Skills Development Program
Overview
This program provides support for eligible individuals to participate in short-term training opportunities for up to 52 weeks, which upgrade or develop essential employability skills.
Eligible skills development activities must be full-time and may include:
- literacy and numeracy
- academic upgrading
- workplace essential skills
- life skills
- employment readiness programs
- pre-employment training courses
- skill-specific training programs
- post-secondary programs leading to a formal credential
- bridging, transitional and preparatory programs that help students meet admission requirements for post-secondary education
Bridging, transitional and preparatory programs help students complete required courses, build academic skills and meet admission requirements needed to enter post-secondary education. Examples may include Indigenous Pathway Programs and Transitional Year Programs. Academic upgrading may be supported for up to six months or two semesters when it is followed by further eligible short-term training or admission to post-secondary studies.
Available Funding
Maximum allowable funding is $26,000, for up to 52 weeks.
The Skills Development Program may pay for:
- program tuition (up to $7,200)
- living allowance and living away allowance
- books
- course materials
- software and fees (up to $550)
- tools, equipment and clothing (up to $750)
- child care
- travel expenses
Deadline
There is no deadline. This program can be accessed at any time.
Eligibility
An individual is eligible for this program if they:
- reside in the NWT;
- are of school leaving age (16 years old or older); and
- are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, who is entitled to work in Canada.
Training program eligibility:
- Education and training providers must be approved by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Additional criteria may apply to those wishing to pursue skills development and self-employment.
Support for Students in Bridging, Transitional and Preparatory Programs
Students enrolled in full-time bridging, transitional and preparatory programs may be eligible for financial assistance through the Skills Development Program (SDP). These programs are not currently eligible under Student Financial Assistance (SFA) regulations; however, students do not need to apply for SFA before seeking support through SDP.
Individuals interested in financial support for bridging, transitional, preparatory or other eligible training programs are encouraged to contact their local ECE Service Centre.
Career Development Navigators can help:
- Understand available training and employment programs;
- Determine program eligibility;
- Identify funding options; and
- Navigate the application process.
How to apply
Contact your ECE Regional Service Centre.
To access funding, individuals must first complete and submit an Application for Service form to the Career Development Navigator at your ECE Regional Service Centre. Staff will help with career and educational planning, explore training and employment options, assess financial need and develop an action plan tailored to individual goals.
All applicants receive an assessment and/or career counselling to determine whether the Skills Development Program is the most appropriate support. Current labour market, career development and educational information is also provided to help individuals make informed decisions about training and employment opportunities.
Upon completion of training, Regional ECE Service Centres are available to assist individuals with work search skills.