Red Deer Polytechnic will receive $13 million from the provincial government to support the expansion the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC).
The capital investment is part of the Government of Alberta’s 2024 budget, which was revealed on Thursday.
“This funding will help create new and innovative teaching and learning spaces at Red Deer Polytechnic, while expanding our applied research capacity to support Alberta based companies,” said Stuart Cullum, RDP president.
“Because of this investment, Alberta based manufacturers across multiple sectors will have greater ability to develop, test and scale their ideas, while RDP students will be engaged at the forefront of made-in-Alberta technologies and manufacturing solutions. This expanded and enhanced innovation ecosystem will enhance productivity and social impact within our province.”
The overall cost of the capital expansion of the CIM-TAC is projected to be about $21.3 million. This includes the $13 million provided by the Government of Alberta in Budget 2024, with $4.8 million in capital and equipment provided through Government of Canada grants, and $3.5 million from RDP’s own reserves.
The expanded CIM-TAC is anticipated to provide direct learning opportunities to 450 post-secondary students and indirect learning opportunities to an additional 2,000 students by 2030. These opportunities will afford RDP’s students direct interaction with community and industry partners to tackle real-world challenges in manufacturing and advanced manufacturing, RDP noted.
Additionally, over 500 junior and senior high school students will benefit from experiential learning within the CIM-TAC as part of dual-credit opportunities afforded through the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute.
David Pye, dean of RDP’s School of Trades and Technology, said with the CIM-TAC expansion, students will gain “unparalleled access” to advanced manufacturing technologies and immersive learning spaces.
“Students will have the hands-on experience and expertise needed to excel in the modern manufacturing sector,” said Pye.
“This expansion underscores our commitment to providing students with the tools and skills necessary to become industry-ready professionals, ensuring they emerge as highly sought-after innovators and contributors to Alberta’s economic prosperity.”
Construction on Red Deer Polytechnic’s CIM-TAC expansion is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2024. The expanded centre will support a variety of sectors through advanced manufacturing capabilities including energy innovation, transportation, aviation and agriculture, RDP stated.
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