GNWT and NWT Literacy Council partner to deliver Employment Readiness Training across the territory

Press Release

YELLOWKNIFE (October 31, 2025) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has signed an agreement with the NWT Literacy Council to deliver Employment Readiness training in communities across the territory.

This partnership helps fill the gap left by the closure of Aurora College’s Community Learning Centres and ensures continued access to quality education and employment programs.

The training model, successfully piloted last year with 60 participants, will be offered this fall and early winter in Hay River, Fort Resolution, Fort Smith and Fort Providence. The NWT Literacy Council will engage with Indigenous governments and communities to identify additional communities for 2026-2027.

Key features of the program include:

⦁ Five weeks of hands-on, classroom-based instruction focused on resume writing, communication, digital and financial literacy, teamwork, and workplace expectations.

⦁ Two-weeks of real-world experience through job placements, volunteer opportunities, or community projects.

⦁ On-the-land learning and culturally grounded training led by Indigenous Knowledge holders, emphasizing traditional skills and cultural identity.

⦁ Wraparound supports, such as child care, mental health resources, training allowances, and access to healthy food.

⦁ Wage subsidies for employers to support participants during placements.

Last year’s pilot had strong results: 71% of participants who completed the training found work or pursued further education, including programs at Aurora College such as Pre-Trades and Occupational Access.

The GNWT and NWT Literacy Council are working together to create new pathways to employment and build stronger, more resilient communities.

If your community is interested in bringing this program to your community, please contact Kathryn@nwtliteracy.ca

Quotes:

“Employment Readiness Training meets people where they are—at home, in their communities. It helps build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in today’s job market. This partnership is about creating more opportunities for northerners and supporting community-driven learning.”

− Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

The NWT Literacy Council is pleased to build on the positive outcomes of the Skills for Success pilot program. This program demonstrated that community-based learning opportunities, combined with wraparound supports, are key to the success of all learners. It also highlights the vital role that strong community partnerships play in helping learners achieve their goals.

− Kathryn Barry Paddock, Executive Director, NWT Literacy Council

Quick facts

⦁ In recent years, the NWT Literacy Council delivered a similar program to 60 participants across the NWT. This included deliveries in Whatì, Wekweètì, Behchokǫ̀,Fort Simpson, Gamètì, Aklavik, and Fort McPherson.

⦁ In total, we anticipate making deliveries in ten different communities over the next 18 months.

⦁ This initiative supports the GNWT’s broader mandate to strengthen the economy through economic diversification, support for local businesses, and job creation across all regions of the Northwest Territories.

Related Links:

− NWT Literacy Council website

− News Release: GNWT outlines next steps to ensure continued access to adult education and employment programs across the NWT

For media requests, please contact:

Agata Gutkowska

Manager, Public Affairs and Communications Department of Education, Culture and Employment Government of the Northwest Territories agata_gutkowska@gov.nt.ca

Kathryn Barry Paddock
Executive Director
NWT Literacy Council
Kathryn@nwtliteracy.ca

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