University College of the North’s automotive technician program is getting a boost from a former Flin Flon Bomber.
UCN announced a donation of a Chevrolet Cobalt Sedan to the program Nov. 8, a vehicle that will now be used for hands-on training with the vehicle tech program this year. The vehicle was donated by Brandt Weldon, who donated his old vehicle after purchasing a new one.
“Hands-on learning is extremely important. Not everyone can read the textbook and understand it, they need to be able to experience it,” said Weldon.
“It’s definitely a good feeling to come home and give back to my community. I hope these students can learn and gain experience with this donation to help them in the future.”
UCN automotive instructor Lyle Skulmoski said donations like Weldon’s and others, including a donation of several engines to the program earlier this year from Alexander’s Auto Ranch in Flin Flon, help keep the program going and assist in student learning.
“Donations are an essential part of our Automotive and Heavy-duty programs at UCN. It gives the student the chance to demonstrate what they learn in the classroom and gain real-world experience in our shop environment,” said Skulmoski.
“I feel it is vital to have a diverse fleet of vehicles at UCN so each student can have an opportunity to work on a car independently.”
Bomber fans may remember Weldon from his three seasons with the maroon and white, from 2010-11 to 2012-13. After graduating from the program, Weldon played NCAA Division III hockey at Concordia University in Wisconsin, then moved to Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota to work on a doctor of chiropractice degree. Once receiving that degree, Weldon headed back home, where he now works at a chiropractic clinic.
