WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

To qualify for the Training Support Program, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• You have an active EI claim OR; your EI claim period has ended within the past 36 months OR; your EI Maternity or Parental claim began in the past 60 months.*
  
• You are able to demonstrate that you have exhausted your work search and cannot obtain sustainable work in today's job market.
  
• You have identified the barrier preventing you from gaining work and the training that is the most direct route to resolve the barrier in order to return to work.
  
• You are a Canadian Citizen or a Permanent Resident.

TIME LINE

Once we receive your complete application, the approval process can be accomplished in three business days. However, please take the time to research and fully complete the application which can be time consuming (10-15 hours) as information is needed from potential employers and schools. It is preferred that an application be submitted approximately 2-8 weeks prior to the course start date or the date funds are required. If you are on an active EI claim, Service Canada approval to attend training may require an additional 3-5 days.

STEPS TO TAKE

• Learn more about the program by attending a Training Information Session. Although optional, this can answer any questions you may have about the program.
  
• Develop a Return to Work Action Plan (RTWAP)** which may include employment counselling to ensure employment opportunities are likely upon completion.
  
• Bring your completed RTWAP to one of our offices and complete the short Pre-Application which we will review with you and then we will provide you with a Training Support Program application.
  
• Complete the application. Sessions are held weekly to assist with this process. Ask us for dates and times in both Duncan and Nanaimo. One to one help is also available. When you are ready, submit your application along with any supporting materials you wish to include

KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION

• The likelihood of finding work after the training is finished is one of the biggest factors in considering an application.
  Labour market information identifies where the jobs are likely to be upon course completion.
  
• Showing that you can’t find work with your current skills is also part of the foundation of the program. Please be sure that your job search has been very thorough prior to applying.
  
• Ensure the planned training is the most direct route to return to work. The first intent is for an applicant to remain in their field. Any requests for training that would lead to a career change must be supported as necessary because of injury, illness or steep decline of an industry.
  
• Cost sharing is important. Be sure to identify that you can share costs and to what level. In kind contributions are readily accepted.
  
• Undertaking employment counseling can greatly assist in the process and doing so is considered positive when your application is adjudicated.
  
• A listing of our policies is available by clicking on the link below.

Highlights of Training Support Program Policies

*If you are in receipt of EI Special Benefits such as Maternity / Parental, Medical or Compassionate Care you must visit Service Canada to discuss the impact of this program on your claim prior to submitting an application.

**Agencies are available to develop a Return to Work Action Plan with you. Call Amber Education for contact information on agencies in your area (collect calls are welcome).

TRAINING SUPPORT PROGRAM - Applications

• Training Support Program - Pre-Application (pdf)
  
• Training Support Program - Application (pdf)
  
  • Training Support Program - Additional Occupational Research Forms (pdf)
    
  • Training Support Program - Unstructured Education Form (pdf)
    
• Training Support Program - Self-Employment Application (pdf)
• Training Support Program - Quick Application (pdf)
The Quick Application is designed for training that is less than four weeks in duration. Click here for a list of training choices that will require the submission of the Full Training Support Program Application.

• Training Support Program - Amendment Application (pdf)
The Amendment Applicationis a legal sized document (8.5X14). To print the document please choose the Page size - Legal in the Page Setup section in the File menu.

• Training Support Program - Budget Amendment Form (pdf)
  
• Training Support Program - Appeal Application (pdf)
The Appeal Application is a legal sized document (8.5X14). To print the document please choose the Page size - Legal in the Page Setup section in the File menu.

Applications are in pdf format. You will need the FREE ADOBE ACROBAT READER in order to view, download, and/or print these documents. If you do not have the reader installed on your computer, click on the link above or on the logo and following the instructions for downloading onto your computer.