Assiniboine Community College hosts ACC Day in Portage on February 27

Assiniboine Community College is planning a day of activities and events in Portage la Prairie on February 27 as part of the college’s ongoing ACC Day series.

“Assiniboine has a history of offering programs in Portage la Prairie and surrounding areas. We are proud of our graduates in the region,” said Assiniboine President Mark Frison.

A recent review of the college system in Manitoba suggested that Assiniboine should play a more active role in assessing training needs in the Portage la Prairie region. “We recognize there is a lot of growth in the region and we know more college training opportunities will be required to support that growth,” said Frison.

On February 27, ACC Day kicks off from 7 to 9 a.m. at the McDonald’s on the highway. Stop in to grab your morning cup of coffee, enter a draw for an Assiniboine prize pack, and meet with Frison and Irvine Ferris, mayor of Portage.

At 11 a.m., Continuing Studies at Assiniboine will offer a free Lunch & Learn on the topic ofGlobal Citizenship in a Changing Community. Participants will broaden their understanding of cultures from around the world and will have a chance to reflect on their own culture to reveal the similarities we share. Those attending can expect to leave with a fresh perspective and strategies to further develop their intercultural skills.

Lunch will be provided at this two-hour workshop held at Season’s Family Restaurant.Due to limited space, pre‐registration for the lunch and learn is required before Feb. 22. Those interested can visit assiniboine.net/accday for details on the workshop and how to register.

Grade 10 and 11 students at Portage Collegiate Institute will also be included in the day. An afternoon of hands-on bell-ringer sessions will give students a chance to experience what certain programs have to offer.

“The bell-ringer sessions are a fun, fast‐paced way for students to explore college programs that they may already have an interest in or perhaps have never thought about,” said Erin Lambert, Assiniboine’s manager of recruitment. “They can ask instructors specific questions about their programs and job opportunities after graduation.”

At 6 p.m., Assiniboine invites alumni and their friends to gather in the Portage Daily Graphic Room at Stride Place before attending the Portage Terriers’ game at 7:30 p.m.

A cash bar and complimentary appetizers will be served before the hockey game. Alumni in attendance will receive a free ticket to the game.

Seating is limited. Guests must register in advance with the college’s Alumni Relations office, alumni@assiniboine.net.

More details about the day’s activities can be found at assiniboine.net/accday.

Assiniboine Community College has had a long-standing relationship with Portage and its surrounding communities. The most recent programming includes:

• In May 2018, 16 First Nations and Métis students graduated from the Enhanced Aboriginal Practical Nursing program based in Southport. Assiniboine has offered the program in the Southport location nine times since 2000.
• A partnership with Long Plain First Nation, resulting in offering community-based training in the areas of Applied Counselling, Office Management, Medical Administration, and construction safety programming.
• A partnership with Sandy Bay First Nation, resulting in community-based training for meat cutting, a high school graduate college preparation course and an Applied Building Construction program.
• Heavy Duty Truck & Transport Mechanic training for 11 Hutterite colonies, resulting in Red Seal certification for many of the participants.

Photo: Erin Lambert, manager of recruitment at Assiniboine Community College, rings the bell to get students moving to a new information station at a previous ACC Day.