Indigenous Skills & Employment Training Strategy

Connects members to skills training and job opportunities aligned with market needs.

About Indigenous Skills & Employment Training Strategy

The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Services ("ISETS") Program is a Government of Canada funded program under Employment and Social Development Canada ("ESDC") designed to help improve the employment opportunities of Indigenous Peoples and enable them to fully participate in the Canadian economy in a relationship based on mutual trust, respect and openness. ISETS focuses on aligning employment services and skills development programming with the needs of the labour market.

For further information contact:

Yvette Alexis, ISETS Coordinator 
yvette.alexis@ytcadmin.ca
587-524-0180 ext. #343 

Work

YTDF-ISETS Program

Yellowhead Tribal Development Foundation
Indigenous Skills & Employment Training Services Program


Employment Services

Non-Funded Services (Basic/Minimum Level)

These services are available to all clients:

  • Access to job boards and employment postings

  • Use of computers, printers, fax machines, telephones, internet, and resource library for job search and career planning

  • Basic employment assessment and referrals (if required)

Funded Programs and Services

To access financial support through the ISETS program, clients must complete the following steps:

  1. Book an appointment with your local ISETS office.

  2. Submit required forms:

    • Formal funding application

    • Confidentiality and disclosure form

    • Participate in an employment assessment interview

  3. Provide supporting documents, such as education background, work history, and other relevant information.

  4. Sign an Action Plan: If your application is approved, you will enter into a training and employment contract (ACTION PLAN) with your ISETS Employment Counselor.


Do I Qualify for ISETS Funding?

There are two types of funding sources, each with its own eligibility criteria:

1. Employment Insurance (EI) Clients

  • Active EI Claimants: Individuals currently eligible to receive EI Part 1 benefits (determined by Service Canada).

  • EI Reachback Clients: Unemployed individuals who received EI regular benefits in the last 5 years but are no longer eligible for Part 1 benefits.

2. Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) Clients

Eligible if you do not qualify for EI. Additional requirements:

  • 15 years or older, unemployed, and not attending school

  • First Nation members committed to employment and life improvement

  • Currently employed but require additional training to retain employment

  • Have limited or no skills necessary for sustainable employment

  • YTC members meeting institution/program requirements


Client Responsibilities

As a participant in the ISETS Program, you must:

  • Submit your funding application at least 2 weeks before your training start date.

  • Maintain 100% attendance in training or work (absences must be pre-approved).

  • Verify your attendance with documentation from your instructor or employer.

  • Report hours worked or trained during each EI benefit period, including in-class and practical hours.

  • Be punctual and engaged in your training or employment.

  • Participate in a 3-month follow-up after completing your program.

  • Repay any ineligible funds received, including possible legal action for non-repayment.


Appeals Process

If your application is not approved, you have the right to appeal. Appeals must:

  • Be submitted in writing within 60 days of receiving the decision

  • Include a full written explanation for the appeal

  • Be based on the original application—new facts or circumstances cannot be considered


Contact Information

Main Office
PO Box 3420
Morinville, AB T8R 1S3

Sub-Office
Suite 201, 17608 – 103rd Ave
Edmonton, AB T5S 1J9
(587) 524-0180
(587) 524-0181

Yvette Alexis
YTDF-ISETS Coordinator
yvette.alexis@ytcadmin.ca



Staff

Yvette Alexis
ISETS Coordinator

Logan Alexis
ISETS Labour Market Information Surveyor

logan.alexis@ytcadmin.ca

Shelly Auger
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC)

shelly.auger@ytcadmin.ca

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