Skills Development

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Skills Development Program: Helping You Move Forward

Funding for the Skills Development Program is provided by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement

Are you presently unemployed or underemployed and looking to start a career or upgrade your skills for better job opportunities and pay? The Skills Development Program is here to support you with financial assistance for training and education so you can take the next step with confidence.

What’s It All About?

The Skills Development Program helps eligible Newfoundlanders and Labradorians access funding for full-time post-secondary training.

Our employment staff will work closely with you to build a personalized Employment Plan. This plan is the first and most important step. It helps us understand your goals and determine your eligibility for funding. It can take a few weeks to complete, so we recommend reaching out as early as possible if you are thinking about starting a program.

How It Works

Here is a quick overview of how the program supports you:

  • Financial support is available for training programs that are 12 weeks or longer.
  • You may need to contribute financially, depending on your situation.
  • To qualify, you must:
    • Meet the definition of an EI participant (past or current)
    • Work with a case manager through a case management approach
    • Have a completed  Employment Plan

Your employment plan may include:

  • Attending an info session
  • Identifying any barriers to employment
  • Exploring careers and researching the job market
  • Reviewing your work and education history

Important: You must be approved for funding before starting your training. Funding is not retroactive.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must:

  • Live in Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who can work in Canada
  • Meet the definition of an EI participant (past or current)
  • Have been out of high school for at least two years and actively looking for work during that time

Additional eligibility details will be discussed when you connect with our staff.

What Kind of Training Is Covered?

Training must lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree that is not longer than three years. You may also be eligible for:

  • Up to three years of academic upgrading or Adult Basic Education

If you are halfway through your first university degree, you might also qualify, let us talk about your options.

Ready to Get Started?

Here’s how to begin:

  1. Contact us by phone, email, or visit an employment center near you.
  2. Fill out a Request for Service form.
  3. Work with our staff to complete your employment plan.
  4. Once your plan is ready, we will assess your eligibility and guide you through the next steps.

Need more Information?