The Training Support Program can assist eligible individuals to acquire the training needed to return to work. This initiative provides financial assistance to help cover incremental training costs such as tuition, course fees, and living expenses.
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, if the approval is conditional on the Training Support Program receiving supporting documentation, an applicant with an active EI claim must submit all required supporting documents no later than five business days before the training start date. An active EI client cannot start their training without a Section 25 approval (approval to continue receiving your EI benefits while attending training) and remain eligible for training support. Applicants not requiring a Section 25 approval must submit all required supporting documents before the first day of class. Therefore, we urge everyone to apply at least two weeks in advance of a start date and more comfortably a month prior to training. 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.
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. One to one help is available to clarify application questions. 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.
*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).
Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
