Welcome to Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium (NFMTC)
Since 2005, NFMTC is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing training opportunities for Nunavut beneficiaries interested in building a career in the fishing industry. Our goal is to equip Inuit and community members with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various roles within the fishing sector.
Training Opportunities Offered:
- Engineer
- Deckhand
- Bookkeeper
- Chief Engineer
- Factory Worker
- Factory Supervisor
- Marine Diesel Mechanic
- Quality Control Manager
- Fisheries Observer
- Bridge Officer
- Second Mate
- First Mate
- Captain
- Master
- Bosun
- Cook
Funding and Support:
If you’re interested in any of these careers, NFMTC covers all your training expenses on selected courses—including travel, accommodations, meals, and tuition. Students also receive a training allowance to support their participation.
Course Start Dates:
Start dates vary throughout the year. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career, apply now to join our programs.
Training Locations:
We strive to deliver most courses within Nunavut, either in your community or in Iqaluit. When facilities are unavailable locally, we arrange for students to attend courses in southern Canada.
A rewarding career in fishing awaits!
Working on fishing trawlers can be challenging but highly rewarding. Many positions involve working on the ship for 3-6 weeks, then returning home for a few months before the next trip. This schedule allows for a balanced lifestyle—hard work when at sea, and quality time at home.
Inshore fishing offers a different experience, often closer to home, catching and preparing fish for processing. This can also lead to stable employment with less time away from your community.
Fish processing plants provide full-time careers in various roles—from handling and preparing fish for market, to supervising operations, and managing plant finances. Nunavut has three processing plants located in Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet, and Pangnirtung—each offering valuable employment opportunities.
Our Mission:
NFMTC aims to empower Nunavut Inuit with the skills and confidence to become self-sufficient. Many of our students have never completed a training course before, and success boosts their self-esteem, opening doors to new opportunities. Our training can transform lives and communities.
Economic and Social Impact:
A job in the fishing industry can mean significant earnings—up to $125,000 for a six to seven-month season—funds that are invested back into communities. Increased income supports families, enhances self-sufficiency, and improves overall well-being. When families thrive financially, children tend to stay in school longer, and community health—both mental and physical—improves.
Our Training Philosophy:
We design our training to meet industry standards and prepare students for real-world marine environments. Our classrooms replicate vessel conditions, featuring authentic drawings and signage provided by industry partners. We emphasize understanding vessel life, safety, and professionalism.
Discipline and Expectations:
We maintain a strict tolerance policy on alcohol and drugs. Punctuality, attendance, and respectful behavior are mandatory. Students sign contracts agreeing to these rules, and non-compliance results in resignation from the program—not expulsion.
Life Skills and Beyond:
In addition to technical skills, we teach essential life skills—living with others, managing responsibilities, and adapting to marine culture. These skills are transferable to all aspects of life, helping students succeed both at sea and ashore.
Join us at NFMTC and take the first step toward a rewarding career in the fishing industry—supporting your future and strengthening your community.
