Financial Support for Students
There are a number of options you can explore if you need help paying for the educational or training requirements that will lead to your dream job. There are also professionals whose job it is to help you navigate the process along the way.
Apprenticeships
If you like the sound of learning a trade, you should consider the pre-apprenticeship programs offered by many B.C. schools. These programs give you the skills you need to tackle workplace-based training and may be eligible for credit towards the college portion of your apprenticeship. Contact B.C.’s Industry Training Authority (ITA) for more information. Ask them about funding options for your program. Once you have finished the in-class portion of your training, you will learn the rest of your skills on-the-job. You’ll also be paid when you begin work, with wages that go up as you gain experience.
College
If you are going to college to earn a diploma or a certificate, chances are your school will offer some financial support. Contact your program advisor to get more information on grants, bursaries, scholarships, and loans. Other organizations and companies also offer student funding.
University
If you are interested in going to university to earn one of the careers listed on this website, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) might be able to help. Our education department provides support for programs that lead to an undergraduate or graduate degree offered by a recognized B.C. institution. Visit the NTC Education Department page for more information.
Funding is also available for students who want to attend university, but who first need to complete some college prep courses. The twice-a-year deadline for this program is March 1 and August 1. If you would like to find out more, contact the NTC Education Department at (250) 724-5757 or toll-free (877) 677-1131. For a list of individuals to contact in the Education Department, visit their web page or call NTC and ask to speak to someone in Education.
Summer Work
Can you spend your summers and the time before you enter school working at a job to pay for your education? Most people are expected to pay for some part of their schooling, no matter how small. Finding and keeping a job is one way to get experience and send yourself to school.
Nuu-chah-nulth Employment and Training Program (NETP)
The focus of NETP is to assist Nuu-chah-nulth-aht in gaining transferrable skills that support their employment path and long-term career. NETP can provide resources and assistance to attain Trades Certification with a recognized training program and in accordance with the provincial Industry Training Authority (ITA).
NETP offers a variety of workshops based on specific industry and community demands. All the workshops will include a variety of helpful topics including, communications, resume writing, and industry recognized training and certifications to suit the theme of the workshop. Call (250) 723-1331 for more information or check out the NETP Facebook page.
Government Loans
If you need to borrow money, both the B.C. and Canadian governments offer loans to post-secondary students through the Canada Student Loans Program. You only have to apply once to find out if you qualify. Some of the money might even be yours to keep. To find out more, visit Student aid and education planning or call 1-800-561-1818 and ask about student loans. Be sure to apply for a Canada Study Grant after you qualify. For BC Student Aid, you can call 1-800-561-1818 or visit the website.
PRO TIP!
Keep your documents handy
You will likely be asked to provide some documents to support your funding, study, training or job application process. Here are some examples of documents that you might need to have on hand:
- Birth certificate
- Driver’s licence
- Social Insurance Number
- Indian Status Card/Métis Card
- Transcripts
- Degrees, diplomas, certificates
- Volunteer acknowledgments
- Awards
- Criminal record check (for some jobs)
- Reference letters
