A technology training initiative that had been well received in Morden will continue under a new educational institution.
The shutdown of the Winnipeg-based Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology had a ripple effect earlier this year, with the future of the network and system administrator program based in Morden up in the air as a result.
Last week, though, Red River College Polytech announced the Morden program is among several former MITT programs it is taking on to continue.
In a news release, RRC Polytech and MITT stated they had been working diligently to complete an academic program review of all MITT programs as they worked collaboratively on the transitional process to RRC Polytech.
“Our focus throughout this work has been on students and on ensuring the in-demand training Manitoba’s economy depends on continues without disruption,” said Fred Meier, president and CEO of RRC Polytech. “Earlier today, we provided an update to stakeholders, including staff and students of both institutions, that MITT programs with strong enrolment and labour market demand will continue under RRC Polytech beginning this fall, preserving critical training capacity and supporting workforce needs today and in the years ahead.”
Nineteen MITT programs will be offered as RRC Polytech programs beginning for the 2026-27 academic year, including Morden’s network and systems administrator program.
MITT had introduced it in Morden this past year. Its aim was to provide hands-on learning in information and communication technology and practicum experiences with local employers.
MITT’s decision to close its doors stemmed in large part to changes made by the federal government over the past two years to the international student program. Those changes resulted in a 55 per cent drop in international students at the school, making its ongoing operations fiscally unfeasible.
“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,” said Neil Cooke, MITT president and CEO. “We are grateful for RRC Polytech’s partnership and collaboration through this transition, which continues to focus on the success of our students as they complete their programs and ensuring that in-demand pathways remain strong, relevant, and available for future students.”
The collaborative work will continue to successfully prepare students and programs for the fall 2026/27 academic year.
“While today’s results have set the groundwork for our next steps, they are just the beginning of the process. What comes next will be supporting students’ academic journey with the sharing of this information, and the assessment of staffing requirements, which will be undertaken with great consideration in a fair and transparently articulated process,” said Meier.
