Training Frequently Asked Questions

 

Where are the classes held?

Unless otherwise specified, all classes are held at our offices at 5570 Executive Parkway SE, Grand Rapids, 49512. Click here for a map with directions.

What is TEA’s bad weather policy?

TEA rarely cancels classes due to bad weather. If we do, we attempt to notify participants and the organizations by phone as soon as we make a decision to cancel a class. To help us contact you quickly in such a case, please make sure we have your correct contact information. We also try to run the announcement on WZZM’s television channel.

If the weather looks unsafe for travel, call us and leave a voice mail if necessary. As long as we are notified in advance that the weather prevented you from attending a class, we will work with you to avoid a no-show fee charge to your organization or to help you make up lost learning time.

How can I pay for my class?

TEA serves the organizations that request our services. The organization is responsible for all payments to TEA. Member organizations of TEA have the option to be invoiced after the class is held, unless they are purchasing prepaid package deals. Both members and non-members purchasing pre-paid package deals must submit payment to TEA on or before the date of the first class in the package.

All non-member organizations must pay in advance of attending a class, either by check, cash or credit card. Credit cards cannot be taken on the day of a class, however. They must be charged in advance.

If your organization has a policy that permits you to sign up and pay for your own classes, and/or to be reimbursed by your organization, you will still need to pay for the class up front if you are a non-member. You should seek reimbursement from your employer. We cannot wait for your employer to pay you and then have you reimburse us after you’ve attended a class. That option is only available to members.

My company requires me to pay for the classes I take. How can I make sure my company is not invoiced?

TEA serves the member organization. All invoices are billed to the organization requesting our services on behalf of their employees. If your organization allows you to sign up for your own classes without pre-authorization, you may request that the invoice be sent directly to you, and you can pay for it from that invoice. However, your company will be notified and billed if payment from a participant is not made in a timely manner.

All non-members, regardless of your organization’s payment policy, must pay for classes in advance.

What is your class confirmation process?

When you register for a class online, you will receive an instant automated email that your registration was sent to TEA. Our training department will receive the registration and enter a participant into a class. If more information is needed before a participant can be registered, a representative in the training department will contact you.

One week before a class is scheduled to start, a confirmation or cancellation email will be sent. The person your organization has designated to receive the confirmations/cancelations will receive that notice. It is expected that the person receiving the email will forward it on to the participant. The designated person or the participant may request that we copy the email to the participant, and we will do so if we have the participant’s correct email address.

Why has my class been canceled?

A minimum number of participants (8-10 depending on the class) need to register in order for the class to run effectively. If the number of participants registered 7 days before a class is below the minimum, the class is canceled.

I received a confirmation of my class last week, but now have been told it is canceled. Why?

Sometimes registered participants will cancel their registrations right before a class is going to run, causing the number of attendees to fall below the minimum required, resulting in the class being canceled after it has already been confirmed. TEA tries to discourage this practice by charging a cancellation fee to anyone who cancels less than 3 business days before a class, as well as allowing for participant substitutions.

Why is my company being charged a “no-show” fee?

If a registered participant fails to attend a class, the participant’s organization will be charged for the full price of the class. It is considered a no-show fee, and refunds for classes that have already been paid for will not be issued in this case. This fee helps cover the expenses TEA incurs on the organization’s behalf for material, trainer and sometimes food.

Why is my company being charged a “late cancellation” fee?

TEA’s cancelation policy is that a registered participant who is not going to attend a class must notify TEA, in writing, within 3 business days prior to the date of the class.

Can I substitute one employee for another in a class?

Yes, and it is highly recommended that you do so rather than have to pay a no-show fee or late cancellation fee.

Can I get a special meal?

TEA understands that many people have dietary restrictions due to social, health or religious reasons and we try to make sure every function where we serve a meal offers choices. If there are special requests, please let us know as soon as you sign up for a class so that we can try to accommodate your needs. However, there may be times when you need to plan to meet your dietary needs on your own, perhaps by bringing in your own meal.

I did not get a certificate for the class I just attended. Don’t I get one?

A lot of our classes are part of a certificate program. Certificates are awarded upon the completion of a program. They are mailed directly to your employer. Your employer may make a copy for your personnel record and give you the original.

Some classes are not part of a certificate program and do not award certificates. If you need proof of attendance or a record to put in your file, please request an educational audit from our training department. We will put together a list of all the classes you’ve completed at The Employers’ Association to date on a letterhead document, and mail it to you or your employer.

How can I get a replacement CPR card, Bloodborne Pathogens card, or class certificate?

These certificates can be reprinted for you or your organization with charges ranging from $10 - $25. Alternatively, TEA can mail a letter of successful completion letter instead of a certificate, at no cost.

I signed up for the class. How come someone else at my organization gets the confirmation or cancelation of classes instead of me?

TEA serves the member organization. Our members have told us that they prefer one person to be contacted at each company as a way to control costs and track training by being notified when an employee signs up for a class. If you would also like to be notified of confirmations or cancellations, please give us your email address when you sign up for a class and let us know. The confirm person your organization has designated to receive those messages will be notified and you will be copied on it.

I purchased an On-Demand webinar. How long do I have to view it?

You have paid for a 30-day, limitless viewing, of your On-Demand webinar. View it as often as you like within that time.

How many people can view the webinar?

When you purchase a webinar, either live or On-Demand, you have purchased it for your site. You can let as many people see it as you can accommodate. You could play it at your desk on one computer, or project it on to a screen for a larger audience. Due to our licensing restrictions, you are not allowed to charge other people to view it or to offer it to anyone else outside of your organization.

Do you offer classes that provide me with HRCI credits?

Yes, TEA is a Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) Approved Provider. Many of our Human Resource classes and webinars offer HRCI recertification credits. You can search our website specifically for these classes, or you will notice the HRCI approved provider seal indicated in the class description for those classes with credits.

HRCI certificates are not given automatically to all participants of a class or seminar. Please request your certificate from our training department once you have completed a class. The certificate will contain the information needed to submit to HRCI to receive your credits.