Training and Skill Development (TSD) Program

What you will need

• ✓ An employment action plan developed with an employment counselor
• ✓ For apprentices: a Skilled Trades NB assessment confirming Employment Insurance (EI) eligibility

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted for general training, as your funding may cover a portion of tuition and books, as well as other training expenses. If you are an apprentice who has successfully completed a level of technical training and passed the exam, you may receive a rebate of $85 for every week of training. As this is a grant, not a loan, you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are currently unemployed or underemployed and need specific skill development to return to the workforce quickly. No deadline is posted publicly — before you start the application, check WorkingNB's program page or call their office to confirm when applications open and close this year. Selection criteria aren't published — ask WorkingNB how applications are approved. Ask WorkingNB 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 WorkingNB whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must work with an employment counselor to develop an employment action plan. Your training must be a required part of that plan and lead to sustainable employment. Funding duration is limited to a maximum of two consecutive years for a regular post-secondary training program, or a maximum of three consecutive years for a co-operative training program. For academic upgrading, you can get a maximum of one year for Grade levels 7 to 9, and two consecutive years for Grade levels 10 to 12. Shorter terms are available: a maximum of 16 weeks for Grade levels 5 to 6 and a maximum of 12 weeks for CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Credential — a high school equivalency diploma) preparation. If you are in an apprenticeship program and eligible for Employment Insurance (EI — the federal unemployment insurance program) through a Skilled Trades NB assessment, you may get funding for travel, lodging, child care, books, and laptops during technical training.

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.

• ✓ Open to high school, college, certificate or trades students
• ✓ Resident of New Brunswick

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

• Action PlanAvoid treating your employment action plan as a formality. Instead, work closely with your counselor to ensure your chosen training is explicitly listed as a requirement for your return to work. Schedule a meeting to review your plan before applying.
• SupportAvoid guessing which expenses are covered. Instead, ask your counselor for a detailed breakdown of how much of your tuition, books, and living costs will be funded. Get this list in writing.
• StrategyAvoid applying for training that doesn't have a clear path to a job. Instead, focus on programs that your counselor agrees will lead to sustainable employment in the current New Brunswick market. Research local job postings first.
• RealismAvoid assuming the funding will cover 100% of your costs. Instead, prepare a backup budget for the portion of tuition or supplies that the program may not cover. Contact WorkingNB to estimate your potential gap.

Questions students ask

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