Description
The Working Opportunities Program is designed to encourage, retrain, or upskill people who are not eligible for the federally funded Skills Development Program to avail of similar financial supports for training to fill workforce shortages.
The program provides financial assistance to eligible individuals seeking full-time post-secondary training at a public or private training institution. This program supports training, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, that is between 12 weeks (minimum) and three years (maximum).
This program is part of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Poverty Reduction Plan to provide enhanced programming to train and connect eligible individuals to employment.
Eligibility Information
Individual Eligibility
- Have completed a Request for Service;
- Have worked with an official of the Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development (JGRD) through an assessment and career aptitude process to develop an employment plan that includes skills training;
- Have identified barriers and options to remove those barriers;
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident entitled to work in Canada; Government Assisted Refugees. Temporary residents with 900 series SINs, on work permits, may be eligible for training of less than six months in duration if the work permit allows training and employment arrangement is not disrupted;
- Be a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador upon commencement of the training program;
- Not registered as a full-time student at an educational institution during the present or within last two years (can be determined by the official of JGRD);
- Are unemployed or precariously employed; and
- Meet the eligibility requirements of the post-secondary program (entrance and language requirements)
Training Eligibility
- In Newfoundland and Labrador, training institutions must be registered, in keeping with provincial regulations and standards. If a private training institution is offering a course that is 50 or more instructional hours, that institution is required by law to be registered.
- All training supported through Working Opportunities must lead to a diploma or degree.
- Be full-time.
- Working Opportunities program agreement cannot exceed three years in duration.
- A minimum of 12 weeks in duration and a maximum of three years.
- Training institutions are required to provide details of training specific costs to the department by completing the Program Cost Form.
- Financial support is not retroactive.
Application Process
Although there is no deadline to apply for funding under the Working Opportunities Program funding will also depend on availability. Request for Service and Client Consent Form are received on a continual basis to discuss eligibility and suitability for the Working Opportunities Program.
- Applications for Working Opportunities can be started by completing a Request for Service and Client Consent Form and submitting the document to the EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca.
- Once the document is received a representative from the department will contact you to begin the assessment process and the development of your Employment Plan. A completed employment plan and submission of all required documents is necessary for you to be considered for funding.
- The first step to receiving any financial assistance is the development of an Employment Plan. Before application can be made to Working Opportunities, you must allow enough time to work through this process. Depending on your needs and the time of year, it is recommended that you approach the department at least four to six weeks prior to wanting to undertake a program.
- The development of an employment plan and acquiring the necessary documents does take time. Applications received without sufficient time for development of an Employment Plan may require an alternative start date until the process is finalized. Staff are available to discuss options.
- Other criteria may apply.
As part of your application process, staff may require you to complete the following forms:
- Financial Feasibility Form
- Request for Service
- Labour Market Research
- Setting Up Direct Deposit
- Authorization and Direction
- Program Cost Form
Contact Information
Call: 1-800-563-6600
Email: EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca
Employment Centres: Jobs, Growth and Rural Development (gov.nl.ca)