Changes made to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Skills Development Program mean financial assistance is now available to students enrolled in certain full-time bridging, transitional and preparatory programs.

The Skills Development Program provides financial assistance to Northwest Territories residents participating in short-term education and training that helps them develop skills for employment. Academic upgrading may be funded for up to six months or two semesters when it is followed by further eligible short-term training or admission to post-secondary studies.

Up to $26,000 is available to fund training for up to 52 weeks through the Skills Development Program. Assistance through the program may pay for tuition, living allowances, books, software, course materials, tools and equipment, child care and travel expenses.

There is no deadline to apply for this program, it can be accessed at any time. Residents who are interested in funding for bridging, transitional, preparatory or other eligible training can contact their local Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Service Centre and submit an application form to the Career Development Officer. Career Development Officers are available to provide information about training options, answer questions about eligibility and assist students with the application process.

Bridging, transitional and preparatory programs help students complete prerequisite courses, strengthen the skills required for admission and meet the specific entry requirements needed to begin post-secondary education. These programs are designed to lead directly into post‑secondary studies. Because of these changes, post-secondary programs will be more accessible, with students in smaller communities especially benefitting from the support available from the Skills Development Program and increased access. Examples of these programs include Indigenous Pathway Programs and Transitional Year Programs.

There was an expressed need for student financial assistance in the territory to support programs that get students ready to pursue degree opportunities. With this feedback in mind, the GNWT made a change to the Skills Development Program so it can now be utilized for certain bridging programs.

Student Financial Assistance (SFA) is available to students pursuing post‑secondary studies, however, residents who applied for bridging, transitional or preparatory programs would have been denied SFA because these programs are not eligible under current SFA regulations. To ensure students are aware of the financial assistance available through the Skills Development Program, the GNWT is reaching out to them directly to share information and obtain their consent for referral.

With their consent, their existing application can be referred to a Career Development Officer, who will provide information about eligibility and help determine whether the program fits the student’s pathway. Students can apply to SFA and a referral will be made, or they can contact a Career Development Officer directly.

The GNWT continues to explore additional approaches to ensure students can pursue post‑secondary studies. In the meantime, the Skills Development Program is available for those enrolled in bridging, transitional and preparatory programs. Public engagement will take place to gather feedback from students, residents and other interested parties, which will help inform the changes to the SFA Regulations. More information about opportunities to participate in this engagement will be shared as this work progresses.

Major infrastructure projects are expected to bring billions of dollars of spending into the Northwest Territories. Get ready for the jobs and opportunities of tomorrow. Learn more about what training and support is available. 

Related Links:

• Skills Development Program | Education, Culture and Employment
• ECE Service Centres | Education, Culture and Employment
• Get ready for the jobs and opportunities of tomorrow. Support is available today.

For media requests, please contact:
Agata Gutkowska
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Email: ecepublicaffairs@gov.nt.ca