Learning and Professional Development
at the Department of National Defence (DND)

The Department of National Defence is committed to supporting an educated and knowledgeable workforce and offers a vast array of learning opportunities to enhance work satisfaction, career building and employability. At every stage of your career we offer you opportunities to grow.

Learning activities are offered in both official languages in bilingual regions. Stay current with the latest trends in your field of interest or learn more about technology, communications, interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, management and leadership. To gain valuable skills and experience, you can also take part in special projects and short-term assignments.

Your DND manager will help you find out what is right for you, and tell you what funding is available.

Orientation Program

We’ll get you off to a good start with our Orientation program for new civilian employees. It’s designed to familiarize you with the Department. Within weeks of your arrival, you will attend a formal orientation session, in which you will learn about Defence operations, business strategy and culture. In addition, your manager or supervisor will talk with you about your personalized learning plan and explain the performance review process. As part of the Orientation program, you will also have regular meetings with your supervisor or manager to discuss your progress.

Defence Learning Network (DLN)

The Defence Learning Network (DLN) is an innovative approach to continuous learning for DND civilian employees and military members. It is set to revolutionize the way DND employees and military members learn and train. The DLN is a dynamic delivery system for “anywhere, anytime, just-in-time” training that includes using the power of the Internet. Through the DLN, you will be able to take online courses from your home, office, and other convenient locations such as Learning and Career Centres (LCCs). You can even borrow a laptop computer if you need one.

The DLN encompasses the LCCs which have full-time professional staff who offer career advice for civilians, and learning and training services for both civilian and military. LCC staff can help you with effective job search techniques, learning plans, and resume and interview preparation. You will also have access to library resources such as books, videos, audiotapes, and CD-ROMs. You will be able to participate in discussion groups. The centres also deliver a multitude of courses you can take to improve your current skills and performance.

Civilian Personnel Education Support Program

Improve your qualifications by going back to school with DND’s support. If you are a civilian employee you may be eligible for up to one year of financial assistance to get a degree, diploma, certificate or accreditation through full-time studies at a recognized Canadian educational institution. This program allows our employees the opportunity to attain a higher level of education, while being paid an allowance equivalent to 100% of their salary, as well as full reimbursement of approved tuition and books!

Management Trainee Program (MTP)

Do you see yourself as a future leader in the Public Service?

MTP is a four-year program aimed at developing high-potential entry-level candidates for key positions of responsibility in the federal Public Service. The Program provides hands-on work experience through assignments with federal departments and agencies in different regions of the country. DND offers MTP candidates interesting and challenging assignments in a wide range of areas: international policy, public affairs, human resources, finance management and environmental protection. As well, an educational component complements and enhances the experience acquired on the job. Courses focus on the basic knowledge and skills required by Public Service managers. When you complete the program, you will be pre-qualified for a middle manager-level position.

Any civilian employee with a university degree may apply. MTP trainees are recruited through a yearly competition process administered by the Public Service Commission. More information is available at http://www.jobs.gc.ca/mtp-psg/application_e.htm.

Career Assignment Program (CAP)

DND also participates in the federal government’s Career Assignment Program. The goal of this two-to-four year program is to identify individuals who have demonstrated executive potential and to accelerate their development.

Every participant gets a personalized learning plan. The program begins with a six-week educational component offered through the Canadian Centre for Management Development. The participant then moves on to assignments that may provide experience in regional operations, policy development, work for central agencies, etc. These work assignments will help you develop the competencies you need to qualify for an executive level position.

CAP candidates are recruited through an annual competition process. Financial support is provided for relocation, if necessary. To learn more about CAP you can visit http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/cap/00/00_e.htm.

In addition there are other developmental assignment programs such as Job Enrichment Training (JET) that may be available.

Learn it/ live it at DND!