“I'm receiving EI benefits and I'm interested in retraining. How do I access training benefits?”

You may be eligible for training benefits while you are receiving Employment Insurance (EI). Several options are available.

1.   You can take training on your own while on EI.

-      When you complete your EI reports, you’ll need to file a Training Course Information form to declare your training. You’ll also need to show that you are still able and willing to work and are continuing to look for a job. If you get a job offer, you may need to adjust or cancel your training program.

2.   You can take training while on EI with permission from Service Canada.

-      To qualify, you need to have lost your job after many years in the workforce. And you’ll need to enroll as a full-time student at an approved educational institution.

3.   You can take training while on EI with permission from your province or territory.

-      Alberta offers a variety of training and employment services to help Albertans on EI gain the knowledge and skills they need to participate in the labour market. For more information, call or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you. Or call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre: toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton.

4.   You can take training while on EI with permission from an Indigenous organization that provides employment services in your province or territory.

If you’re attending or planning to attend a training course while on EI, you’ll need to complete Service Canada’s Training Course Information form. You can complete the form and request permission to take training when you apply for EI. If you’re already receiving benefits, you can complete the form in your My Service Canada Account.

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