Granted i am at the DC so it might be different, and since it is an entirely new program it might be different, but it is my understanding that if you can prove that a class has no other availability, you will not have to work during that time period so you can take the class.
It is a small distinction but the previous program was available to all full time team members, not just team leads.
Everyone at the DCs and corporate already had access to the prior program.
It is good to know that it is still an improvement for us too.