University College of the North has announced a partnership with NORCAT to launch a Mining Readiness Training program in Manitoba.

 

The program is set to commence in September 2024.

 

Prairies Economic Development Canada is providing over 1.25 million dollars in funding to support the program.

 

NORCAT, headquartered in Ontario, is known for delivering industry-standard miner training across Canada and globally.

 

Doug Lauvstad, President of UCN, expressed his enthusiasm for offering the training, stating, "UCN is responding to the needs of a growing mining industry in Manitoba.

 

Lauvstead said the program would help Indigenous and Northern Manitoba people find work in the north.

 

The program will collaborate with 3 existing mines in the north, aiming to provide program participants with the opportunities needed to enter the field.

 

The program will first launch in Sagkeeng First Nation near Lac Du Bonnet and is expected to enroll over 100 students over the next 18 months.

 

Upon completing the program, students will receive a dual certificate of Completion from the UCN and NORCAT.

 

They will also have opportunities to work with the UCN in partnership with one of the mines.