Integrated Foundational Pathways program application

Overview

Integrated Foundational Pathways (IFP) programs provide adult Albertans with a supportive learning environment to develop skills for further education, training and/or employment.

IFP programs support learners who may:

• not have a high school diploma or necessary courses
• face barriers that have previously affected their schooling, learning opportunities, ability to find a job and vocational skill development
• lack English language skills to pursue training or employment
• need essential skills training

Call for IFP program applications: program approval process

The Government of Alberta is seeking relevant, qualified training providers to deliver IFP programs throughout Alberta.

Preference will be given to programs that:

• target underrepresented groups in the labour market such as women, youth, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, persons with disabilities and income support recipients.
• support Alberta’s Recovery Plan. Applicants should include relevant labour market information to support the choice of the targeted industry/occupations if employment is the intended outcome of the training.

Approval term

Programs will be approved for 2 years, effective April 1, 2021. There may be a possibility of a one-year extension for programs that have achieved their intended outcomes.

Approval may be revoked at any time if programs do not comply with program guidelines.

Funding

Program approval does not guarantee that:

• funds are allocated for the program
• learners will attend the program

Funding for the program is determined by the Minister of Advanced Education’s annual allocation process. This process is separate from the program approval process.

Once the program is approved and funds have been allocated, individuals can apply for income support for learners.

To be eligible for income support as a full-time learner, individuals must meet eligibility and financial eligibility criteria outlined in the:

• Income and Employment Supports Act
• Income Support, Training and Health Benefits Regulation

Training benefits for learners may also be provided for:

• tuition
• books
• supplies
• mandatory fees

Eligibility

Training provider requirements

Applicants must have organizational experience in:

• providing training programs (at least 3 years)
• working with the client group served by your proposed program
• setting and achieving targeted outcome measures
• providing qualified instructors for each content area of the program

Program duration

Eligible training programs must:

• be a minimum of 12 weeks to a maximum of 52 weeks in length
• not have breaks between sessions that are longer than 3 weeks
• include at least 20 hours of instruction per week

Program requirements

Eligible training programs will cover these 3 components:

1. Essential skills

This component prepares individuals with the skills needed for learning so they can evolve in their education, jobs and life. Content can include:

• reading
• writing
• document use
• numeracy
• computer use
• critical thinking/problem solving
• oral communication
• working with others

2. Academic components

Learners build one or more of:

• basic skills – literacy and numeracy skills at the Grade 1-6 levels and adult basic education at the Grade 7-9 levels
• academic upgrading – necessary academic competencies at a Grade 10-12 level, including:
  • high school credit courses (per Alberta Education curriculum)
  • equivalency courses accepted by post-secondary institutions (per their Alberta Council for Admissions and Transfers agreements)
• English as a Second Language (ESL) – study and practice of the English language to individuals whose first language is not English, and who are unable to communicate fluently or learn effectively in English, so they can become proficient in:
  • speaking
  • reading
  • writing
  • listening in English

3. Applied skills development

Individuals learn and apply theoretical knowledge:

• in practical situations
• in the classroom
• on the job

Learners build experience and increase their ability to perform a task in real circumstances.

This component can also include first period technical training under an apprenticeship program, or courses/training that lead to credit towards a post-secondary program. Safety courses will only be considered if they are a prerequisite for either the classroom or on the job skill development component.

How to apply

Step 1. Read the guiding legislation and policy

Before you apply, read the IFP Guidelines.

• Income and Employment Supports Act
• Training Provider Regulation for legal obligations of training providers
• Income Support, Training and Health Benefits Regulation to find eligibility and financial criteria for income support as a full-time learner

Step 2. Download the IFP application form

• IFP application form

Step 3. Participate in a Q&A conference call (optional)

The purpose of the call was to:

• respond to applicant's questions about the application content or process
• clarify information on the application to reduce the chance of misinterpretation

All questions and answers are included in the notes from the conference call. This information is considered part of the IFP Program Application Guidelines.

Step 4. Complete the application package

Only complete applications will be reviewed. All questions asked on the application form (provided in step 2) must be addressed.

Please read the guidelines and application carefully to confirm your program meets requirements and you have provided all necessary information.

Step 5. Submit the application package

• submit your completed application documents in one email to [email protected]
• title the subject line of your email “[Name of your organization]: Integrated Foundational Pathways Program Approval Submission”
• review your application before you send it to make sure all sections of the IFP program application are completed
• an acknowledgement email will be sent to you upon receipt (email us if you do not receive an email)

After you apply

Completed applications will be reviewed by the Integrated Foundational Pathway Application Review Committee.

Applications will be evaluated based on how effectively they address:

• program need
• program design and outcomes
• training provider experience and qualification
• budget and cost effectiveness

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the application review.

Contact

Connect with the Foundational Learning Supports Sector about the Integrated Foundational Pathway program approval process:

Email: [email protected]