Find out if your particular job group has already filed a petition. In order to obtain benefits allotted by the TAA, a group of workers needs to file a petition with the United States Department of Labor's Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance (OTAA). The petition certifies the group as workers that have been adversely affected by international trade. Visit or call a one-stop career center to find out the petition status of your field and obtain the petition number you need to access the appropriate benefits. If there is no current petition on file, you may request to apply for one.
Find an institution of higher learning that you would like to attend. According to the Higher Education Act of 1965, this is defined as an institution that offers programs you can complete in two years or less. As per this definition, many master's degree programs are eligible. It is important to know what institution you would like to attend before proceeding with any additional steps toward obtaining a grant from the TAA.
Locate the appropriate TAA program benefits you will be using. According to TAA guidelines, petition numbers of less than 70,000 and greater than 80,000 are eligible for a number of benefits that relate to job training. These benefits include grants for master's degrees. In the case of obtaining a master's degree, the specific funding set aside is under the training benefits, which you can secure for up to 104 weeks of schooling. You must meet certain requirements that you can find on the TAA website.
Apply for individual benefits and services through the TAA's One-Stop Career Center. Only one grant will be allowed per employer and each worker can apply for only one petition for training. When applying, you will need the name of the higher education institution, your group petition number and specific information about how the additional training will help secure employment in your field.