POLICY

In order for a learner to be eligible for Learner Income Support and Benefits and/or Training Benefits the program must be approved and funds must be allocated to the program. Funding for approved programs is determined annually by the Minister’s annual allocation process.

Training providers must be located in Alberta. Exceptions may be made for training providers located in border communities such as Lloydminster.

The following types of training programs can be considered for approval:
Adult Basic Education (Grades 1-6)
Adult Basic Education (Grades 7-9)
Academic Upgrading (Grades 10-12)
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Integrated Foundational Pathways
Integrated Training
Occupational Training programs less than 12 weeks
Transitional Vocational Programs

Mandatory Certification

All training providers must meet the requirements of any mandatory licensing or accrediting processes required by other authorities and/or ministries.

Private training providers applying to the Government of Alberta for program approval must be a legal entity, registered with the Alberta Corporate Registry.

Financial Security

Private training providers must provide financial security to the Minister in the form of a Surety Bond or irrevocable Letter of Credit prior to final approval of a program.  The Minister will determine the financial security required.

Maintenance of financial security is a requirement for continued program approval. Providers must seek approval prior to making any changes to the amount of security in place.

If, in the opinion of the Minister, a provider fails to comply with the Income and Employment Supports Act, related regulations, policies or agreements with the Government of Alberta, then the security may be forfeited.

Insurance

Training providers must, at their own expense, insure their operations under a General Liability Insurance contract, in accordance with the Alberta Insurance Act, in an amount of not less than $2,000,000 inclusive per occurrence. Such insurance must cover personal injury and property damage, including loss of use thereof. Such insurance shall include Blanket Written Liability and Non-Owned Automobile Liability.

If operating vehicles, owned or licensed in the name of the training provider for the purpose of delivering an approved program, the training provider shall maintain automobile liability insurance on all vehicles owned, operated or licensed in the name of the training provider in an amount not less than $1,000,000.

Training providers delivering programs in privately-owned buildings (a building not owned by the Government of Alberta) shall submit certificates of insurance to the department prior to the final approval of the program.

All required insurance shall be endorsed to provide the Minister with 30 days advance written notice of cancellation or material change restricting coverage.

Fire and Health Inspections

Fire and Health inspections conducted by the appropriate municipal authority are required by all public and private training providers delivering programs in facilities that are privately owned. Fire and Health inspection certificates must be current and must be submitted to the Government of Alberta as a condition of the final approval of the program.

For more information on how to apply for program approval, please contact: AE.FoundationalLearning@gov.ab.ca

Program Maintenance

Providers must notify the Government of Alberta of any changes in their circumstances that may adversely affect program delivery and must supply financial information upon request.

Programs will be reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with policy and regulatory requirements to ensure outcomes are achieved.

If an approved program has not accepted a funded learner for a period of two academic years (August 1-July 31) the program approval will be terminated.

Training providers must advise the Government of Alberta of any proposed changes and receive approval before making the change to:

• the program for e.g., duration, instructional hours, instructor qualifications
• tuition, fees, books or supplies
• the premises at which training is provided
• the security provided
• ownership
  

Annual Collection of Session Dates and Costs

When collecting yearly session dates and costs from applicable training providers, the potential impact of fee increases will be considered.

Tuition and fee levels established by the training provider are in effect for programs commencing in the upcoming academic year.