Business Administration Practices: A Strategic Training Program for the North

Meeting the Needs of a Changing Northern Workforce

In a context where northern organizations are evolving rapidly, skills in management, finance, and communication are more essential than ever. The new Business Administration Practices program, offered by Collège Nordique in partnership with Collège La Cité, directly addresses this reality. This post-secondary program, delivered entirely online with weekend sessions, is designed for individuals who wish to gain concrete and transferable skills without interrupting their professional path.

Understanding the Needs of the Region

Businesses and organizations in the North face specific challenges: remote team management, complex logistics, multicultural recruitment, and a strong reliance on collaborative technologies. According to the recent report In-Demand Jobs in the NWT: 15-Year Outlook, the Government of the Northwest Territories forecasts between 28,500 and 36,700 job openings in the territory by 2030. Of these positions, approximately 78% will require a college or university credential, including an estimated 5,700 roles in management.

Training administrative personnel capable of addressing local realities while applying universal management principles is therefore a key factor in supporting the economic and community vitality of the territory. Collège Nordique offers a program that places emphasis on human-centred management, collaboration, and technological versatility.

A Complete and Applied Learning Pathway

The program is divided into two full-time stages (with the option to adapt to part-time) and includes practical courses covering the core pillars of modern management:

• Organizational Management: understanding how a workplace is structured and how internal dynamics function
• Spreadsheets and Digital Tools: developing proficiency in Excel and collaborative digital environments
• Organizational and Professional Skills: building strong communication, time management and teamwork abilities
• Introduction to Human Resources Management: learning how to support, motivate and supervise a team
• Accounting, Finance, and Marketing: acquiring the foundations needed to plan, budget, and promote effectively
• Business Law and Microeconomics: understanding the legal and economic principles shaping today’s labour market

The program prioritizes project-based learning directly inspired by real workplace needs. Students gain an applied understanding of management issues that can be transferred immediately to their job or entrepreneurial project.

Rooted in the North, Connected to the World

By studying at Collège Nordique, students benefit from local support and an established community network. They have access to classrooms and campus services in Yellowknife, while enjoying the flexibility of Collège La Cité’s hybrid model. This allows learners to remain rooted in their territory while earning a credential recognized across Canada — a rare and valuable combination for those living and working north of the 60th parallel.

Strong Employment Outlook and Competitive Salaries

Here are a few key labour-market indicators for individuals considering this program:

• For administrative officer roles in the NWT, wages range from $32.00 to $61.00 per hour (2022–2023 reference), depending on experience and responsibilities.
• For administrative assistant roles in Yellowknife, median wages are around $30.00 per hour, with a range from $21.49 to $38.23 per hour.
• The Government of the Northwest Territories' Student Financial Assistance (SFA) program confirms that administrative and office skills are in high demand in both the public and private sectors.

These indicators show that:

• Administrative and management positions in the North offer strong earning potential
• Employment prospects are concrete and sustained, even within a smaller labour market
• For students who choose this program, the return on investment can be rapid thanks to high local demand and competitive wages

A Pathway Toward Northern Leadership

For Francophone residents of the North, this program offers a unique opportunity to develop highly transferable professional skills — in French — without having to relocate. By combining flexibility with collaborative learning, Collège Nordique supports the development of future leaders who will help build strong, inclusive and sustainable organizations serving northern communities.

Financial Support Available in the NWT

To help finance your studies, the Government of the Northwest Territories’ SFA program offers several types of financial assistance. These measures make the program even more accessible: you can study where you live, receive northern-specific financial support, and prepare for a viable career at the same time.