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Tip Sheets
Earn While You Learn: Consider Part-time Training
When you go back to school or continue your training, you’re making an investment that will pay for itself in many ways. You’ll build your skills, expand your career opportunities and may even increase your income. A part-time option offers you the best of both worlds—you can keep earning while you pursue your career goals.
Balancing work with school or training can be a challenge, but it can also lead you in positive new directions.
Is part-time learning a good choice for me?
Depending on your career goals, there are several reasons why part-time learning may be right for you:
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You’ll be able to continue to support yourself and your family while you pursue your career. |
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You can "test the waters" if you’re thinking about returning to school full-time. |
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Depending on your work and training choices, you may be able to apply the new skills you’ve learned to your work. |
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You won’t be interrupting your career to pursue your studies. |
What are my part-time options?
Look for flexible programs that will allow you to juggle your commitments at school, at work and at home. You can:
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take evening and weekend courses if you work days |
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take daytime courses if you work evenings or weekends |
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take a distance education program that offers courses by correspondence or over the Internet |
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take on-the-job training offered by your employer, union or professional association. |
Flexibility at work can also make it easier for you to continue your training and education. If your education or training program is job-related, tell your employer about it. Your employer may recognize the positive impact of your training and may offer you support, such as time off to write an exam or flexible hours and work arrangements.
Part-time work, job sharing, on-call work, temporary assignments and other alternatives to regular, full-time work are other options that may allow you more freedom to pursue your studies. For more information, check out Alternatives to Traditional Full-Time Employment (see Other Relevant Tips).
Can I get funding for part-time training or studies?
Grants for basic training or upgrading
If you’re an Alberta resident, you may be eligible for a bursary (grant) for basic training and upgrading. The bursary may pay for things like tuition, books, childcare, transportation and Internet fees. You’ll have to show financial need and meet certain criteria. Depending on your situation, you may be able to continue to work and go to school and still receive income support. For more information, visit www.employment.alberta.ca/albertaworks or call 780-644-5135 in Edmonton or 1-866-644-5135 toll-free in other Alberta locations.
Grants or loans for part-time studies
You may be eligible for a part-time study bursary (grant) or loan for post-secondary programs. When applying for either loans or grants, you must show financial need (for loans, your total family income will also be considered). To be eligible for a loan or some grants, you must be enrolled in 20 to 59 per cent of a full-time course load (20 to 39 per cent for students with a permanent disability). Visit alis.alberta.ca/studentsfinance for more information.
Help for AISH recipients
Part-time, on-the-job training with not-for-profit or private sector employers is available for Albertans receiving Assured Income for Severely Handicapped (AISH) benefits and persons with disabilities seeking employment. To find out more, talk to your AISH worker or call the Income Support Contact Centre at 780-644-5135 in Edmonton or 1-866-644-5135 toll-free in other Alberta locations.
Help from other sources
Your union or professional association may offer grants or bursaries for part-time study. Or, talk to your employer—many employers recognize the value of helping their employees improve their skills and are willing to offer some financial support.
Funding from any of the above sources will be limited. Think about how much you’ll be able to contribute from your own income and savings. Is there any room for educational costs in your current budget? Would any family members be able to help out financially? Could you use any assets to help pay for your education?
How will I make it all work?
When you combine part-time training or school with work and all of your other responsibilities, your life will be even busier than it is now. Family life, school work, time on the job—there are many reasons why you need to fit them all in:
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You’ve made a decision that will have a significant impact on your family and their support is vital to your success. |
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If you’re receiving financial help from a government program, you’ll be required to continue working, make acceptable progress and pass your courses. |
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You may be enrolled in a program that requires you to complete your studies within a time limit. |
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You want to be sure your work doesn’t suffer as a result of your studies. |
In order to make it all work, you need to know what your goals are and make a plan. When you schedule time for work, school and family—and stick to your schedule—you’ll be able to stay focused and motivated. For help, read Going Back to School: How to Fit Everything In and other tips (see Other Relevant Tips).
When you combine part-time training or school with work, you’re taking a positive step towards a better future for you and your family. A goal and the support of the important people in your life will keep you motivated. A plan will help you stay on top of the competing demands of work, school, family and personal time. Keeping everything in balance will help you succeed!
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Additional Information
For information about funding available for part-time training, contact:
Income Support Call Centre
Edmonton: (780)644-5135
Toll-free: 1-866-644-5135
Website: www.employment.alberta.ca/albertaworks
For information about student loans and grants, contact:
Students Finance
Edmonton: (780)427-3722
Toll-free in Canada: 1-800-222-6485
Website: alis.alberta.ca/studentsfinance |
Last Updated: June 16, 2006
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