University College of the North (UCN) Faculty of Arts, Business and Science has launched its first-of-its-kind Financial Assistant Micro-Credential program in response to First Nations' and northern community requests for financial administration training.
The 10-month part-time program provides learners with the opportunity to take credentialed courses focused on financial administration while continuing to work in their communities.
The first cohort includes learners from York Factory First Nation and Tataskweyak Cree Nation. Participants work in a variety of administrative positions within their respective communities. The program uses a hybrid delivery model designed to support learners who are balancing employment and education. Learners were welcomed to the Thompson campus for the first week of classes before returning to their communities for online and in-person instruction.
"The Financial Assistant Micro-Credential program through UCN is giving a range of administrative staff in our community, the chance to build up their skills and our capacity, all while staying in our community." Said Corinne Chapman Employment and Training Coordinator for York Factory First Nation.
Students are taking micro-credentials aligned with UCN's Office Assistant and Business Administration programs, focusing on developing key workplace skills in Microsoft Office, communication, basic accounting, and financial administration.
The program enables learners to build skills that complement their current roles while earning UCN credits. Upon completion, learners may choose to continue their studies through UCN's Office Assistant or Business Administration programs at the university's main campuses.
"First Nations and northern communities have made clear to UCN that this kind of training matters. We are looking forward to expanding the program further as a way of meeting our region's training needs and building a stronger Northern Manitoba." said Associate Dean Niki Ashton.
UCN is seeking expressions of interest from First Nations and other northern communities interested in offering the Financial Assistant Micro-Credential program. Future offerings will be developed based on community demand and training needs. Communities interested in learning more about the program or in joining a future cohort are encouraged to contact Associate Dean Niki Ashton at nashton@ucn.ca.
University College of the North provides learning opportunities to northern communities while respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values.
