The governing board of any community college district may grant reimbursement of the costs, including tuition fees, to any permanent classified employee who satisfactorily completes approved training to improve his or her job knowledge, ability, or skill. Programs eligible for reimbursement shall include, but not be limited to, courses of study at approved academic institutions, seminars and training institutes conducted by recognized professional associations, and conferences, meetings, and other training programs that are designed to upgrade the classified service and to encourage retraining of employees who may otherwise be subject to layoff as the result of technological changes. Eligibility for reimbursement shall be in accordance with rules established by the personnel commission in those districts that have adopted a merit system. This section shall not apply to any employee who is receiving training and is eligible for reimbursement by any other governmental agency, organization, or association.