Career Connect

Career Connect provides individuals who qualify for regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits an opportunity to continue to receive those benefits while attending full-time post-secondary studies within Canada for the duration of their claim.

Who is Eligible to Participate?

If you are unemployed, attending full-time, post-secondary studies and meet all of the following criteria you are eligible to apply for the program. You must:

• be legally authorized to work in Canada (Canadian citizen or permanent resident);
• be a Prince Edward Island resident for a minimum of 6 months;
• be in receipt of or eligible for a regular EI claim;
• be out of secondary school (high school) for a minimum of 12 months;
• have developed a plan with a case manager to return to full-time studies to increase your skills;
• be accepted to a full-time training program within Canada;
• have the financial resources to pay for all training costs including tuition, books, etc.

How do I apply

You must meet with a case manager and develop a Return-to-Work Action Plan. Your case manager will assist you through the application process. To be approved, we will need:

• Completed Career Connect application form:
• Return-To-Work Action Plan prepared by your case manager (Employment Assistance Services);
• Enrolment letter from the post-secondary institution

When is my Application Due?

You should submit your complete application package to SkillsPEI prior to the start date of your training program.

How Does the Program Work?

Once you submit your completed application, SkillsPEI will review your application. If you are eligible to participate in the Career Connect program and you qualify for an active EI claim you will enter into an agreement for the full academic year, however you will only receive benefits for the duration of your EI claim as determined by Service Canada.

This information is a general guide for applicants. Applications received by SkillsPEI will be assessed against additional program criteria to determine eligibility.

What Else do I Need to Know?

• You must apply for benefits through Service Canada;
• This program will not change the rate of your weekly benefits or extend the duration of your benefits;
• This program will not impact your George Coles Bursary, or other provincial bursaries;
• You will need a financial plan to cover costs if your benefits run out during your academic year;
• If you qualify for EI under this program, this may have an impact on your PEI Student Loan;
• If you qualify for a new EI claim during your school year, you must notify SkillsPEI immediately;
• No other financial support will be provided under the program.

Where can I get more Information?

For more information, call SkillsPEI's general inquiries line at 1-877-491-4766 or visit one of the SkillsPEI offices, or one of SkillsPEI's Employment Assistance Services.

Application Forms 

Career Connect application forms are available from your case manager.

Funding Agreement

Administered by the Department of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population through the Canada-PEI labour market agreements.