How to Apply for BC Employer Training Grant

If you're an employer in British Columbia looking to upskill your workforce, the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG) can help cover the cost of skills training for your current and new employees. This program is especially valuable for newcomer business owners who want to invest in their team's development but may not have the budget for expensive training programs.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Employer Training Grant — who's eligible, what training qualifies, how much funding is available, and how to apply.

What Is the BC Employer Training Grant?

The Employer Training Grant (ETG) is a provincial program funded by the Government of British Columbia through the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. It provides funding to employers to support skills training for their employees. The goal is to help BC businesses develop the skilled workforce they need while helping workers gain new skills and advance their careers.

The program covers a significant portion of training costs, making it more affordable for small and medium-sized businesses to invest in employee development. Learn more at workbc.ca/employer-training-grant.

Who Is Eligible?

Employer Eligibility

To be eligible, your business must:

• Be a private-sector employer or not-for-profit organization operating in British Columbia
• Have a valid BC Business Number or Society number
• Be in compliance with all applicable BC laws, including the Employment Standards Act, Workers Compensation Act, and Human Rights Code
• Not be a federal or provincial government entity, Crown corporation, or publicly funded educational institution

Employee/Participant Eligibility

Employees being trained must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
• Be a current or new employee of the applicant employer
• Be employed in British Columbia
• Not be receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits at the time of training (there are separate programs for EI recipients)

Note: The ETG can be used for newcomers who have permanent resident status. If you have employees who are new permanent residents looking to upgrade their skills for the Canadian workplace, the ETG is an excellent resource.

See also: Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits Guide

See also: Canadian Workplace Culture Tips

What Training Qualifies?

The ETG covers a wide range of skills training, but the training must be:

• Delivered by an eligible third-party trainer: This includes public post-secondary institutions, private training providers registered with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB), industry associations, and other recognized trainers.
• Skills-based: The training must build specific occupational or technical skills. General professional development (like motivational seminars or team-building retreats) typically does not qualify.
• Short-term: Training should generally be completed within 52 weeks.

Examples of qualifying training include:

• Technical certifications (e.g., heavy equipment operation, welding, electrical)
• Software and technology training (e.g., coding bootcamps, cybersecurity courses)
• Industry-specific certifications (e.g., food safety, first aid, WHMIS)
• Leadership and management training
• Language training for workplace communication (e.g., industry-specific English)
• Apprenticeship technical training
• Occupation-specific compliance training

Funding Amounts

The ETG provides generous funding:

• Up to 80% of eligible training costs for most employers (the employer covers the remaining 20%)
• Up to $10,000 per participant per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31)
• Up to $300,000 per employer per fiscal year for all participants combined

Eligible costs include:

• Tuition and mandatory fees
• Required textbooks and materials
• Examination fees
• Software or equipment required specifically for the training (in some cases)

Costs that are not eligible include:

• Employee wages during training
• Travel and accommodation
• Meals and incidentals
• General office equipment

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Identify Your Training Needs

Before applying, determine what skills your employees need. Consider:

• What skills gaps exist in your workforce?
• What certifications or training would improve productivity or safety?
• Are there new technologies or processes your team needs to learn?
• Do you have new employees who need onboarding training?

Step 2: Find a Training Provider

Research and select a training provider that offers the courses you need. Make sure the provider is eligible under the ETG program. You can search for training programs on the WorkBC website or contact the training provider directly to confirm their eligibility.

Step 3: Create a WorkBC Account

Visit the ETG page on WorkBC and create an employer account if you don't already have one. You'll need your BC Business Number and other business information.

Step 4: Complete the Application

The online application will ask you to provide:

• Your business information (name, address, industry, number of employees)
• Details about the training (provider, course name, dates, costs)
• Information about the employee(s) being trained
• How the training will benefit your business and employees
• A training quote or invoice from the provider

Step 5: Submit Before Training Starts

Important: You must submit your application and receive approval before the training begins. Applications submitted after training has started will not be approved. Plan ahead — allow at least 2-4 weeks for application processing.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

The WorkBC team will review your application and notify you of the decision. If approved, you'll receive a funding agreement outlining the terms and conditions.

Step 7: Complete the Training

Once approved, your employee(s) can begin the training. Keep all receipts and documentation — you'll need them for reimbursement.

Step 8: Submit Your Claim

After the training is completed, submit your claim for reimbursement through the WorkBC portal. Include:

• Proof of payment (receipts, invoices marked "paid")
• Proof of training completion (certificates, transcripts)
• Any other documentation required by the funding agreement

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Apply early: The ETG operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding can run out before the end of the fiscal year, especially in popular training areas.
2. Be specific about outcomes: In your application, clearly explain how the training will benefit your business. Will it increase productivity? Improve safety? Help you compete for new contracts? Specific outcomes strengthen your application.
3. Get competitive quotes: While the ETG doesn't require multiple quotes, having a well-researched training option shows you've done your due diligence.
4. Plan for your 20% contribution: Remember that you need to cover at least 20% of the training costs. Budget for this in advance.
5. Track everything: Keep detailed records of all training-related expenses, communications with the training provider, and employee participation. Good record-keeping makes the reimbursement process smoother.
6. Consider multiple employees: You can apply for training for multiple employees at once. If your whole team needs a certification (like first aid or food safety), batch the application.

Special Streams

The ETG may offer special streams or enhanced funding for specific groups or situations:

• Indigenous skills training: Enhanced funding may be available for training Indigenous employees.
• Persons with disabilities: Additional support may be available for training employees with disabilities.
• Regional priorities: Some regions of BC may have enhanced funding for industries that are critical to the local economy.

Check the WorkBC ETG page for current streams and any special funding opportunities.

Other Training Resources for Employers

• Canada-BC Job Grant: A similar program with different eligibility criteria. Visit WorkBC for details.
• Apprenticeship training: If you employ apprentices, the SkilledTradesBC website has information on apprenticeship training support.
• Small Business BC: Offers affordable workshops and training at smallbusinessbc.ca.
• Digital Skills for Youth: A federal program that funds digital skills training for young workers. Visit canada.ca/digital-skills-youth.

For Newcomer Business Owners

If you're a newcomer who recently started a business in BC, the ETG is a powerful tool for building your team's capabilities. Here are some specific tips:

• Language training counts: If your employees need workplace English training, this may qualify under the ETG, especially if it's tied to specific job skills.
• Canadian certifications: If your employees have skills from other countries but need Canadian certifications, the ETG can help fund the certification process.
• Leverage settlement agencies: Organizations like ISSofBC and SUCCESS may be able to help you navigate the application process.
• Connect with WorkBC offices: Local WorkBC centres have staff who can help you with your ETG application and other employment support programs.

The BC Employer Training Grant is an excellent opportunity to invest in your employees' skills while keeping costs manageable. With funding of up to 80% of training costs and a straightforward application process, it's one of the most accessible government programs for BC employers. Start planning your training needs today and submit your application well before your training start date to ensure you don't miss out.