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.
Indigenous Peoples (Status and Non-Status First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) ages 18-35 and older living in British Columbia.
The First Nations Technology Council is a charitable non-profit organization that relies on funding to deliver digital skills training. In 2025, we experienced a significant funding change. While a long-term federal funder did not renew its support, we are grateful to have received a generous multi-year donation from a private foundation. This vital funding has allowed us to continue offering programs - and keep our doors open - but it does come with new eligibility requirements: our programs are now focused on Indigenous Peoples aged 18-35 living in BC.
We continue to support students and alumni of all ages in their transition from learning to work with internships, mentors, resume building, interview preparation, and more. Learn more about Career Services here.
We are actively searching for funding that would allow us to deliver training to all ages.
Thanks to the generous support of our funders, our programs are offered at no cost for Indigenous Peoples (Status and Non-Status First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) aged 18-35 living in British Columbia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
To avoid scheduling conflicts and overlapping classes, learners can only participate in one course at a time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
