B.C. Employer Training Grant
BC, Canada
Funding for employee training in British Columbia
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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Grant and Funding
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- WorkBC
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Get up to $10,000/employee per year to cover 80% of the cost towards skills training programs for your employees. Employers can receive a maximum of $300,000 per fiscal year (April 1st - March 31st).
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The B.C. Employer Training Grant program is designed to support various training activities aimed at enhancing job security or enabling better job prospects for employees. Eligible activities under this grant include:
- Increased job security training
- Promotion or advancement training
- Transition from part-time to full-time employment training
- Transition from temporary/casual/seasonal to permanent employment training
- Training for unemployed individuals to secure a job
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$41,600
Calgary
Conduct leadership skills training for mid-level managers at a social enterprise
$30,600
Edmonton
Launch a professional welding certification program for seasonal workers
$21,600
Vancouver
Facilitate transition to full-time employment for part-time healthcare aides
$34,560
Vancouver
Provide advanced digital marketing training for the marketing team in a startup
$14,800
Toronto
Initiate customer service excellence training for part-time retail staff
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The eligibility criteria for the B.C. Employer Training Grant are specifically outlined to ensure that both employers and employees benefit effectively from the program.
- Participants must be unemployed or employed by the applicant employer at the time of application.
- Employers must submit their application using their Business BCeID; third parties cannot apply on their behalf.
- Participants must submit their own Participant Information Forms before an application can be submitted.
- Participants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).
- Training cannot exceed 52 weeks in length and does not fund diploma or degree programs.
- The program supports training that results in increased job security, a better job, or employment for an unemployed person.
- Employers must pay for all costs in full and submit a reimbursement claim within 30 days after training has started.
- Priority is given to first-time applicants, small businesses, and those from regions and industries with significant challenges in acquiring skilled workers.
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All types of companies—small, medium, and large enterprises—are eligible to apply for the B.C. Employer Training Grant program to support their workforce skills training needs. Priority is given to first-time applicants, small businesses, and those in regions and industries facing significant challenges in acquiring skilled workers.
- Small enterprises
- Medium-sized enterprises
- Large enterprises
- Priority for first-time applicants
- Priority for applicants from regions with the greatest challenges in acquiring skilled workers
- Priority for industries with significant challenges in acquiring skilled workers
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for the B.C. Employer Training Grant include training costs associated with approved training programs. Employers will receive a reimbursement covering 80% of these costs, provided certain conditions are met.
- Tuition fees or fees charged by the training provider
- Mandatory student fees
- Textbooks, software, or other required materials
- Examination fees
- Travel costs for participants in remote locations (some restrictions apply)
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The eligible geographic zones for the B.C. Employer Training Grant are not specified explicitly, suggesting it is open to all regions within British Columbia. There is no restriction mentioned regarding specific areas within the province.
- All regions within British Columbia
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There are specific evaluation and selection criteria for the B.C. Employer Training Grant, which prioritize first-time applicants, small businesses, and sectors facing significant challenges in acquiring skilled workers.
- Priority is given to first-time applicants.
- Small businesses receive preferential consideration.
- Priority for applicants from regions and industries experiencing substantial challenges in acquiring skilled workers.
- Participants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).
- Training must result in increased job security or a better job for current employees, or a job for an unemployed person.
- The employer must contribute 20% of the training cost, with the grant covering 80% up to $10,000 per employee and $300,000 per employer annually.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Create a Business BCeID account. This provides secure electronic access to online government services.
- Step 2: Identify who needs training and pick a training provider.
- Step 3: Use the Business BCeID account to apply online through the ETG’s Skills Training Grants System.
- Step 4: Receive decision. Most applicants will receive a decision on their application in two weeks.
- Step 5: Begin training. Note: Training may begin before an employer receives a decision. If training begins and the application is denied, the employer will be responsible for all costs.
- Step 6: Submit a reimbursement claim. Employers are to pay for all costs in full and, after training has started, submit a reimbursement claim within 30 days.
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The B.C. Employer Training Grant includes detailed conditions regarding the application process and eligibility requirements, as well as available resources for applicants. It offers reimbursement for training costs up to a specified amount with a process for submitting claims.
- Training must result in increased job security or a better job for a current employee or a job for an unemployed person.
- The employer must contribute 20 per cent of the training costs.
- Employers can receive up to $10,000 per participant and up to $300,000 per fiscal year (April 1 – March 31).
