —potentially a significant market opportunity for the deployment of Cell Driver™. The installation of the Cell Driver™ system at RDP is a use-case for educational facilities and municipalities committed to meeting net-zero standards and is expected to enhance the institution’s efforts in advancing alternative energy

In a significant show of support for Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and its students, NOVA Chemicals has generously donated $20,000 to RDP’s Student Emergency Bursary Fund. This donation aims to help students who are experiencing financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, family crises, or other critical situations that could impact their ability to continue their education. This generous gift raises NOVA Chemicals' total lifetime contributions to RDP to over $3.7 million. On Friday, December 6, a group of NOVA Chemicals employees gathered at RDP to present the donation, along with additional food items to support the RDP Students' Association Food Bank. These NOVA employees are former RDP students and were excited to give back on behalf of NOVA. NOVA is one of the region’s largest employers, and as such, employs many RDP alumni, including graduates from Engineering, Nursing, Business, Continuing Education, and Trades programs. “NOVA Chemicals recognizes the importance of supporting Red Deer Polytechnic and its students to help us build a strong, thriving community in Central Alberta,” states Rob Thompson, Vice President, Manufacturing West, NOVA Chemicals. “Sometimes students can encounter unforeseen barriers that can get in the way of their studies. We are hopeful this

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Polytechnics and Colleges by Research Infosource Inc. Ranked 43 overall, Red Deer Polytechnic attracted nearly $2.4 million in applied research investment, up 14.8 per cent from the previous year. Research partnerships also increased from 13 to 29, along with the number of paid student researchers increasing from 17 to 37 individuals. “We are proud to be recognized across Canada for our growing multi-disciplinary and collaborative applied research,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research. “This ranking reflects RDP’s commitment to advancing our impact in applied research, helping to address industrial and societal challenges and contributing to economic prosperity across the province and nation. RDP is committed to growing applied research in our four areas of focus: Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing, Energy Innovation, Health Care and Health Technology, and Social Innovation.” While applied research occurs across RDP, the institution’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre ( CIM-TAC) and Energy Innovation Centre ( EIC) are key on-campus applied research, teaching and learning facilities. The CIM-TAC, which houses $7.6 million in prototype and advanced manufacturing equipment, completed 45 projects for 46 companies and had 1,300

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to increase opportunities for students in the thriving IT sector through a new two-year Network Administration Diploma credit program. Learners can apply now to begin classes in Fall 2025 Term. “We are excited to offer the Network Administration Diploma credit program which provides a strong foundation for graduates to pursue a growing number of careers in information technology,” says Dr. Robbie Halonen, Dean, Donald School of Business, Science and Computing. “At RDP, we offer enhanced education, training and applied research opportunities that help to fulfill Alberta’s labour market demand.” This diploma program will provide students with knowledge, skills and hands-on experiences that align with industry standards and certifications. Leveraging their curiosity, logical thinking and affinity for technology, students will learn how to maintain a resilient and high-quality network by planning and enhancing network capacity. “While students receive robust experiences throughout the Network Administration Diploma program, they can effectively build on this credential if they decide to further their post-secondary education,” adds Dr. Halonen. “As part of credit programming, students receive enhanced work-integrated learning experiences and have increased access to student scholarships.” The Network Administration Diploma program has two work-integrated learning components with industry partners that

Red Deer Polytechnic is pleased to share our new five-year Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: Connection. Empowerment. Bravery. The strategy highlights RDP’s commitment to creating a learning and work environment where everyone feels welcome and valued and has equal opportunities. As an educational leader, Red Deer Polytechnic plays a pivotal role in shaping and responding to the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion landscape of central Alberta,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, RDP. “Through a collaborative effort with RDP faculty, staff and students, including active listening and continuous feedback, we are collectively creating a culture of belonging where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals are supported to reach their full potential.” Centered around three guiding principles, Connection, Empowerment and Bravery, the EDI Strategy provides a clear roadmap for RDP to achieve our desired EDI outcomes. The RDP EDI roadmap is built on a bottom-up approach, deeply rooted in the belief that meaningful change is driven by the collective voices and actions of our community members. Based on the approach of active engagement and empowerment of students, staff and faculty, RDP has created a new EDI governance structure that includes both student and employee advisory groups. “Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to creating an

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is proud to continue its magical holiday tradition by presenting Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet through matinee and evening performances: Thursday, December 12 | 12 pm Friday, December 13 | 7 pm Saturday, December 14 | 1 pm and 7 pm Sunday, December 15 | 1 pm Main Stage Theatre - Arts Centre, RDP main campus ( view map) “Once again, we are proud to host The Nutcracker and continue the longstanding legacy at Red Deer Polytechnic,” says Trent Rix, Director, Ancillary and Sport Services at RDP. “This classic ballet is a collaborative effort between RDP, youth dancers and community members which contributes to the festive spirit throughout communities across the region.” The Nutcracker will inspire wonder among audience members as they immerse themselves in one of the most famous ballets of all time. Adopting Tchaikovsky’s impeccable score throughout the performance, central Alberta youth will artistically recreate the legendary battle between mice and toy soldiers, which has delighted audiences for over a century. During the ballet, young Clara receives a cherished Nutcracker from her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer. After everyone has turned in for the evening, strange and mystical things begin to happen. The Nutcracker, which is adapted