Your decision to go back to school is a step in the right direction. Whether you’re attending for postgraduate studies, or short-term training courses, it is a decision that you will not regret. In the competitive Canadian job market, upgrading your skills helps you stay marketable and promotable. Going back to school can even be a way to expand your network, gain a new understanding of your field, or explore new interests.

In the competitive Canadian job market, upgrading your skills helps you stay marketable and promotable.

The good news is that there are many educational opportunities, especially for newcomers in the province. Whether you are still looking for work or are already employed, the following programs can help make it easier for you to train or study.

Start here

Employment and Development Canada has a resource called Skill up today, transform your tomorrow. Resources on this page will help you assess your skills, find education and training, get financial support, search for work and volunteer programs, figure out your ideal career path, and many more.

Having an inventory of your skills, interests, and abilities is a great way to start planning your career. This way, you can begin charting your course with a clear idea of what you’re working with and what you’re looking for in a career. You can then make a more informed decision when choosing courses and trainings to enroll in. The tools in this page will help you at every step of your career in Canada.

Funding programs:

Financing your education can be a big concern. If you’re going back to college or university, school advisors can help inform you about scholarships, grants, and other supports. Those starting their qualifications recognition and licensure journey should approach their respective professional associations or regulatory bodies for guidance. Here are some of the financial support programs you may be eligible for:

• Here’s a list of Financial Supports for Internationally Educated Professionals from Immigrate Manitoba.
• Apprenticeship Grants – Learn about the three types of Federal grants for those aiming to build a career in the skilled trades. Meanwhile, the province also offers supports and services through Apprenticeship Manitoba. Learn about your options for funding, or earn while you learn.
• Manitoba Student Aid – Provides loans, grants and bursaries to Manitobans who need help paying for school.
• SEED Manitoba Recognition Counts project – This program offers financial counselling and an opportunity to avail of a loan of up to $30,000 to help with the costs of having your qualifications recognized in Manitoba. To know more about the SEED project, watch this video:


Recognition Counts – Supporting our newcomers
 

• Employment Manitoba has programs that provide assistance for better employment opportunities. Learn about Skills Development Assistance, Self employment support services, or Apprenticeship Assistance and see which program is appropriate for you.
• Manitoba Nurses Union Continuing Education funds.

Skills enhancement:

• Manitoba Start has various occupation-specific workshops and skills trainings such as refreshers on computer skills, Toastmasters Club (public speaking), or First Aid/CPR training.
• Workplace Education Manitoba and Essential Skills Manitoba, Inc. offer essential skills assessments, help in creating your personal essential skills learning plan, and provide learning opportunities for career/educational development.
• Success Skills Centre offers practicums, bridging programs, and skills training.
• For language courses, go to the article: Want to get ahead in the Canadian workplace? Be a lifelong learner! or Language training programs in Manitoba

Inspiration:

• Read the experiences of newcomers who have successfully achieved their licensure from our Qualifications Recognition section.
• Learn about soft skills and how these relate to being employable in Canada.

 
Article updated August 12, 2024.