Building Essential Skills helps unemployed people, return to learning so they can develop the job related skills needed by employers.  After short term training, participants are better able to find meaningful employment.

Program Objective

The objective of Building Essential Skills (BES) is to provide short term training or education opportunities which help unemployed individuals return to work quickly.

BES also helps apprentices obtain certification in their chosen trade.

Eligible Clients:

To be eligible for Building Essential Skills, clients must:

• Be currently receiving Employment Insurance Benefits (EI), or

• Have had an EI claim which ended in the past 3-5 years

• Currently reside in the NWT

• Complete a Career Action Plan or Return to Learning Plan

• Need skill training or basic education to return to work

• Be entering for full-time studies in an approved institution

• Apprentices seeking assistance under Building Essential Skills must be registered in the NWT

Client Contributions

Students are expected to make a minimum financial contribution towards their training.

Amounts may vary depending on the program type.

Financial Assistance

Participants may be eligible for:

• Tuition to a maximum of $3,500

• Books / materials up to $300

• Special equipment, living away expenses, dependent child care, special supports for disabled, transportation

• Eligible participants will continue to receive their EI benefits

How long is the Program?

Enrolled in a program with a maximum duration of 52 weeks or weeks.