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Part of Grants and bursaries

Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher

Financial assistance is available to help coal workers access post-secondary education to train for a new career.

Overview

Coal-fired electricity generation will be phased out by Dec 31, 2029.

As part of the Coal Workforce Transition Fund, the Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition (CETT) Voucher provides affected coal workers with a maximum of $12,000 to pursue post-secondary education to train for new careers.

Eligibility criteria

Beginning in February 2019, two types of employees are eligible for the CETT voucher.

If you work at one of the identified worksites, you are eligible for the CETT voucher if you have been employed for a year or more and:

  • The worksite is closing within the next five years, either permanently or temporarily (for conversion or mothballing). It is not a requirement that you are laid off.

OR

  • You have received a formal written notice of layoff (regardless of whether the worksite is closing) on or after January 2, 2018.

In addition, a worker at a non-impacted worksite who has been bumped by a worker from an impacted worksite will also be deemed eligible for the CETT voucher provided they have been employed for at least one year.

You can use the voucher while receiving financial assistance from other programs, such as EI benefits, bridge to re-employment grant and student aid.

You're not eligible if you:

  • quit or were fired from your position
  • were in a contract position
  • are retiring
  • received bridge to retirement assistance

Eligible programs of study

The voucher can be used for any program at one of Alberta’s:

Eligible programs

  • full-time, part-time and open studies
  • online or in-person
  • apprenticeship technical training
  • pre-employment programs

Ineligible programs

  • private career college programs
  • out-of-country programs
  • out-of-province programs, except when not available in Alberta
  • any program not offered through public post-secondary institutions or First Nations Colleges

How it works

You have 5 years from the date you receive the voucher or your lay-off date (whichever is earlier) to use the full $12,000 maximum value of the voucher.

The money can be used up in a single year or spread over multiple years. The voucher is transferrable across eligible post-secondary institutions and programs.

The money will be paid directly to the post-secondary institution. Payments will not be made to individuals.

Eligible expenses

  • tuition
  • mandatory instructional and non-instructional fees

The voucher can also be used towards apprenticeship programs and services that have a fee and are offered directly by Apprenticeship and Industry Training with Advanced Education.

Ineligible expenses

  • application fees
  • books, equipment or supplies

Once a portion of the voucher is used, you’ll be notified of your remaining balance and will receive a T4A tax slip (the institution you attend will issue a T2202A tax slip used to calculate the tuition tax credit).

You’re responsible for tuition costs that exceed the value of the voucher.

How to apply

A new online application form and application guideline for the voucher is coming soon. Review the application guidelines below for more information.

You can also speak with a Career and Employment Counsellor regarding your eligibility for the tuition voucher and review the program guidelines.

Contact

For eligibility questions or to make an appointment:

Career and Employment Services Contact Centre
Phone: 780-422-4266
Toll free: 1-800-661-3753

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