Education Leave Without Pay I. The Employer recognizes the usefulness of education leave. Upon written application by the employee and with the approval of the Employer, an employee may be granted education leave without pay for varying periods of up to one (1) year, which can be renewed by mutual agreement, to attend a recognized institution for studies in some field of education in which preparation is needed to fill the employee’s present role more adequately or to undertake studies in some field in order to provide a service which the Employer requires or is planning to provide.