University College of the North (UCN) will partner with NORCAT to deliver a Mining Readiness Training program in Manitoba beginning in September 2024. Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is supporting the program with $1,264,805 in funding. Based in Ontario, NORCAT delivers industry-standard miner training across Canada and around the world.
"UCN is very pleased to be able to offer this training," said Doug Lauvstad, President of UCN. "UCN is responding to the needs of a growing mining industry in Manitoba. This program helps to ensure that Indigenous and Manitobans have opportunities to work in mining right here at home."
UCN will deliver training beginning in September 2024 to a cohort of eight-to-ten learners. UCN is working with three of the existing operating Mines in Manitoba and one in Northern Saskatchewan to ensure successful participants of the program have opportunities to enter the labour pools with the Mining companies and other potential employers such as mining contractors. The initial launch of the program will be in Sagkeeng First Nation near Lac du Bonnet. Subsequently, the training will be delivered to new cohorts every second month over the following 18 months in various locations throughout Manitoba. Overall, 13 cohorts will go through the program. The program is expected to train at least 100 students for entry-level work in the mining industry. At least 60% of the learners in the program are expected to be Indigenous.
"Mining is an exciting industry with meaningful opportunities for people from nearly all walks of life," said Stacy Kennedy, President of the Manitoba Mining Association. "Developing our local and regional workforce in northern Manitoba helps the mining industry remain sustainable for the future while creating lasting prosperity for the communities where we operate. We're thrilled that UCN and the federal government are working together to develop new opportunities for northerners, and to grow our industry in the north."
Graduates of the program will receive a dual certificate of completion from UCN and NORCAT. They will have the opportunity to work with UCN, in partnership with industry, on job placements. UCN also offers preparation training for those who may not be ready for the Mining Readiness program.
For more information on the program and to see current and future offerings please visit ucn.ca/mining.
