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Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a knowledge base of our most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find the answer for what you are looking for, send us a message through our Contact page.

Who is eligible to participate in First Nations Technology Council programs?

Indigenous Peoples (Status and Non-Status First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) ages 18 and older living in British Columbia.

What is the cost to attend? Are courses really free?

Thanks to the generous support of our funders and donors, our programs are offered at no cost for Indigenous Peoples (Status and Non-Status First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), 18 and older, who live in British Columbia.

Additionally, subject to funding availability, equipment and financial support are offered to all of our learners.

Are there program prerequisites?

As most of our programs are delivered 100% online, you must have access to a reliable internet connection, and the basic skills required to start a laptop and join a Zoom video conference call. Basic writing and typing skills are sufficient.

Our flexible programs meet you wherever you are on your learning journey. Some of our programs are for beginners, while others are advanced, requiring the completion of beginner programs, work and/or life experience, or a combination of both.

Learn more about our four program levels here. If you are unsure about which program is right for you, contact us.

What equipment and financial support are provided to learners?

Equipment and technology required for programs are provided and yours to keep upon successful completion of a program, unless otherwise stated.

During your program application, you may also apply for a weekly living allowance (subject to funding availability), that is distributed on the 15th day of each month after a program has begun. Additionally, you may also apply to receive an additional living allowance increase for child care support.

Some programs may not be funded. Check the program you are interested in for details.

Where are programs delivered?

Our programs are delivered live, online using a combination of Zoom video conferencing and Moodle learning management system. On rare occasions we offer in-person programs in communities.

When (lengths, days, times) are programs delivered?

Programs are offered Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (full-time) and 9:00 am. to 12:00 pm (part-time).

Our programs vary from two to 12 weeks in length.

Do you offer self-paced or evening and weekend programs?

We do not offer self-paced or evening and weekend programs

To ensure learners receive an enriching experience, all of our programs are led live by an instructor. Programs are offered Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (full-time) and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (part-time).

How do I choose which program is right for me?

To explore our programs and to take a short quiz to find the ideal program for your interests and skills, click here. If you’re still not sure which program is right for you, contact our admissions team here.

How do I apply for a program?

See programs currently accepting applications here.

After you apply to a program, our team will review your application and get back to you. Please note that if you apply to a waitlist, it may be a while before we contact you. If you would like an update on your application status, please contact us.

Can I take more than one course at a time?

To avoid scheduling conflicts and overlapping classes, learners can only participate in one course at a time.

Can I participate in a program while working a job?

This depends entirely on your program and work schedule. Programs are offered Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (full-time) and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (part-time). As programs are condensed and accelerated, we encourage learners to attend all classes. We offer financial living supports to help offset the cost of your studies.

Who are the instructors? Are they Indigenous Peoples?

Our instructors are knowledgeable, innovative experts in their fields from various cultural backgrounds, including many who are Indigenous. We are committed to creating safe spaces grounded in our traditional cultures, values, and worldviews in all our learning environments. While many of our staff are Indigenous, they are hired first and foremost for their knowledge and allyship with sovereign Indigenous nations.

See our instructors here.

How is Indigenous culture incorporated into the programs?

Our course content has been built by talented Indigenous education specialists who work with subject matter experts to create optimal learning experiences for Indigenous learners. Indigenous viewpoints and paradigms have been weaved throughout our programs which set us apart from mainstream technology training programs. Our programs have a 35% higher completion rate than non-Indigenous programs.

When they are available, we also have cultural Knowledge Holders in our learning environments.

Are the credits from programs accredited and transferable to other educational institutions?

As a graduate of our programs, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, Diploma, or other qualifications depending on the program. Our programs do not offer credits and are non-transferrable to accredited universities.

Graduates of beginner and intermediate programs are eligible to ladder into our partner programs with BrainStation, Lighthouse Labs, and Jelly Academy, which prepare learners for an entry-level position in their chosen field of study.

I have completed one of your programs, what’s next?
Learners who have completed our Fundamentals and Foundations programs are welcome to ladder into the more advanced Focus and Futures programs.

Learners who have completed our Fundamentals and Foundations programs are welcome to ladder into the more advanced Focus and Futures programs.

Current Futures-level learners and alumni, we understand that everyone’s learning journey is unique, which is why we created Career Pathways to support Technology Council alumni in their transition from learning to work. Our team offers help with resume building, interview preparation, internship placements, and mentorships. Visit our Career Services page to learn more.

If we didn’t answer your question, or you would like to meet with our admissions team before starting your learning journey with us, contact us here or email us at skills@technologycouncil.ca, and our admissions team will be in touch with you.