B.C. Employer Training Grant

Overview of the B.C. Employer Training Grant program:

The ETG is a reimbursement-based program that supports employers to deliver job-related, skills-based training for existing staff, new hires, and unemployed individuals. Businesses—including non-profits, Indigenous governments, and self-employed persons—can access up to 80% reimbursement for eligible training costs, as long as the training results in job retention, advancement, or new employment. Employers must have a Business BCeID to apply, be in operation in B.C. for at least one year, and be in good standing with the Province. Training must be delivered by a third-party provider and start after the application date. Approved costs include tuition, textbooks, mandatory student fees, examination fees, and limited travel expenses. The program excludes training toward diplomas/degrees, certifications for maintaining current roles, and activities like coaching, conferences, and trade shows. This program is especially valuable for industries affected by workforce transitions, such as the forestry sector, and supports both upskilling and reskilling. Participants must be 16 or older and eligible to work in Canada (Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons only).

Benefits of the B.C. Employer Training Grant program:

• Up to $300,000 per employer per fiscal year (April 1March 31)
• Up to $10,000 per participant per year
• Government covers 80% of eligible training costs
• Employers cover the remaining 20% (must not be paid by the participant)
• Supports businesses in adapting to market and technological changes
• Helps with recruiting, retaining, and reskilling staff
• Encourages career advancement through higher-skilled roles
• Strengthens the B.C. economy by developing a more resilient workforce
• Available to a broad range of employers, including non-profits and self-employed individuals

Eligibility criteria of the B.C. Employer Training Grant program:

• Eligible Employers:
• Must be operating in British Columbia
• Must have been fully operational for at least one year
• Must have a Business BCeID account
• Can include:
  • Private businesses
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Indigenous governments
  • Municipalities, regional districts, and unions
• Must be in good standing with the Province
• Must not be:
  • Provincial or federal government bodies
  • Crown corporations
  • Health authorities or public post-secondary institutions
• Eligible Participants:
• Must be 16 years or older
• Must be:
  • Employed by the applicant
  • Unemployed and being hired
  • Self-employed
  • Employed by another business but impacted by forest sector changes
  • Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
  • Temporary foreign workers, international students, and others without work entitlement are ineligible
• Eligible Training:
• Must be job-related and lead to:
  • Better job or promotion
  • Increased job security
  • New employment
• Must be provided by third-party, qualified trainers
• Cannot be:
  • Degree or diploma programs
  • Duplicated training already funded by ETG
  • Funded by other government training grants concurrently
  • Mentorships, seminars, trade shows, or coaching-only