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Source verified July 23, 2026
Coal Workforce Transition Program: Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher
Supports coal workers retraining for new careers
Latest source updateLast Update: September 16, 2026Latest change: The application guidelines now add mandatory photo ID and employer-letter requirements, clarify eligibility rules, and set a 52-week application limit.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 16, 2026
Latest change: The application guidelines now add mandatory photo ID and employer-letter requirements, clarify eligibility rules, and set a 52-week application limit.
Application guidelines revised
The Application Guidelines PDF now requires applicants to provide photo ID and an employer letter, and it adds eligibility clarification for special leave and minimum service with the affected coal plants or mines. The document also states that applicants must apply within 52 weeks of layoff, should apply for Employment Insurance as soon as they stop working, and may switch to Bridge to Retirement by submitting a new application and a Change of Circumstance form.
Funding available
$ 12,000
Deadline
February 28, 2027
Location
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Who can apply
Workers laid off as a result of the phase out of coal-fired electricity generation who worked for one or more affected coal-fired power plants or mines for at least one year immediately before a layoff notice effective January 2, 2018, or later
See full eligibility
Overview
This program provides affected coal workers with up to $12,000 for post-secondary education to support re-employment. It can be used for tuition and mandatory fees at eligible institutions and approved apprenticeship training.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 12,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Edmonton
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Post-secondary education for retraining and re-employment
- Apprenticeship classroom instruction
- Full-time, part-time, and open studies
- Online or in-person study
- Pre-employment programs
Documents Needed
- Photo ID
- Employer letter
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Workers laid off as a result of the phase out of coal-fired electricity generation who worked for one or more affected coal-fired power plants or mines for at least one year immediately before a layoff notice effective January 2, 2018, or later
- Workers who have received a formal written notice of layoff on or after January 2, 2018
- Workers at a non-impacted worksite who have been bumped by a worker from an impacted worksite, provided they have been employed for at least one year
- Eligible individuals must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or protected person
Who is not eligible
- People who quit or were fired
- Contract workers
- Retired workers or those receiving a pension
Eligible expenses
- Tuition
- Mandatory instructional and non-instructional fees
- Apprenticeship registration fees and certain apprenticeship-related fees
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Application fees
- Books, equipment, and supplies
- Private career college programs
- Out-of-country programs
- Out-of-province programs, except when not available in Alberta
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
How to apply
- A new online application form and application guideline for the voucher is coming soon.
- Review the application guidelines below for more information.
- You can also speak with a Career and Employment Counsellor regarding your eligibility for the tuition voucher and review the program guidelines.
Processing and Agreement
- The institution will verify your eligibility with Alberta Advanced Education.
- The CETT Voucher along with the Balance Notification letter must be provided to the institution at the time of registration.
- Once a portion of the voucher is used, you’ll be notified of your remaining balance.
- You will receive a T4A tax slip, and the institution will issue a T2202A tax slip used to calculate the tuition tax credit.
Additional information
- Applicants can combine the voucher with other supports such as Employment Insurance or Alberta Student Aid.
- The voucher is transferable across eligible post-secondary institutions and programs.
- Payments are made directly to the institution, not to individuals.
- A tax slip is issued for tuition and fees paid on the worker’s behalf.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Coal Workforce Transition Program: Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher Program
What is the Coal Workforce Transition Program: Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher?
This program provides affected coal workers with up to $12,000 for post-secondary education to support re-employment. It can be used for tuition and mandatory fees at eligible institutions and approved apprenticeship training.
How much funding can be received?
Coal Workforce Transition Program: Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher Funds up to $12,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is February 28, 2027.
Who is eligible for the Coal Workforce Transition Program: Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher program?
To be eligible for the Coal Workforce Transition Program: Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher program, you must:
Impacted coal worker with one year of employment
Layoff notice or closing worksite
Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
What expenses are eligible under Coal Workforce Transition Program: Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher?
Post-secondary education for retraining and re-employment
Apprenticeship classroom instruction
Full-time, part-time, and open studies
Online or in-person study
Pre-employment programs
Who can I contact for more information about the Coal Workforce Transition Program: Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher?
You can contact Labour and Advanced Education (NS) by email at css.csdcwtpsupports@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 780-422-4266.
Where is the Coal Workforce Transition Program: Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher available?
The Coal Workforce Transition Program: Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher program is available the province of Alberta.