Primrose Knazan
Learning & Career Centre

Continuous learning is a necessary ingredient for success, whether in the classroom, on-line, on-the-job or coaching.  Whether through formal or informal means, all employees should research their learning options, especially with the deadline for Personal Learning Plans just around the corner.

In additional to the many courses available at the Learning and Career Centre, DND is committed to being a learning organization and supports employees through programs such as the Civilian Personnel Education Support Program (CPESP).

Formal education can be an expensive endeavour but fortunately, DND offers financial support through the CPESP.

Offered annually, the CPESP provides DND indeterminate civilian employees with financial assistance for an academic period of up to 12 months to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate or accreditation through full-time studies at a recognized Canadian educational institution.

In other words, employees have the opportunity to go to school for one year and get paid at the same time – an ideal situation.

Because the employee’s salary allowance is paid for by the CPESP, SWE budgets are unaffected, allowing managers to hire a replacement while the employee takes Education leave.

To date, the CPESP has awarded 141 employees the opportunity to study full-time while maintaining their salary as well as retaining their position upon their return to work.

In fact, last year two recipients from the Prairie Region were CPESP beneficiaries, one from Winnipeg and one from Shilo.

This year’s deadline is March 16, 2010.  Due to a complicated and extensive application process, prospective applicants should start the leg work as soon as possible in order to get all the information required, including transcripts, letters of reference, resume, career plan, and other essential paperwork.

Employees at all levels should consider taking advantage of learning opportunities such as the CPESP in order to improve their education and career development.

Conversely, managers and supervisors should encourage their employees to participate in learning initiatives to build a more knowledgeable, committed and fully realized workforce.

For more information on eligibility criteria and the application process, please consult the intranet site at: http://hr.ottawa-hull.mil.ca/CPESP-PAEPC or contact Leah Bannister, Learning Advisor, at local 5072 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to receive an information package or for assistance in completing the application.