Admission Requirements
This Employment Skills Access (ESA) program is designed to assist unemployed or low-skilled individuals to gain employment. All tuition and books are included for participants who meet the specific ESA eligibility criteria (see below). Participants must:
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Be a minimum of 19 years of age.
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Be fluent in the English Language (to converse with the public and write and read reports).
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Have proof of Canadian Citizenship or Residency: Canadian Birth Certificate, Canadian Passport, or Permanent Resident Card.
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Have Government-issued Photo ID (Driver’s License, BC Identification Card, BC Services Card with photo, Native Status Card with photo, or Passport from another country). Note: ID must be valid/not expired. A Social Insurance Number card is not accepted as ID.
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Participants are required to give consent to a criminal record check, a police information check and a correctional service information check.
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If being treated or have ever been treated for a mental health condition, a Mental Health Condition form completed by your doctor will be required at the time of license application.
You may be eligible if you are:
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Unemployed AND not collecting Employment Insurance (EI) AND have not been associated with a regular EI claim in the past three years or maternity/parental claim in the past five years; or,
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Employed, Low-Skilled (such as those who do not have a high school diploma) or,
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Employed, Underemployed (such as those who do not have permanent or full-time employment).
North Island College staff will work with you to answer your questions, help determine your eligibility, assist with forms, and complete the application process.
Space is limited. Apply now! 1-800-715-0914 ext. 4601 or email questions@nic.bc.ca.
Funding Eligibility
Funding for this program is provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada–British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement. Tuition, textbooks and license application fees are provided at no cost to eligible participants. Sponsorship does not include living expenses. All participants must meet the following funding eligibility criteria:
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Be a Canadian, a permanent resident or protected person legally entitled to work in Canada.
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Currently reside in British Columbia.
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Not a full-time student i.e. not enrolled in high school or taking post-secondary courses at the time of training.
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At the time of training, not be participating in another provincially or federally funded labour market program.
And belong to one of the following employment categories:
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Unemployed (non-EI eligible); or,
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Employed, Low-Skilled (such as those who do not have a high school diploma); or,
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Employed, Underemployed (such as those who do not have permanent or full-time employment).
Upgrade with us to meet prerequisites
Upgrade your English, math and science courses for entry into the program of your choice. Succeed with the help of NIC’s supportive instructors. Courses are flexible and start several times a year so you can learn at your own pace. We offer daytime and evening options. Learn more