TAA Training

The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program offers several different types of training.   If you are approved for training, all reasonable and necessary costs will be covered, including, but not limited to tuition, fees, books and tools.

If the commute from your residence to the training facility is greater than the state defined commuting distance, reimbursement of travel expenses may be covered. 

You are encouraged, but not required, to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through federal financial aid.  If you are awarded the Pell Grant, you will be allowed to keep it to apply towards any expenses that TAA cannot cover or cover any personal expenses. 

Available training options are, for example:

  • GED
  • Remedial, or refresher, training for upgrading basic skills (reading, math)
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Occupational training (online or in a classroom)
  • On-the-job (OJT) training

Training is available for a maximum of 104, 130, or 156 weeks, depending on your petition number.  

There are six (6) federally mandated criteria that a training plan must meet to be approved by the TAA program for funding:

  1. No suitable employment exists.
    • Suitable employment is a job (in your commuting area or area to which you plan to relocate) for which you need a similar or higher skill level and in which you earn at least 80% of the wages of your Trade-affected employment.Commuting area, for these purposes, is defined as the distance you commuted to your Trade-affected employer.
  2. You would benefit from appropriate training.
    • Upon satisfactory completion of the training, you will be job-ready and marketable.
  3. There is reasonable expectation of employment following training.
    • Training must be for a profession in a projected growth industry to maximize chances of employment upon satisfactory completion of the training.
  4. Training is reasonably available to you.
    • Training is readily accessible and does not require unreasonable waiting periods or include extended training breaks.
  5. You’re qualified to undertake and complete the training.
    • Training must match your personal qualifications, educational background, and work experience.Additionally, you must have the financial resources to sustain yourself throughout the entire duration of training and be able to complete it within certain program time limitations.
  6. The training is appropriate and available at a reasonable cost.
    • Training must be available at a reasonable cost when compared to other providers and/or similar training programs.

All training must be approved by a TAA Workforce Consultant in advance and prior to incurring any costs. Our team will help you make a decision regarding a training plan and a career that is suitable for you.  Assistance is available every step of the way to ensure your success! 

To begin exploring new training and career opportunities, visit one of the links below: