BC Government Program Update: Skills Training for Economic Recovery Stream – Open for Applications

Details from the BC Government Release below:

The Skills Training for Economic Recovery Stream is open for applications!

The Skills Training for Economic Recovery Stream provides short-term skills training to people impacted by COVID-19 so they can gain job-related knowledge, skills and competencies to quickly reattach to the labour market and connect to current and emerging jobs.  Additional information is below, and available on WorkBC.ca: Community Workforce Response Grant.

Who can apply for the grant?

Eligible applicants are training providers that have the expertise, skills and experience to deliver short-term skills training relevant to jobs in demand in B.C.

• B.C. public and private post-secondary institutions
• B.C. private training institutions certified by the  Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB)
• Aboriginal-controlled institutes
• ITA-designated trade schools
• Union halls and training boards
• Industry, sector, and private employer associations

 What type of training projects will the stream support?

• Training projects that are aligned with in-demand jobs and support major and emerging sectors and industries in B.C., including those that have been most impacted by COVID-19.
• Training must increase job-related skills, prepare people for current or emerging job opportunities, and/or lead directly to employment.
• Projects must be cohort-based with a minimum of 8 participants, under 52 weeks in duration, and training must start prior to February 28, 2022.
• Examples of projects that can be supported include but are not limited to: training for Transportation and Warehousing, Tech Sector, Health and Human Services, Construction and Natural Resources, Clean BC, Tourism/Hospitality, Business and Professional Services, Agriculture, seafood and food processing related training, Small Business management and other high demand occupations/industries or emerging sectors/industries.

What funding is available?

• The maximum funding per participant is $8,000
• Applicants are eligible to submit more than one application.
• Eligible costs include:
  • Skills training including apprenticeship, short-term, occupational, and essential skills training
  • Employment assistance services such as resume writing, interview skills, pre-employment counselling and/or coaching, and Indigenous cultural components.
  • Participant financial supports such as childcare, transportation, disability supports, personal protective equipment
  • Up to 10% of the total costs of project delivery to support project administration.

 Who is eligible to take the training?

• Participants must be unemployed, employed part-time, casual or seasonal, or precariously employed, have been impacted by COVID-19, and be seeking training to obtain a job.
• Priority will be given to projects where participants are low-skilled, youth (15-29), women, recent immigrants, people of colour, and those with employment history in an industry or sector impacted by the pandemic.

How do I apply?

• Applicants must have a Business BCeID Account to apply.  Review the Business BCeID Questions and Answers document for more information.
• Submit an application online through the Skills Training Grants system.

If you have any questions about the stream or application submission, please contact our team at [email protected]. We would be pleased to arrange a time to provide a virtual program presentation or to discuss the program in relation to a training project you may be considering.