Training Opportunity Program – Earn a Certificate or Degree while on Unemployment
The Training Opportunity Program allows you to collect unemployment benefits while you attend full-time, approved training for new job skills. If you need new skills in order to get a new job, you may be eligible for the Training Opportunities Program (TOP). To participate, you must submit your application to the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). If you meet the eligibility requirements, TOP allows DUA to waive your active work search. You will continue to receive your unemployment benefits unemployment insurance benefits while in agency-approved training.
Under certain circumstances, participants may be eligible for up to an additional 26 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits while attending full-time training. In order to be eligible for up to the 26-week extension, you must apply to the Division of Unemployment Assistance before your eligibility period ends. Students are responsible for finding and obtaining funding for their training.
Am I eligible for the Training Opportunities Program?
You may be eligible for the TOP program if:
- You have filled and are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
- You no longer work for your former employer.
- You will have difficulty getting a new job unless you learn new skills.
- You have the basic skills needed to complete and benefit from the training.
- You complete your TOP application within the first 20 weeks that you receive our unemployment benefits.
- Your training program is full time and approved by the TOP unit.
Additional Requirements
The program of your choice MUST:
- Be full time – at least 20+hours/week of supervised class hours for vocational/technical training or at least 12 credit hours per semester for a college program
- Be intensive so that you are able to complete it within two years or less (including vacations, class breaks, internships/externships etc.)
- Provide vocational/technical or basic skills training
- Clearly identify the occupation for which you will be trained
Get Started: The MWCC Enrollment Process
Fill out this form to get started! Our staff will guide you through the following process. Staff will also help you to fill out the appropriate paperwork that you will need to file with DUA.
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