Skills Development

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The first step to receiving any financial assistance is the development of an Employment Plan. Before application can be made to Skills Development, 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.

Any students seeking funding for Skills Development should contact the department, prior to entering their training program. Please send a completed Request for Service  form via email to: EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca.

As part of your application process, staff may require you to complete the following forms:

Skills Development Program

Skills Development Program provides financial support, to eligible individuals who are seeking full-time post-secondary training at a public or private training institution, for duration of 12 weeks or greater or short-term training of less than 12 weeks. Individuals may be required to make a financial contribution towards the cost of their training.

To be considered for funding individuals have to be EI-eligible, be engaged in a case management approach, and have an Employment Plan developed by a representative of the Department or Employment Options.

Program Information

Skills Development program provides assistance to individuals who clearly identify barriers to employment and a willingness to discuss options to remove these barriers.

Individuals must participate in the Employment Plan process that can include:

  • A general information session;
  • The identification of barriers;
  • A detailed job search;
  • Labour market research;
  • Career exploration;
  • Work and educational history; and
  • Other items that may be identified.

Individuals must be approved for funding before starting any post-secondary program, as approval is based on active case management and employment plan development. Financial support is not retroactive, therefore you must be approved through the outlined process before starting your program of studies.

Eligibility Information

Client Eligibility
  • Be a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents entitled to work in Canada;
  • Have an active Employment Plan that is linked to the post-secondary education being pursued;
  • Sign a Client Consent Form to allow for the exchange and/or release of information;
  • Meet the definition of an EI insured participant; and
  • Have made the transition from school to work. This means that the individual must have been out high school for a minimum of two years. During that two-year period, the individual must have been working or looking for work.

Other criteria may apply.

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. The only exception to this requirement is if the individual is a fee-payer. If you are considering fee-payer option please make an appointment by emailing EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca.
  • All training supported through Skills Development must lead to a certificate, diploma or degree.
  • Be full-time, except for training supported through the fee-payer policies where the client can cover the tuition and other costs himself/herself and only needs to continue to receive EI Part I benefits to cover living expenses.
  • Skills Development program agreement cannot exceed three years in duration. An academic upgrading/ABE intervention can be supported for three years, followed by a skills training intervention for another three years.
  • University First Degree can only be considered if the individual has completed a minimum of 50 percent of the required courses, can show a continual reliance on the EI system, and has met other criteria related to previous work history and attachment to the workforce.
  • There is no minimum duration on the length of a training program that can be supported under the Skills Development Benefit.
  • Training institutions are required to provide details of training specific costs to the Department by completing the Program Cost Form.

How to Apply

  • Applications for Skills Development can be started by contacting EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca to begin 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 and this process does take time.
  • An Employment Plan involves assessing your skills, your employment history, your recent job search information, and any barriers you have experienced in finding employment. This approach will also allow us to work with you to ensure that the appropriate supports and interventions are in place for you as you work towards your employment goals.
  • The date the employment plan and required documentation has been received by the Department is the date when you are considered to have requested assistance.
  • 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.
  • Any request for funding under Skills Development must be approved by a the Department before beginning your training program.

Decision-Making Process

Applications
Day 1: A complete application (including an Employment Plan and required documentation) is received by the Department and assigned for assessment.

Assessment
Day 2-19: The agreement manager reviews employment plan and required documentation to ensure all information, to make final decision, is on file. Once this is complete, it is forwarded to delegated authority for approval or denial. Assessment begins after the completed application has been received by the Department to ensure eligibility criteria are met.

Conditional Approval
Day 20: Delegation of authority will approved or denied.

Click here for details on the service standard.

 

Contact Information

Department staff are here to help with your employment planning and will support you on your way to getting a job. Please fill out the Request for Service form, including consent, and make an appointment with us. If you are Employment Insurance eligible, and are located in St. John’s, Corner Brook or Grand Falls-Windsor, please check out services available at Employment Options .