Canadian Forces Subsidized Education Plan

On May 26th, 2009 I had the pleasure of sailing aboard the HMCS Regina out of CFB Esquimalt BC. The sail was a way for the Canadian Military to inform members of the Universities, Technical Institutes and Colleges of the fantastic opportunities that the Military offers in the form of Educational Subsidies. It is my job now to tell the public that I come into contact with about how the Canadian Military, specifically the Navy, can make a difference in your life.

I’ll tell you about the adventure then I will get into specifics about the program itself.

We left the harbor in Victoria aboard the HMSC Regina around 9 am. Before leaving dock the crew lined us up and had us cheer “Rider Pride” before they pushed off. The Frigit itself was decked out in all sorts of Roughriders banners and Saskatchewan signs. Just across from us on the dock was the HMSC Calgary and of course we could see the Stampeder’s Horse symbols all over the place.

Once we hit the waterway the crew got right down to business by providing tours of the entire vessel. We saw everything from the communications deck, missiles and torpedoes, living quarters, showers, and mess halls. An explanation was given about how the entire Frigit was designed to provide quiet and safe passage; they even had the crew perform high speed maneuvers to show us what the vessel was capable of!

I could go on forever as the how well we were treated, how exciting the entire experience was and how I will remember it for the rest of my life, but I want to ensure I have space to talk about the program itself.

What is this Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Education Plan?

The Canadian Forces (CF) offers an entry program to provide college education and a salary for specific occupations. Selected applicants will receive the full cost of tuition, associated fees, books, and instruments. Starting salary is $31,020 with increases every year ($37,932 in 2nd year, $45,552 in 3rd year).

While studying, students receive the same benefits as other members of the CF including, annual leave, medical and dental benefits. It is also possible for students to join the subsidized education program while in their first or second year of studies. Graduates typically serve two months for each month of academic funding beginning on the date of college graduation.

This program is competitive and a limited number of applicants will be selected. A person can apply through the nearest Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre or Detachment or online at FORCES.CA

Eligibility: enroll in the CF into one of the professions listed below (NCM-SEP); provide proof of unconditional acceptance into an approved post-secondary institute and program applicable to the occupation; successfully complete Basic Military Qualification Training either before starting the full-time academic program or, in the event of conflicting schedules, after the completion of the first year.

The following is a list of programs that SAIT Polytechnic offers that are eligible for full subsidy with the CF. Underneath the program that SAIT offers is the specific job list that it transfers to with the Military:

Electronics Engineering Technology
- Naval Weapons Technician
- Naval Electronics Technicians (Communications)
- Naval Electronics Technicians (Radar)
- Naval Electronics Technicians (Sonar)
- Electronic-Optronic Technicians (Land)
- Land Communication and Information Systems Technicians
- Aerospace Telecommunications and Information Systems Technicians

Dental Assisting
- Dental Technicians

Automotive Service Technician
- Vehicle Technician

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology
- Aviation Systems Technicians

Avionics Technology
- Avionics Systems Technicians

Aircraft Structures Technician
- Aircraft Structures Technicians

Medical Laboratory Technology
- Medical Laboratory Technologists

Medical Radiologic Technology
- Medical Radiation Technologists

Emergency Medical Technician
- Medical Technicians

If you have any questions about SAIT please feel free to contact me at michelle.ashmore@sait.ca . If you have questions about the Canadian Forces and the opportunities they have for you please check out their website at FORCES.CA