Employee Training Program (Northwest Territories): How to Apply

Hiring in the Northwest Territories can be difficult, especially when it comes to training new staff and managing costs. The Employee Training Program (Northwest Territories) supports employers by helping cover short-term training expenses so employees can develop job-ready skills and remain working in the territory. This program offers up to $13,000 per employee over a 52‑week period, making it a practical option for businesses in the NWT.

Overview: What Is the Employee Training Program?

The Employee Training Program (ETP) is run by the Government of the Northwest Territories through Industry, Tourism and Investment. It provides repayable funding to employers who pay for short-term training for new or existing employees.

The program’s main goal is to help NWT employers develop skills locally and keep people working in real jobs after training is finished.

Key facts:

Maximum funding: Up to $13,000 per employee within 52 weeks
Funding type: Repayable (you must pay the money back, similar to a loan)
Status: Open
Jurisdiction: Northwest Territories
Program source: Government of the Northwest Territories

Eligibility Criteria for Employers

The Employee Training Program is employer-driven. The business, not the employee, must apply.

Eligibility requirements:

You are an employer operating in the Northwest Territories
The training is short-term (no more than 52 weeks)
Training is delivered by an eligible third-party institution
You apply within three months of the employee starting the position
You have a job available for the employee after training ends

Note: Apprenticeship technical training does not qualify under this program.

Types of Training Covered

The program is flexible as long as training is job-related and short-term.

Eligible training includes:

Essential skills training
Technical training courses (excluding apprenticeship technical training)
Business training
Management and leadership training
Short-term certificate programs

Training must be delivered by an approved third-party provider. In-house training without an external institution does not qualify.

Funding Details: How Much Can You Receive?

You can receive:

Up to $13,000 per employee
For a maximum of 52 weeks

The funding is repayable, meaning you are required to pay it back under the program’s repayment terms. This means you must pay the money back, similar to a loan.

For a breakdown of how repayable funding compares to grants, see Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying early is important, as late applications are a common reason for rejection.

Step 1: Confirm training eligibility
Make sure the training is under 52 weeks, job-related, and delivered by an eligible third-party institution.

Step 2: Check application timing
You must apply within three months of the employee starting the job. Missing this window can result in your application being declined.

Step 3: Prepare your training plan
You will need to outline:

The training provider
Training duration and cost
How the training supports the employee’s job
Confirmation that a job will be available after training

Step 4: Submit your application
Applications are submitted through the Government of the Northwest Territories. Program officers may follow up for clarification before approval.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check if this program — and others in the NWT — fit your business profile before you apply.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying too late: Applications must be submitted within three months of the employee’s start date. Submitting later can disqualify your application.
Assuming the funding is a grant: This program provides repayable funding. Plan for repayment from the start.
Using ineligible training providers: Training must come from an approved third-party institution. Informal or internal training is not eligible.
Not guaranteeing a job after training: You must confirm a position will be available once training is completed. This is a key requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much funding can I receive per employee?
You can receive up to $13,000 per employee over a 52-week period. This limit applies per employee, not per business.

Q: Is the Employee Training Program a grant?
No. The funding is repayable, so you must pay it back according to program terms.

Q: What types of training are eligible?
Eligible training includes essential skills, technical courses (excluding apprenticeship training), business training, management and leadership courses, and short-term certificates.

Q: When do I need to apply?
You must apply within three months of the employee starting the position. Late applications may be rejected.

Q: Do I need to guarantee a job after training?
Yes. You must have a job available for the employee once training is finished.

Next Steps

The Employee Training Program (Northwest Territories) can help you manage training costs and support a stronger local workforce. If you are also considering other wage subsidies or skills programs, GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and training programs across Canada — including those specific to the territories — so you can compare options for your business in minutes.

You may also find these helpful:

What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
How to Stack Grants and Loans Without Violating Funding Rules
NWT Film Rebate Program: Is Filming in the Northwest Territories Worth It?

Employee Training Program (Northwest Territories): How to Apply