COQUITLAM – People training for good paying, in-demand careers will be able to access grants that cover most, or all, of their tuition thanks to the next intake of the StrongerBC future skills grant.

This popular grant covers as much as $3,500 in eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions.

“Because B.C.’s strong economy is growing, we now have more job openings than people with the training needed to work in high-demand fields,” said Premier David Eby. “We need to give people the opportunity to build a good life – and help employers find the people to drive our economy forward and deliver the services we all rely on.”

People 19 and older who live in British Columbia are eligible for these grants.

“This government is focused on investing in British Columbians and removing financial barriers to their success. As jobs transform and more training is required, with the $3,500 future skills grant, people will be able to boost their skills, and succeed in their current jobs and get better-paying jobs,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “Last year, this grant served over 7,000 people, and this year, thousands of British Columbians will benefit from more training opportunities offered by B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions that will enhance workers’ skills who will fill in-demand positions now and get good-paying jobs.”

The program has served thousands of learners throughout the province, helping people access training opportunities in industries, such as health care, firefighting, cybersecurity and construction. 

People can choose from a growing list of more than 300 programs and start training in September 2024. Registration for the fall semester is open.

Learning opportunities include in-person, online or hybrid delivery, making it easier for people in British Columbia to find training that fits their busy lives. Types of training that are supported include:

• health-care training, such as medical terminology, emergency medical responder and dental office administration;
• trades and firefighting training, such as construction, automotive (electric vehicle) repair services, and wildfire fighting;
• professional, scientific and technical training, such as cybersecurity training and digital marketing; and
• other certificates and micro-credentials across many industries, including education, agriculture and fishing, finance and more.

The StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan, released on May 2, 2023, is a cross-government plan to make education and training more accessible, affordable and relevant to help prepare the people of B.C. for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

The plan is supported by a $480-million investment from the B.C. government to break down barriers to post-secondary education, so more people can get training for in-demand careers and employers can access the talent they need.

Learn More:

For more information about the future skills grant, go to: https://www.workbc.ca/find-loans-and-grants/students-and-adult-learners/strongerbc-future-skills-grant

For the Future Ready Action Plan, go to: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/jobs-and-training/

A backgrounder follows.

Fin Donnelly, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain –

“The future skills grant provides valuable training that helps people get into rewarding careers. Thousands of people have benefited from this program, either in person or online, and I’m happy our government is continuing to support this worthwhile program.”

Kathy Denton, president and CEO, Douglas College –

“The future skills grant has been instrumental in helping to reduce the financial burden for students who need access to short-term career training to help them get ahead. Last year, 163 students at Douglas College received support from the future skills grant in diverse areas, from mental-health care, to physical education, to energy-efficient building construction techniques. Extending this grant to more programs next year will enable even more students to get access to the education they need to fill in-demand roles across B.C.”

Sumit Makkar, a recent Douglas College graduate who received a future skills grant in the PEAK buildings program–

“The future skills grant gave me the support I needed to focus entirely on my studies and professional development. As a newcomer, the financial support for tuition costs has been crucial in helping me settle into my new life in Canada while pursuing my career goals. The program I selected gave me essential skills and knowledge, opened doors to new opportunities, and provided a supportive community.”