Select the BGS Service below for FAQ’s about that specific offering.

When can I apply for Foundational Learning Assistance?

Individuals can apply for Foundational Learning Assistance up to 8 weeks prior to the start date of school. 

Can I apply for Foundational Learning Assistance at any time in the school year?

Yes you can. Financial Assistance will start the month your application is received by the Foundational Learning & Skills Development Office.

What sort of fees does Foundational Learning Assistance cover?

The amount you receive will depend on your household financial need. The fees may cover things like school fees owing for the year you are applying (Mandatory Fees, Book Costs, Grad Fees), as well as Living Costs while attending training (rent, food, bus pass, child care). 

How will I know when my application has been approved by the Foundational Learning & Skills Development Office?

You will also receive confirmation from Foundational Learning after completing your on-line application.  As well a Funding Decision Letter will be sent to you outlining the amount of financial assistance you will be receiving and the months it will be provided.

I learn better in a self-paced environment rather than a traditional classroom setting. Can I attend an Outreach School to complete my courses?

Yes. Your Support Manager can provide you with options for eligible schools in your region.

Do I get Foundational Learning Assistance during the summer months? **

No, Foundational Learning Assistance only covers the time you are in school (September – June).
** There are specific criteria that are required for Summer School approval. Talk to a Support Manager for details.

Can I work part-time while I am in school?

Yes, working part-time can assist you with saving money for the summer months when no financial assistance is available.

I am working right now. Can I quit my job and apply for Foundational Learning Assistance?

No! Quitting your job may jeopardize your eligibility for Foundational Learning Assistance. Talk with your Support Manager about your situation and they will advise you of the process for attending school full time while working.

My teacher is recommending different courses for me than we originally planned when I applied for Foundational Learning Assistance. Is that okay?

Possibly. You must inform your Support Manager to discuss any possible changes to your planned courses so that they can ensure this does not impact your full time eligibility status.

I live with my parents, but they expect me to pay rent. Can I apply for rent costs?

Your Support Manager will discuss your living situation and be able to advise your on your eligibility for Foundational Learning Assistance.

What happens if I stop attending school while receiving Foundational Learning Assistance?

As a student receiving Foundational Learning Assistance, you are responsible for attending and progressing at school. Lack of attendance will jeopardize your ability to continue to receive Foundational Learning Assistance.

What happens if I fail a course? Will my Foundational Learning Assistance continue?

Possibly. You will need to discuss this with your Support Manager to see if you would be eligible to repeat the course and continue to receive Foundational Learning Assistance.

I will be turning 20 years old during the school year. Can I still receive Foundational Learning Assistance?

If you apply for Foundational Learning Assistance prior to turning 20, you can continue to receive Foundational Learning Assistance for the remainder of the school year and receive supports through the North Assessment Centre.

What makes JobConnect unique from other BGS employment services?

JobConnect is designed to assist individuals 18+ who are ready, willing and able to work full-time but require: Assistance with employability and personal development skills, coaching on developing or refining their job search skills and help with making connections to employers.

Are you a placement agency?

No. BGS works with participants and employers to support their employment and career needs. We do not charge a fee for assisting participants to obtain employment.

Do you assist clients with obtaining tickets/certifications?

YES. If a specific ticket/ certification is required by employer or industry expectations, JobConnect can potentially arrange for/ reimburse the training/ certification.

How long is the JobConnect program?

JobConnect provides services to meet your specific needs. This can range from a few weeks up to a few months depending on your needs. Our goal is to provide you with the pre-employment supports you require to gain and maintain long-term employment.

Do I have to attend every day? For how long?

A successful job search requires a full-time commitment.  The expectation is that you are participating in JobConnect full-time. This includes on-site (Workshops, Job Club) and off-site (Interviews, Networking events) job search activities.

I am currently working, am I still able to join the program?

To be eligible for JobConnect, you are required to be unemployed or have irregular employment (i.e. no guarantee of hours from week to week).  

Can you help someone who lives outside of Edmonton? Can you find work outside of Edmonton?

To be eligible for JobConnect, you must live within the greater Edmonton region. Many of our participants are seeking employment outside of Edmonton and JobConnect can definitely assist with locating employment opportunities beyond the Edmonton region.

Are your services complete once I gain employment?

No. We offer ongoing support and assistance for 6 months after you gain employment. This assistance can include coaching on any worksite/ personal concerns you may have and can looking for additional employment opportunities if the initial employment ends.

How is this different from me looking and applying for jobs myself?

Unemployment can be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. Job Search can be difficult and challenging. Too often, people get discouraged and lose hope in their ability to be successful at reconnecting with employment. 

The JobConnect team will show you that you are not alone in your situation and even though you think you may have exhausted all of your employment leads, there are always other opportunities to be identified.  We will also use our employer network to identify opportunities that could match your skills and employment goals. 

The JobConnect team will coach you through your job search challenges. They will provide encouragement when you need it and will work to keep you focused on putting in the required work for Job Search Success!

What makes JobPLUS unique from other BGS employment services?

JobPLUS is specifically designed to address the employment needs of participants who have an established work history, typically those who are 40+ years of age.  This includes a focus on identifying Transferable Skills and reviewing career priorities based on the stage of your career.

Can I participate in JobPLUS if I’m looking for part-time employment or considering self-employment?

To be eligible for JobPLUS, you must be seeking full-time (>30 hrs./week) employment.

How long is the JobPLUS program?

