Employer Advice for Employee Compensation for Training in Alberta

Employers in Alberta are typically required by law to pay their employees for training time. However, it’s important for employers to recognize exceptions to this rule as well as their legal obligations under the Employment Standards Code (ESC). Below, is key information surrounding employee training pay for Alberta employers.

When must employees be paid for training?

An employer cannot legally require an employee to take training without pay. If training is required to give an employee skills for their role, the employer is legally obligated to pay for this time. For example, this could be job shadowing on the first day of employment or training on new equipment four years into the position. In these scenarios, employers must offer minimum wage, overtime pay and rest entitlements in accordance with the ESC.

When does training go unpaid?

In other cases, training is not considered to be work time and therefore it does not have to be paid for by employers. Alberta employers are not legally required to pay for training in the following circumstances:

• The individual is a potential employee, acquiring a qualification required for them to be considered for hiring.
• The individual agrees to receive additional training on their own time and at their expense, as a condition of hire.
• The individual is asked to complete a test or training as part of the hiring process.

Still have questions about paying employees for training?

For further clarification on your legal obligations as an employer, don’t hesitate to reach out to our HR experts. We will help ensure you pay your employees in compliance with Alberta’s labour laws. Call us today at: 1 (833) 247-3652