Support for Employers and Apprentices: Funding, Training, and Mentorship Opportunities
CLR has compiled funding, training, employment and support resources available to B.C. employers, apprentices and people pursuing careers in the skilled trades and construction industry.
Programs, eligibility requirements and application periods can change. We encourage applicants to review the program website for the most current information before applying.
Know of a program or resource that should be included? Contact CLR at [email protected].
Employer Support
Federal Employer Support
Build Canada Apprenticeship Service – New
The Government of Canada is launching the Build Canada Apprenticeship Service to help small and medium-sized employers hire and train first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades. Employers may receive financial incentives of up to $10,000 for hiring an eligible first-year apprentice. The service will also help match apprentices with employers and provide navigation and support throughout the apprenticeship process.
The program is expected to launch later in 2026.
Learn more about Team Canada Strong and the Build Canada Apprenticeship Service
Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
Employers who hire eligible apprentices in Red Seal trades may claim a federal tax credit equal to 10% of eligible wages, up to $2,000 per apprentice per year, during the first two years of an eligible apprenticeship.
Learn more about the Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
Worker Retention Grant
Eligible employers participating in the federal Work-Sharing Program may access funding to support training for employees during reduced working hours. Applications are currently being accepted until December 31, 2027.
Learn more about the Worker Retention Grant
B.C. Employer Support
SkilledTradesBC Sponsor Employer Resources
SkilledTradesBC provides information and support for employers interested in sponsoring apprentices, including registration guidance, recruitment resources and information about financial incentives.
Explore SkilledTradesBC resources for sponsor employers
B.C. Employer Training Grant
The B.C. Employer Training Grant helps employers offset the cost of employee training. Eligible employers may receive funding covering up to two-thirds of training costs, to a maximum of $10,000 per employee.
Applications are accepted throughout the fiscal year for eligible training, subject to available funding and program requirements.
Learn more about the B.C. Employer Training Grant
B.C. Training Tax Credits for Employers
Employers of registered apprentices may be eligible for provincial training tax credits, including credits associated with eligible apprenticeship progression and completion. Enhanced credits may also be available when employing eligible First Nations apprentices or apprentices with disabilities.
Employer training tax credits are currently scheduled to continue through December 31, 2027.
Learn more about B.C. training tax credits
Sector Labour Market Partnerships Program
This WorkBC program supports industry-led projects that help sectors and regions understand and respond to labour-market and workforce challenges.
Learn more about Sector Labour Market Partnerships
Apprentice Funding, Training and Career Support
Federal Support
Canada Apprentice Loan
Registered apprentices in designated Red Seal trades may access up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training to help cover tuition, tools, equipment, living expenses and other costs.
Learn more about the Canada Apprentice Loan
Employment Insurance for Apprentices
Eligible apprentices may receive Employment Insurance benefits while attending approved technical training.
Explore federal supports for apprentices
New Team Canada Strong Apprentice Supports
The federal government is introducing additional supports for apprentices through Team Canada Strong.
A $5,000 Apprenticeship Completion Bonus is expected to become available later in 2026 for eligible apprentices who obtain certification in designated Red Seal trades. The federal government has also announced an Apprenticeship Training Grant, expected to launch in spring 2027, that will provide eligible apprentices attending mandatory in-class technical training with a $400 weekly top-up in addition to Employment Insurance.
Learn more about Team Canada Strong skilled-trades supports
Careers in Trades
Careers in Trades provides information about apprenticeship pathways, skilled-trades careers and resources for future tradespeople and employers across Canada.
B.C. Apprentice Support
WorkBC Apprentice Services
Eligible SkilledTradesBC-registered apprentices may receive financial assistance while attending classroom training. Supports can include basic living expenses, dependent care, commuting and other eligible costs.
Explore WorkBC Apprentice Services
StrongerBC Future Skills Grant
Eligible B.C. residents aged 19 and older may receive up to $3,500 toward eligible short-term training at public post-secondary institutions. Construction is among the priority sectors included in the 2026/27 program.
Explore the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant
B.C. Training Tax Credit for Apprentices
Eligible B.C. apprentices registered with SkilledTradesBC may qualify for refundable provincial training tax credits. The program includes basic, completion and enhanced credits, including enhanced credits for eligible First Nations apprentices and apprentices with disabilities.
The apprentice training tax credit is currently scheduled to continue through December 31, 2028.
