Financial Aid

Alberta Works Skills Investment Funding

The Alberta Works Skills Investment program provides funding for Albertans in designated Full-Time and Part-Time programs.  Learner eligibility is determined by Human Services (formerly AEI) criteria specific to each funding stream.  Tuition, books and living allowance may be available for those who qualify.

Students who wish to receive or continue their EI benefits while in school need to have their eligibility determined prior to attending school or their EI may be directly affected.

Please Note - Alberta Works Skills Investment funding is limited, provided on a first come, first served basis and each eligible program has a limited number of seats. Funding must be approved prior to training start date therefore so Students must apply early with complete documentation or they will not be considered.

Alberta Works Full-Time Income Support for Learners

Alberta Works Full-Time Income Support eligibility is determined by Human Services  criteria.  While attending an Human Services approved training program, individuals may be eligible for Income Support  (pdf 90KB) and Health Benefits (pdf 90KB). The amount of income support is determined by a financial needs assessment.

Full-Time Learner Income Support Application Process

Full-Time Funded Student Responsibilities

Once you have been approved for funding you must maintain your eligibly.  This includes following your Service Plan as outlined in your initial assessment.  Any changes to your plan or situation need to be reported immediately to your Financial Aid Specialist (Case Manager).

All students must hand in monthly Progress Reports on the 15th of every month.  These reports will identify any attendance or progress issues you may be having while in school.  Each Student must meet the requirements of the Acceptable Attendance and Acceptable Progress policy.

Once funded training is complete each student will be contacted at 90 and 180 days for follow-up as outlined in your Service Agreement.  At this time a NAIT representative will collect information about your employment or additional education gained as a result of your funded training on behalf of Human Services.  If you have any questions about your responsibilities while receiving Alberta Works Learner Income Support please contact your Financial Aid Specialist.

Skills Investment and Employment Insurance

The Alberta Works Skills Investment program is available to Albertans who are eligible, previously eligible and not eligible for EI.  If a Learner wishes for their EI to continue while attending an eligible program (105K pdf) at NAIT they must meet with a Financial Aid Specialist for an employability assessment prior to school starting to determine eligibility for the program and to have the appropriate referrals made.

Learners planning to attend programs not approved under the Skills Investment program may be eligible as Feepayers (pdf 44KB) and should speak to an EI Representative at Service Canada and a Career and Employment Counselor at their nearest Alberta Service Centre.

If approved as an Alberta Works Full-Time Income Support Learner you will continue to report EI. An explanation on How to Report (pdf 24KB) to EI while in training can be found in the Alberta Works policy manual however for reporting process during any breaks in training or special circumstances please contact Service Canada.