The goal of JobPLUS is to assist you to obtain employment within 16 weeks.

What types of jobs do you help people find?

There is no limit to the types of jobs that we assist our participants with finding. The only consideration is that the job must be realistic for current labour market requirements/ conditions.

Do you assist clients with obtaining tickets/certifications?

YES. If a specific ticket/ certification is required by employer or industry expectations, JobPLUS can potentially arrange for/ reimburse the training/ certification.

Do I have to attend every day? For how long?

A successful job search requires a full-time commitment.  The expectation is that you are participating in JobPLUS full-time. This includes on-site (Workshops, Job Club) and off-site (Interviews, Networking events) job search activities.

How is it you can find me a job when I cannot find one on my own?

Unemployment can be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. Job Search can be difficult and challenging. Too often, people get discouraged and lose hope in their ability to be successful at reconnecting with employment.

The JobPLUS team will show you that you are not alone in your situation and even though you think you may have exhausted all of your employment leads, there are always other opportunities to be identified.  We will also use our employer network to identify opportunities that could match your skills and employment goals. 

The JobPLUS team will coach you through your job search challenges. They will provide encouragement when you need it and will work to keep you focused on putting in the required work for Job Search Success!

Will I be cut off my EI if I attend? Do I have to report my participation to EI?

No you will not be affected. JobPLUS is not considered training as you are actively seeking and available for employment.

Are your services complete once I gain employment?

No. We offer ongoing support and assistance for 3 months after you gain employment. This assistance can include coaching on any work-site/ personal concerns you may have and can looking for additional employment opportunities if the initial employment ends.

What makes YouthCO unique from other BGS employment services?

YouthCO is specifically designed to develop employment opportunities for youth 18-24 years of age. YouthCO accomplishes this by working with Edmonton area employers to set up youth-focused Workplace Training opportunities that develop the skills and qualifications needed for long term employment and career opportunities.

What is the age for eligibility?

18-24 years old.

Can I attend YouthCO if I am in school?

To be eligible for YouthCO, participants must be unemployed, marginally employed and not attending secondary school.

How long is the YouthCO program?

Workplace Training opportunities vary in time depending on the type of employment position.  Remember: You become an employee of the company at the start of the training opportunity so you will remain employed with the employer when the training period ends.

What types of jobs do you help people find?

The jobs are as varied as the individual target of YouthCO participants. Together, we will look for an opportunity that meets your employment/ career goals.

How long will it take to get a job?

That will vary according to the type of job you’re looking for and current labour market conditions.  With the right focus, our target is to set up an opportunity within 2-6 weeks.

How much will I be getting paid?

The wage will depend on the position and will be negotiated as part of the training plan.

Will I be cut off my EI if I attend? Do I have to report my participation to EI?

NO you will not be affected. YouthCO is not considered training as you are actively seeking and available for employment.  Once you begin your Workplace Training opportunity, you become an employee and would report that status change to EI as required.

Are your services complete once I gain employment?

No. We offer ongoing support and assistance for 3 months after completion of the Workplace Training opportunity. This assistance can include coaching on any worksite/ personal concerns you may have and can looking for additional employment opportunities if the initial employment ends.

How do I register for your workshops?

Feel free to register online OR call our office at 780-425-6655.

Is there a description for each of your workshops?

Yes. Please see the Career & Employment Workshops section of our website.

Do you have any in-person workshops?

Yes. Currently we are offering a hybrid model for our workshop delivery with in person and on-line delivery being offered for most workshops.

Who can attend the workshops? (I have a work/study permit; I am 17 years old, can I attend?)

Our workshops are open to anyone who would like to enhance their job search skills, understanding of the career planning process or personal development.

Are the workshops full day or drop-in any time between 9am-4pm?

To respect fellow participant’s learning experience and to receive all workshop information, you should plan to attend the workshop at its starting time. If you are not able to attend for the full workshop, you should consider attending another session that better meets your schedule.

Are there any breaks during the workshop?

Yes, there are regular breaks including a lunch break for full day workshops.

Why should I attend your workshops?

There are many reasons why people benefit from our workshops depending on their current stage of job search/ career. For those who have not had to job search for some time or have not been successful in their current job search, we offer many workshops that provide information that will help you achieve employment success.  For those currently working but want to enhance their career opportunities, we offer workshops that explore available options and opportunities. Please look through our workshops menu and see what workshops could best meet your needs.

What is Zoom? How do I use it?

Zoom is the video-conference application that BGS uses to deliver our online workshops. When you register for a workshop being offered online, you will be sent a link to join the Zoom session.

Click here for a good introduction to using ZOOM.

I need help with computers. Do you have a class for that?

We offer several technology-based workshops including Intro to Computers and Online/ Social Media Job Search. Please see our Workshops Calendar for scheduled dates.

I have an appointment in the morning. Can I join in the afternoon?

If you are not able to attend for the full workshop, you should attend another session that better meets your schedule.

Do you have any workshops in the weekend/evening?

Yes. Our Workshops Calendar offers multiple options depending on demand. Please see our Workshops Calendar for scheduled dates.

Is the Resume workshop designed for people who do not have a resume or for those who already have a resume and just want to update it?

The Resume Workshop is primarily intended to provide an introduction to resumes for participants who do not have a current resume or those who have a resume but do not fully understand the resume elements that are required for a successful job search.  Even if you have a resume but it has been some time since it has been updated, you could benefit from attending and hearing about new resume concepts and strategies for today’s labour market.