Training Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the programs held? 

Our in-person programs are held at our offices at 5570 Executive Parkway SE, Grand Rapids, 49512. 

What is TEA’s bad weather policy? 

TEA rarely cancels programs due to bad weather. If we do, we attempt to notify participants and the organizations by phone and/or email as soon as we make a decision to cancel a program. 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 local television channels. 

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 program? 

TEA serves the organizations that request our services. The organization is responsible for all payments to TEA. At the time of registration, organizations have the option to pay with credit card (preferred) or request to be invoiced. 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 program, either by check, cash or credit card. 

If your organization has a policy that permits you to sign up and pay for your own programs, and/or to be reimbursed by your organization, you will still need to pay for the program 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 program. 

What is your program confirmation process? 

When you register for a program online, your enrollment is automatically processed. You will receive an instant email acknowledgment, with your order details, signifying registration was sent to TEA. Our training department receives a copy of this order as well. If more information is needed, a representative in the training department will contact you. 

Approximately one week before a program is scheduled to start, a confirmation or cancellation email will be sent. The email address attached to your record will be used. If there is no email address, the person who registered the participant will receive that notice. It is expected that the person receiving the email will forward it on to the participant. 

Why has my program been canceled?

 
A minimum number of participants (approximately 6 or more) is required in order for the program to run effectively. If the number of participants registered 5 days before a program is below the minimum, the program is canceled. 

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

 
Sometimes registered participants will cancel their registrations right before a program is going to run, causing the number of attendees to fall below the minimum required, resulting in the program 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 program, as well as allowing for participant substitutions. 

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

 
Registration fees are processed at the time of registration, or immediately when payment is received.  If a registered participant fails to attend a program without 3 days’ notice of cancellation, there is no reimbursement of registration fee. If the registration was made by invoice request, and payment had yet to be received by TEA, the participant’s organization is still expected to pay the full registration fee. 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 cancellation policy is that a registered participant who is not going to attend a program must notify TEA (by email or phone), 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's full-day programs provide a lunch (with the exception of the CPR Certification program).  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 program 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 program I just attended. Why not?

 
A certificate of completion is typically handed out at the end of each program and/or the registrant receives an email from TEA directing them to access their certificates by logging into their online TEA account. If you are registered for a program that is scheduled for multiple days, you are expected to attend all days to receive the certificate. If you are registered for a Certificate Series, the final certificate is mailed (or handed out) after successful completion of all required programs for that certificate. Your employer may make a copy for your personnel record and give you the original.  The participant (or designated Company Administrator) may also log into our website and access their available certificates. 

If you need proof of attendance or a record to put in your file, first check with your employer’s records. You can request an educational audit from our training department. We will put together a list of all the programs you’ve completed at The Employers’ Association to date on a letterhead document, and send it to you or your employer. 

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

CPR and Bloodborne Pathogens cards can be reprinted for you or your organization for a fee of $10 per card. Program certificate of completion copies can be accessed by either the registrant and/or the designated Company Administrator of the company logging into their online TEA account, and downloading the PDF version of the certificate. 

Do you offer programs that provide me with HRCI credits?

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

The TEA certificate of completion will include HRCI credit hours and program number needed to submit to HRCI.

How does TEA measure the results of training?

TEA training programs are based on research and years of professional experience in each of the topics. Most of our programs use a Level 1 or Level 2 Evaluation according to the Thomas Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model meaning participants complete workshop evaluation forms that focus on their satisfaction with the content and the facilitation. For other programs, participants demonstrate their knowledge and skill based on their performance of specific workshop activities (Level 2 Evaluation). For some Onsite curricula (several workshops and learning activities), TEA conducts a Pre-, Post- workshop evaluation method that demonstrates the amount of knowledge and/or performance improvement produced by the curriculum.

What are your facilitators’ qualifications and how are they evaluated?

TEA facilitators have successfully led HR, Learning & Development, and other Business Functions throughout their careers. Our current facilitators possess an average of 25 years of experience in each of their fields. We record and track all feedback for each workshop and facilitator. These data are shared with each facilitator directly.

To what extent is your training customizable?

For selected onsite programs, TEA is able to modify content to reflect the needs of particular member organization if the modifications are applicable to the broader needs of our member base. When the extent of the modifications are large, or if they require new program development or instructional designs, TEA will contract separately with a member organization with the understanding that some of this content may be used with other members (with permission). TEA regularly conducts Pre-Training meetings for Onsite engagements so that facilitation examples and emphasis points may be prepared and delivered to increase the relevance and applicability of content.