- Priority is given to first-time applicants, small businesses, and applicants from regions and industries with skilled worker shortages.
- Employees must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).
- Temporary foreign workers, international students, or other temporary residents are ineligible.
- Training cannot exceed 52 weeks, and the grant does not fund diploma or degree programs.
- Employers need to use their Business BCeID for application submissions. Third-party applications are not accepted.
- Participants must submit their own Participant Information Forms before the employer can submit an application.
- Employers must pay for all training costs upfront and submit reimbursement claims within 30 days of the training start.
Apply to this program
B.C. Employer Training Grant Program Overview
The B.C. Employer Training Grant supports small, medium, and large enterprises by providing funding for skills training that helps employees gain job security and advance into better positions. Employers can receive up to $300,000 yearly to subsidize up to 80% of training costs, promoting a skilled workforce and economic growth in British Columbia.
Introduction to the B.C. Employer Training Grant Program
The Province of British Columbia is committed to fostering a robust and resilient economy, where the workforce is continually evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing labour market. Central to this vision is the B.C. Employer Training Grant (ETG) program, a strategic initiative designed to support employers in enhancing the skill sets of their current and future employees. By doing so, the ETG program ensures not only the steady development of the workforce but also the sustained competitive advantage of businesses operating within British Columbia.
Program Goals and Benefits
The primary goal of the ETG program is to facilitate skills development, fostering an agile and adaptable workforce capable of facing the dynamic challenges of the contemporary job market. The program has multiple benefits:
- For Employers: It reduces the financial burden of training costs, enabling companies to maintain and improve their productivity and innovation.
- For Employees: It increases job security and opens pathways to career advancements, higher pay, or more stable employment conditions.
- For Prospective Employees: It provides them with the necessary skills to secure employment, thereby reducing unemployment rates and contributing to economic growth.
Eligibility Criteria
Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for potential applicants. The ETG program is open to small, medium, and large enterprises that operate within British Columbia. Employers must ensure that participants meet the following conditions:
- Participants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).
- Temporary foreign workers, international students, or other temporary residents are not eligible.
- At the time of application, participants must be either unemployed or employed by the applicant employer.
Additionally, training programs must align with the outcomes of increased job security or the acquisition of a better job for employees. The program defines a "better job" as one with increased pay, a promotion, a shift from part-time to full-time employment, or a move from temporary/casual/seasonal employment to permanent employment.
Application Process
The application process for the ETG program involves several steps. Employers must follow these with precision to ensure eligibility and maximize their chances of receiving funding:
- Create a Business BCeID Account: This account provides secure electronic access to various online government services.
- Identify Training Needs and Providers: Determine which employees require training and select a suitable training provider.
- Apply Online: Use the Business BCeID account to submit an application through the ETG’s Skills Training Grants System. Employers are encouraged to apply early to ensure they receive a decision before the training starts.
- Begin Training: Training can begin before receiving an approval decision. However, if the application is denied, the employer will bear the full cost.
- Submit a Reimbursement Claim: After training has commenced, employers must submit a reimbursement claim within 30 days, covering 80% of eligible training costs.
It's important to note that third parties cannot apply on an employer’s behalf, and participants must submit their own Participant Information Forms before an application is finalized.
Reimbursement and Financial Details
Once approved, the ETG program reimburses employers for 80% of the training costs, with a maximum of $10,000 per employee and up to $300,000 annually per employer. Employers need to cover the remaining 20% of these costs. Training must be completed within a 52-week period and cannot include diploma or degree programs, in part or in full.
For those directly impacted by the downturn in the forest sector, there is provision to support training for participants who might not currently be employed by the applicant employer but are seeking new employment opportunities.
Priority Applications
The ETG program gives priority to certain applications to address the most pressing needs in the labour market:
- First-Time Applicants: Priority is given to employers applying to the ETG program for the first time.
- Small Businesses: Small enterprises are prioritized to help them compete and grow in the marketplace.
- High-Demand Regions and Industries: Priority is also given to regions and industries facing significant challenges in acquiring skilled workers.
Conclusion
The B.C. Employer Training Grant program stands as a pivotal initiative in British Columbia’s mission to build a sustainable and competitive economy. By offering substantial financial support for skills training, the program empowers businesses to innovate and grow, while also providing employees with enhanced job security and career progression opportunities. For further details, resources, or to apply, employers can access the online application portal through their Business BCeID account. Investing in workforce training today ensures a prosperous and resilient economy for tomorrow.