Learn more about the B.C. Training Tax Credit for Apprentices
Foundation and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
SkilledTradesBC foundation programs provide introductory technical and practical training for people entering the trades. Depending on the trade, foundation training may provide credit toward an apprenticeship.
Explore SkilledTradesBC Foundation Programs
Youth Trades Programs
B.C. students can begin exploring and training for skilled-trades careers while still in high school through SkilledTradesBC Youth Trades programs, including opportunities to earn work-based training hours and secondary-school credits.
Explore SkilledTradesBC Youth Programs
Indigenous Skills, Training and Employment Resources
There are a range of Indigenous-led and Indigenous-focused programs available across B.C. to help First Nations, Métis and Inuit people explore skilled-trades careers, access training and funding, connect with employers and progress through apprenticeship.
These resources can also help employers looking to strengthen recruitment and employment pathways with Indigenous communities.
SkilledTradesBC – Indigenous Peoples in Trades
SkilledTradesBC works with Indigenous communities, training providers, employers and employment organizations across B.C. to increase access to skilled-trades training and careers. Resources include financial support, employment and training assistance, youth programs and apprenticeship information.
Explore Indigenous Peoples in Trades
Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program
More than 20 ISET service organizations operate across B.C., providing Indigenous people with employment and training supports. Services may include skills training, funding opportunities, employment assistance, youth programming and childcare supports.
ISET services are available to Indigenous people regardless of status, affiliation or location.
Find Indigenous employment and training support in B.C.
Training Programs for Underrepresented Groups
SkilledTradesBC partners with Indigenous organizations, training providers and other service providers to offer trades training and employment programs for Indigenous people and other groups underrepresented in the skilled trades.
Programs can include hands-on trades exploration, pre-apprenticeship technical training, industry-recognized certifications, mentorship, job coaching and employment placement.
Explore current training programs
Indigenous Student Awards
The BC Scholarship Society offers awards to eligible Indigenous students attending public post-secondary institutions in B.C. The program supports First Nations, Inuit and Métis students.
Applications for the current cycle are closed and are expected to reopen in January 2027.
Learn more about Indigenous Student Awards
Enhanced B.C. Apprenticeship Tax Credits
Eligible First Nations apprentices may qualify for enhanced provincial training tax credits. Employers of eligible First Nations apprentices may also qualify for enhanced employer credits.
Learn more about B.C. apprenticeship tax credits
Construction Scholarships and Awards
BCCA Past Chair Legacy Fund
The BC Construction Association’s Past Chair Legacy Fund provides awards of up to $2,500 to support eligible trades and professional construction career pathways. Up to four recipients are selected annually from regions across B.C.
The annual application period is generally March 31 to June 15.
Learn more about the BCCA Past Chair Legacy Fund
Electrical Industry Scholarships
Electro-Federation Canada offers scholarships supporting students pursuing careers connected to Canada’s electrical industry. Available awards and eligibility requirements vary by year.
Health and Wellness Support
Long Distance Workers
CLR is proud to partner with Long Distance Family, a platform providing specialized services to support workers and their families when long-distance work arrangements are involved.
The platform addresses challenges that can arise when employment requires workers to spend extended periods away from their spouses, partners and children.
Learn more about Long Distance Family
Health and Safety Scholarships
Dick Martin Scholarship Award
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety offers the Dick Martin Scholarship Award to support students pursuing education in occupational health and safety.
Learn more about CCOHS scholarships
Chad Bradley Scholarship Award
The Chad Bradley Scholarship Award supports women pursuing careers in occupational health and safety.
Learn more about CCOHS scholarships
Builders of Tomorrow BC Foundation
Founded in 2024 by CLR, the Builders of Tomorrow BC Foundation operates independently under a volunteer Board of Directors. The Foundation provides scholarships and bursaries to support students and professionals pursuing construction-related education and training in B.C.
By supporting the next generation of construction workers and professionals, the Foundation aims to reduce financial barriers, strengthen B.C.’s construction workforce and help address skilled-labour needs across the province.
Learn more about the Builders of Tomorrow BC Foundation
You can also contact [email protected] for more information and updates on future application periods.
Who Can Apply?
✔️ B.C. residents aged 17–30 enrolled in a construction-related program
✔️ Students attending public or approved private post-secondary institutions
✔️ Applicants who meet the Foundation’s eligibility and application requirements
Visit the Builders of Tomorrow BC Foundation page for current eligibility criteria, application periods and award information.