The University College of the North is set to receive federal funding.

UCN will receive just over $1.1 million to expand train-to-hire programming for Indigenous students at UCN’s Northern Manitoba Mining Academy (NMMA) Mining Readiness Training Program.

Jamie Grant, UCN Associate Vice-President of Community and Industry Solutions said many students of the program are hired before they graduate.

The funding will support plans for a dedicated student housing facility in Flin Flon to ensure that students attending short-term programs have a place to stay and reduce barriers to education in northern Manitoba.

The new modular housing facility solves a pressing logistical challenge and strengthens UCN’s capacity to offer its most popular and industry-relevant programs in Flin Flon.