Manitoba Public Insurance donated over $1.2 million in collision repair equipment to RRC Polytech to help train the next generation of automotive technicians. The donation includes more than 200 pieces of modern equipment such as frame racks and dent-pulling systems, benefiting approximately 400 students and apprentices annually and addressing a critical shortage of skilled collision repair professionals.
- Donation Value: Manitoba Public Insurance donated $1.2 million in collision repair equipment to RRC Polytech's Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg.
- Equipment Scale: The donation includes more than 200 pieces of equipment including frame racks, dent-pulling systems, and tools for advanced automotive repair procedures.
- Student Impact: Approximately 400 students and apprentices annually benefit from the equipment at Manitoba's only post-secondary institution offering Levels 2-4 of collision repair apprenticeship training.
- Industry Need: Statistics Canada reported approximately 6,800 automotive service technician vacancies across Canada last year, highlighting the critical shortage of skilled professionals.
- Modern Requirements: Today's collision repair increasingly involves specialized materials like aluminum, boron steel, and carbon fiber, plus advanced driver assistance systems requiring updated equipment and training.
Manitoba Public Insurance has donated more than 200 pieces of collision repair equipment valued at $1.2 million to RRC Polytech, giving students and apprentices access to technology previously used in the public insurer’s automotive research and training operations.
The equipment, including frame racks and dent-pulling systems, will be used in Collision Repair and Refinishing training at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg. The programs serve about 400 students and apprentices each year.
RRC Polytech is Manitoba’s only post-secondary institution offering Levels 2 through 4 of collision repair apprenticeship training.
“By partnering with world-class organizations like RRC Polytech, we are helping to ensure people training for careers in the field have access to equipment that will support their success,” said John Bowering, vice-president and chief claims officer, in a statement provided to Collision Repair.
The equipment had previously formed part of MPI’s physical damage automotive research and training operations.
Some of the donated equipment will replace older technology at RRC Polytech, while other pieces will expand the equipment available to students.
Michael Blatz of RRC Polytech said access to current equipment is essential as vehicles and repair procedures become more complex.
“Students and apprentices need opportunities to train on modern equipment to develop the technical competencies employers expect,” Blatz said. “Working with up-to-date tools not only enhances skill development but also helps learners understand industry best practices, safety standards and emerging technologies.”
Modern collision repair increasingly involves materials such as aluminum, boron steel and carbon fibre, as well as advanced driver assistance systems that can require specialized procedures and equipment after a collision.
Bowering said a well-trained collision repair workforce is important to the public insurer because repair quality affects vehicle safety.
“A key part of our mission is creating safer roads, and that depends on a strong network of skilled professionals who restore vehicles safely, efficiently and to high standards,” the spokesperson said.
Bowering also cited a continuing shortage of automotive technicians, noting Statistics Canada reported approximately 6,800 automotive service technician vacancies across Canada last year.
“As vehicles continue to evolve, so do the skills and technology needed to repair them safely,” the spokesperson said. “Modern automotive technicians require specialized training and access to up-to-date equipment to meet the demands of an increasingly complex industry.”
The donation also keeps equipment previously used in MPI operations in service within Manitoba’s skilled-trades training system.
“We are proud that these resources will now have a second life — supporting education, strengthening our province’s skilled trades workforce and delivering value back to Manitobans,” he said.
