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What Is the BC Employer Training Grant?

The B.C. Employer Training Grant (ETG) supports skills training to address provincial labour market needs. The program is delivered by the Province of British Columbia and is funded by the Government of Canada through the Workforce Development Agreement (WDA).

The Province strives to build a strong, sustainable, innovative economy with a focus on reducing poverty and inequality. We are working to create good-paying jobs for British Columbians while ensuring people from every background can reach their full potential. 

Jobs continue to change and evolve. For example, some will become more complicated because of innovation and changes in technology. Many workers across the province will likely be affected by automation in some way. Some jobs will involve tasks that are not yet invented. 

As a result, it will be key for those in the labour force to adapt to changing job requirements and to learn new skills and competencies. Employers need to play a critical role in providing opportunities for people to do this.

The goal of the ETG is to help British Columbians access the skills training they need to adapt to the changing requirements of jobs and the labour market while encouraging employer involvement in the training of their employees. 

Employers are eligible to receive up to $300,000 per fiscal year (April 1 – March 31). Participants are not to pay for training or any training-related expenses. All costs are to be paid for in full by the employer. Receipts must verify this information.

  • All private and non-profit employers operating in B.C. 
  • Self-employed (including contractors)
  • Unions
  • Indigenous governments
  • Employers must have a job for the participant at their company once training is completed
  • Employers must submit their application on their own behalf, using their Business BCeID (third parties cannot apply on an employer’s behalf)
  • Employers must be in good standing with the Province
*Please refer to the Eligibility Criteria for a complete list of eligibility requirements.

There are four streams under which employers can apply.

Stream 1: Foundational Training Stream

Stream 2: Technical Training Stream

Stream 3: Workforce Training Stream

Stream 4: Employment Transition Training Stream

How to Claim For Reimbursement

A completed reimbursement claim must be submitted within 30 days of the start of training; failure to submit within 30 days may result in the cancellation of the Agreement by the Ministry.

  • All Participant Information Forms are due 5 days prior to training starting. Participants must complete and submit their own Participant Information Form through the online Skills Training Grants System.
  • Before submitting a claim, ensure that training has started and that the training provider has been paid in FULL by the applicant (including any additional approved costs e.g. textbooks, travel, exams etc.). Participants are NOT to pay for training or any training related expenses.
  • In cases where an exam is taken after training has completed, the applicant must submit a paid receipt for the exam at time of reimbursement for the training program.
  • If applicants are overdue in submitting a reimbursement claim, the applicant will receive email reminders from the Province. The reimbursement claim must be submitted to avoid application cancellation by the Ministry.
  • If an applicant is applying for a certification program made up of multiple courses with multiple start dates, the applicant must pay for all courses in full and submit paid receipts within 30 days of the start of the first training course.
  • If an applicant is unable to pay for the training program in full, the applicant is required to submit a separate application for each course within the correct intake period. Paid receipts can then be submitted for each individual training program within the certification.

How to submit your reimbursement claim: if you applied using the Online Application system, start your online reimbursement claim here.

Receipts

Receipts are considered valid when they show that the employer paid for the expenses in full and include:

  • Training  start date
  • Name of the approved training provider or other approved supplier
  • Name of the applicant
  • Approved training program title
  • Itemized expense amounts

At any time, the Province may request additional information such as the front and back of a cashed cheque, a credit card or bank statement, or any other information to verify that payment for training was processed.

NOTE: If a participant pays for any training related expenses, the employer needs to submit an Employer Reimbursement Verification Form signed by the participant certifying that the participant has been fully reimbursed by the employer.

Reimbursement claims will be processed once all of the documentation has been received.

For enquiries, please email [email protected]

Valid receipts are to be provided in order to claim for approved travel expenses, with the exception of meals and mileage where receipts are not required. Only receipts for approved travel will be accepted. Refer to Appendix C of the Eligibility Criteria for general details on eligible travel expenses and your Schedule A of the Agreement for specific details on your approved travel.

For more detailed information visit BC Employer Training Grant.
Government of Canada Job Grants

Government of Canada Job Grants

Take advantage of the Canadian job grants available in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan to cover the training costs for your employees.
Alberta Job Grant
Alberta Job Grant
BC Job Grant
BC Job Grant
Saskatchewan Job Grant
Saskatchewan Job Grant