Skills Development Program

• Application for Service form
• Letter of acceptance from the training institution
• Training program information and costs
• Application for Financial Assistance form
• Resume (copy)

Eligible expenses

• Tuition fees (up to $7,200).
• Books.
• Course materials.
• Software and related fees (up to $550).
• Tools, equipment and required clothing (up to $750).
• Living allowance and living-away allowance.
• Child care costs.
• Travel expenses.
• Licence or certificate fees.
• Special equipment and supports.

Eligible geographic areas

• Northwest Territories (NWT)

• Priority given to participants whose career objectives match workforce needs.
• Assessment by the Professional Development Officer (PDO) of the participant's preparedness and relevance of the career/training plan.
• Conditional approval upon proof of acceptance into the targeted training (official acceptance letter containing the required information).
• Continuation of funding linked to attendance and deemed acceptable progress (support may be withdrawn in case of frequent absences or insufficient progress).

• Step 1: Contact an ECE Regional Service Centre
  • Identify and contact your ECE Regional Service Centre.
  • Connect with a Career Development Officer (CDO) at the Service Centre to start the process.
• Step 2: Submit Application for Service
  • Complete the Application for Service form.
  • Submit the form to the CDO at your ECE Regional Service Centre to access funding.
• Step 3: Complete assessment and planning (career counselling, action plan, financial need)
  • Participate in the assessment and/or career counselling provided by the Service Centre.
  • Work with the CDO to develop a Career Action Plan (learning and development plan).
  • Review the implications of returning to school and develop an action plan that includes an analysis of financial need.
  • Agree with the CDO on how attendance and progress will be reported during training.
• Step 4: Secure acceptance into an approved training program
  • Ensure your education or training provider is approved by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.
  • Obtain a formal letter of acceptance from the institution before approval.
  • Confirm the letter of acceptance includes: your program, start and finish dates, full-time studies, tuition and course material costs, and expected certification upon completion.
• Step 5: Apply for financial assistance (funding request)
  • Determine training needs and requirements with your CDO.
  • Complete an Application for Financial Assistance form.
  • Provide training program information and costs to the CDO.
  • Disclose any other funding you are receiving (including Employment Insurance benefits) and provide written notification from the other funding source showing the contribution amount.
• Step 6: Receive approval and confirm responsibilities
  • If approved, review the ECE approval letter outlining your responsibilities and the financial support you will receive.
  • Sign the ECE approval letter to confirm you understand your responsibilities under the program.
• Step 7: Complete training and provide completion proof
  • Attend classes and make acceptable progress as required by the program and your institution’s timelines.
  • Report to your CDO at the agreed intervals and report any change in circumstances that could affect eligibility, funding, or successful completion.
  • If you terminate your program early, notify the Regional ECE Service Centre within one week and disclose the date of termination, reason, and future plans.
  • When training is finished, provide proof of successful completion (for example, transcripts, a certificate, diploma, or other credential issued by the institution).
• Step 8: Complete post-training follow-up
  • Notify your CDO when you have completed your training program and share your employment status.
  • Participate in the 12-week follow-up survey conducted by ECE to confirm employment status and determine whether further career services are needed.

• A Career Development Officer (CDO) assesses the application and provides an assessment and/or career counselling to confirm the program is the appropriate support.
• The CDO works with the applicant to complete a Career Action Plan and assess readiness for academic upgrading or skills training.
• The applicant must provide proof of acceptance into an approved training program before funding can be approved.
• If approved, ECE issues an approval letter outlining the applicant’s responsibilities and the financial support they will receive.
• After approval, ECE provides ongoing monitoring and requires proof of successful completion; a 12-week follow-up survey is conducted after training.

• Funding is intended to support full-time studies only; part-time studies are not considered.
• After approval, payments are typically issued monthly (alternate payment frequency may be discussed).
• Participants must regularly attend training and make acceptable progress to remain eligible for ongoing support.
• A 12-week follow-up survey is conducted after training to confirm employment status; not completing it may result in recovery of funds.