INTERN Program

InTeRN (Information Technology Readiness North)

Certify Your Future

Join us for a globally recognized IT experience. The InTeRN program prioritizes hands-on experience to give you an excellent foundation for a career in IT. The program is tailored to and accepts applications from Indigenous women.

InTeRN is a 10-month, entry-level, hands-on tech program that teaches outcome-based information technology through computer refurbishment and industry-recognized certification exams.

You will thrive in this program if you are interested in computers. You will maximize your knowledge, skills and abilities required for employment as an Information Technology Support Technician.

Location:

Duration:

10-month course. Intake is September and course runs through June

Format:

In Person

Certification:

Certificate

Dates:

September 10, 2026

June 11, 2027

Program Overview

In class, hands on curriculum covering computer components, hardware, software, operating systems, networking, cyber security, professional development, sweetgrass traditional teachings, computer refurbishment and work experience

Learn IT, Do IT and Live IT – Apply Now

Why Study InTeRN (Information Technology Readiness North) at UCN?

  • You will build your skill-set so that you can confidently perform your duties in an entry level IT support role
  • Hands on Training for Hands on Careers
  • Students will be prepared for and will take the following Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) exams: Tech+, IT Essentials Core 1, IT Essentials Core 2, Network +, Security +
  • Small Class Sizes with involved instructors
  • Develop hands-on computer refurbishment skills through Computers for Schools (non-profit that has a depot in UCN)
Information Technology

Career Outcomes and Community

Career Pathways

  • Service Desk Analyst
  • Help Desk Tech Technician
  • Technical Support Specialist
  • Field Service Technician
  • Associate Network Engineer
  • Data Support Technician
  • Desktop Support Technician
  • End User Computing Technician

Or continue with your education to specialize in networking or cyber security.

Alumni, Student Spotlights & Related Stories

Ready for Technology

Learn about UCN student Charmaine Sayese and her journey through the INTERN program.

Read More »

Bridging the Digital Divide: UCN Students Help Launch Computers for Schools Initiative in The Pas

Lakota Blackbird was expected to get her hands dirty on day one. “Actually, it was my first day and they had me tear apart a computer, like my very first day, without reading anything,” she said. “I was like, should I be doing this?” Lakota is a student in University College of the North’s Information […]

Read More »

Program Schedule

CourseCourse TitleCredits
ABS1001Waskawimakanwa Mecimwaci Isihwawina1
CSC1012IT Essentials Core 13
CSC1021IT Fundamentals3
CSC1016IT Essentials Core 23
CSC1010Sweetgrass; Introduction to InTeRN3
CSC1220The World of Work3
CSC1500InTeRN Capstone5
CSC1125Network+6
CSC1175Security+6
CSC1260Applied A+ Technical Skills – Work Practicum4
100% Instructor Satisfaction

Admissions

Requirements

  • Overall GPA of 2.0 required to graduate
  • Manitoba Grade 10 reading and math.

If you are ready to make a difference in the tech world, take the first step towards your future in technology – Apply Now

Estimated Cost

$ 6519.07

See the program cost sheet for full breakdown of costs.

Application Fee

  • Domestic Student Application Fee: $50
  • International Student Application Fee: $158

Important Dates and Deadlines

Program Start Date

September 10, 2026


Program End Date

June 11, 2027


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions or interesting facts

We think so! The class environment is developed to promote teamwork and inclusivity. Students will work in an unpaid work practicum as an opportunity to obtain actual work experience with an industry partner.

This training is the starting point for a career in IT and covers the skills necessary for today’s IT support jobs. CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification that helps people jumpstart IT careers. Not only does it supply the tech support skills necessary in every industry, but a CompTIA A+ certification opens the door to a career in IT, giving individuals the credentials they need to land an IT job.

Excellent attendance and a good work ethic. We promote community and inclusion.

A background in IT is not required. There is no prerequisite and this training is the first step in a career in IT. You will learn the fundamental IT skills needed for a successful IT career.

High School graduate or equivalent.

All required tools and equipment are available for students to use. Students will be given an ESD wrist strap. Students can apply for and receive a notebook or desktop pc from the C4S depot.

Graduating students have completed projects with local school divisions and have found careers with companies such as Kraft Paper.

Popular Job roles are:
Service Desk Analyst, Help Desk Tech, Technical Support Specialist, Field Service Technician, Associate Network Engineer, Data Support Technician, Desktop Support Administrator, End User Computing Technician, Help Desk Technician, System Support Specialist

InTeRN is focused on training women for a career in IT. Students can stay in the north and maintain connections with their communities, friends and family.

Excellent in-person attendance is required but the program is delivered as hybrid. A virtual classroom is always available for students to work from home should the situation be warranted.

Simulations are available, but students will be trained on the safe and correct use of hand tools, work on actual computer hardware and software, network and security equipment, and receive globally recognized training on IT equipment.

University College of the North is a Cisco Networking Academy, a CompTIA Academic Partner and is partnering with Computers for Schools to deliver this training.

Students will be co-registered in Cisco Netacad, an international academy and community and receive training using an authorized curriculum.

Most of the certification exams can be written at the UCN campus. A testing room is available in the InTeRN lab. Students will be prepared and write the certification exam as part of the program. The cost of the first vouchers is included in the tuition.

Students will write a CompTIA certification exam as part of the program for the experience and will learn how to prepare themselves to write the exams. Success in sitting the exams is not required to achieve an InTeRN diploma and depends entirely on each student’s preparation.

– Assemble components based on customer requirements
– Install, configure and maintain devices, PCs and software for end users
– Build and secure Local Area Networks.
– Understand and implement computer and network security.
– Apply troubleshooting skills to diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues
– Provide appropriate customer support
– Understand the basics of virtualization, desktop imaging and deployment

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5.0 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the more than 50 million industry and tech professionals who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that powers the world’s economy. CompTIA is the hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce through education, training, certifications, advocacy, philanthropy, and market research.