Education_Assistance_External_Training_Policy.docVIP

Scope: Nortel Networks supports continuing education for their employees via the Education Assistance Programme. This policy outlines the process to access reimbursement for external education expenses. Subject: Asia Pacific and Greater China Discretionary Education Assistance/External Training Policy Date Issued: January 1, 2006 Replaces Issue Dated: June 2001, September 2003 May 2005 1.0 Objectives 1.1 This policy is designed to establish an environment where individuals are able to enhance their competency and/or develop their career potential via external training and development opportunities. 1.2 The intent of this policy is to provide guidelines on the education assistance programme. Final decisions should be made by the leader of the employee’s business unit with support from HR Business Partner as necessary. Any items not covered by this policy will be dealt with at the discretion of the employee’s business unit leader. 1.3 Should there be any need to exercise deviation due to local legal and business reasons, revisions should align with the principles of this policy. Policy 2.1 Principles 2.1.1 Nortel Networks encourages its employees to pursue professional development. The company believes education is one of the ways that could enhance employees current performance and future potential, resulting in contributions to company’s success. The Education Assistance Programme is hence designed to achieve such purpose through financial subsidy to Nortel employees, without incurring unlimited cost impact to the business. 2.1.2 It is a manager’s responsibility to support employee development as a vital contribution to the business, and the employee’s responsibility to manage his/her own development. Managers and employees should consciously attempt to balance an individual’s development needs with the business needs. 2.1.3 Business unit leaders are accountable for all education assistance expenditure in their businesses. The employee is respo