Skills Development Program (Northwest Territories)

What you will need

• ✓ Completed and submitted Application for Service form
• ✓ Assessment and/or career counselling session with a Career Development Navigator
• ✓ A full-time training program from an education or training provider approved by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment

About this award

You can receive a maximum of $26,000 for up to 52 weeks of training. This is a grant, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. The funding covers program tuition up to $7,200, software and fees up to $550, and tools, equipment, or clothing up to $750. It also helps with books, course materials, child care, travel expenses, and a living allowance. This is for you if you are looking to upgrade your employability skills through short-term training, such as academic upgrading, literacy and numeracy, or bridging programs that help you get into post-secondary education. There is no deadline — this program can be accessed at any time. Before you start your application, check the Government of the Northwest Territories, Education, Culture and Employment's program page or call their office to confirm current availability. Every applicant receives an assessment and/or career counselling to decide whether this program is the right support, and staff assess financial need as part of your action plan. Ask Government of the Northwest Territories, Education, Culture and Employment during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Government of the Northwest Territories, Education, Culture and Employment whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you reside in the Northwest Territories (NWT) and are of school leaving age, which is 16 years old or older. You must also be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person (if you have refugee or protected-person status in Canada) who is entitled to work in Canada. The training you choose must be full-time and delivered by an education or training provider approved by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Eligible activities include literacy and numeracy, academic upgrading (supported for up to six months or two semesters if followed by further training or post-secondary admission), workplace essential skills, life skills, employment readiness, pre-employment courses, skill-specific training, post-secondary programs leading to a formal credential, and bridging, transitional, or preparatory programs like Indigenous Pathway Programs and Transitional Year Programs.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
• ✓ Open to high school, college or certificate students
• ✓ Resident of Northwest Territories
• ✓ Studying literacy and numeracy, academic upgrading, workplace essential skills, life skills, employment readiness programs, pre employment training courses or skill specific training programs

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Check this year's deadline

   We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.

Tips for applying

• ApplicationAvoid submitting a generic request for funds. Instead, work with a Career Development Navigator at your local ECE (Education, Culture and Employment) Service Centre to create an action plan tailored to your specific goals. Schedule an appointment with your regional office to begin this process.
• SupportAvoid trying to navigate the system alone. Instead, use the Career Development Navigators to identify which funding options match your needs and to understand the available training programs. Ask them to help you determine if you meet all the program eligibility rules.
• StrategyAvoid ignoring the labor market data. Instead, use the career counselling and educational information provided during your assessment to pick a program that actually leads to a job. Compare a few different training paths before signing your action plan.
• RealismAvoid assuming you will be approved immediately. Instead, remember that you must first undergo an assessment to determine if this program is the most appropriate support for you. Prepare to discuss your employment history and goals honestly during your assessment.

Questions students ask

Similar awards

• University of Toronto (Rotman Commerce)U of T International Scholar Award — Rotman Commerce$100,000
• McMaster University — Faculty of EngineeringClass of 1952 Mel Hawkrigg Honour Award$4,500
• BC Ministry of Education and Child CarePathway to Teacher Education Scholarship$5,000
• University of SaskatchewanUniversity of Saskatchewan Entrance Scholarship (Best and Brightest)$30,000
• University of British Columbia — Vantage CollegeVantage One Excellence Award
• University of WaterlooUniversity of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship$10,000
• University of TorontoU of T President’s Scholars of Excellence Program (PSEP)
• Concordia UniversityGrant Munro Entrance Scholarship in Film Animation$8,000