Town & Country

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019 3 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE NORTH (UCN) Car Wash Gas & Sundries Confectionary Sears Outlet Coffee & Snacks Coin Operated Laundromat Septic Services Welder Supply Air Hydraulic Hose & Fittings Sled & Quad Parts & Accessories Klim & Choko Apparel McDONALD LAW OFFICE PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.mcdonaldlaw.ca FAMILY LAW FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION 204-927-3900 TOLL FREE: 1-800-393-1110 EMAIL: mcdonaldlaw@shaw.ca 258 Tache Avenue, Wpg, MB R2H 1Z9 Sand Gravel and 6 & 8 Axle Lowbedding PFUND TRUCKING LTD c/o Peter Pfund WANLESS MB PO Box 2400 THE PAS MB R9A 1M2 Cell 204-623-0744 Shop 204-682-7510 Fax 204-682-7410 Res 204-682-7516 email: PfundTrucking@hotmail.com MPI COLLISION & GLASS ACCREDITION P: (204) 421-1300 F: (204) 421-1301 E: info@townautobody.ca w w w . t o w n a u t o b o d y . c a FREE COURTESY CAR 64 Salter Street, Winnipeg MB R2W 4J6 MP Niki Ashton (Churchill–Keewatinook Aski) extends her support to all the entrepreneurs for their contributions to Manitoba and the North, and wishes everyone a safe Holiday Season and a happy new year. 204-627-8716 Niki.Ashton@parl.gc.ca NikiAshton.ndp.ca NIKI ASHTON Member of Parliament Churchill—Keewatinook Aski BY TODD LEWYS Thanks to taking a fresh approach to delivering education in northern Manitoba, University College of the North (UCN) has become the educational hub it always aspired to be. 'T he difference between this year and last year is that we've taken a more aggressive approach to marketing short- term work development programs in our centres in Swan River and Thompson," says UCN president Doug Lauvstad. "We've also refocused on preparatory education – help- ing people get their Grade 12 diploma so they can get into post-secondary studies." Lauvstad says that proactive, forward- thinking approach has paid off big-time. "We've seen an overall 20 per cent increase in enrolment, with a four to five per cent in- crease in regular programs. Last year, we had 2,300 students enrolled at UCN. Enrolment for the 2019-2020 school year has gone up to 3,400 students." Today, people have the best of both worlds at UCN. They can enroll in short-term courses such as one-day first aid seminars or an eight-week-long security guard program. Or, they can take longer-term programs: heavy equipment operator or health care aid (both six months), or courses such as a two-year practical nursing diploma. The bottom line is that if people want to work – and have the qualifications required to apply for jobs – there's plenty of work available. "It's a bit of a best kept secret," says Lauvs- tad, alluding to the perception that jobs are few and far between in northern communi- ties. "There really are lots of jobs available if you have the training. I think the Indigenous population is starting to realize that there's a real demand for skilled workers." They're also realizing that UCN is the pathway to a genuine career. With 12 regional centres spread through- out the north, access to a life-changing education is not only close at hand, but extremely user-friendly. "People can attend without having to pack up and leave town," he says, noting that about 70 per cent of UCN's students are Indigenous. "Class sizes are smaller and provide students with more personalized attention, something that makes the learning experience less intimidating. It's a close-knit, friendly learning environment where stu- dents are welcomed and have fun." It's then up to the student as to what they want to do with their studies. They can use their newly acquired Grade 12 diploma to gain entrance to a short-term or longer-term course, or earn the credits required to pursue a more advanced degree. "For us, the larger strategic goal is to build a network that students can use to start a ca- reer," Lauvstad says. "Our hope is that they can start at home with us, and then move on to eventually become a doctor or nurse. We want to provide people with a pathway to the career they always envisioned." Because UCN is run by northerners for northerners, sustainable careers in northern communities are no longer a pipe dream, he adds. "With the province's Look Forward strategy, you need an education to get a job. The good news is that because we're directed by northerners, we're an institution that's understands people's needs and job demand. We're all about tailoring course content to meet job demands for now, and the future." What's the main driving force behind UCN? "To start people on their educational journey," Lauvstad says. "We're here to help them start their journey right where they are. Companies in northern Manitoba are look- ing for people with skills. If an individual has the desire to get those skills, we'll provide them with the training to get them – and the career they always dreamed of." College's new approach pays dividends UCN ENJOYS 20 PER CENT INCREASE IN ENROLMENT FROM A YEAR AGO "We've seen an overall 20 per cent increase in enrolment, with a four to five per cent increase in regular programs." Doug Lauvstad, UCN president UCN's smaller class sizes provide students with more personalized attention and make for a close-knit, friendly learning environment.

• Cover