Financial Assistance Options For BC Trades Students
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES:
Federal Government
Comprehensive information on Federal Government support for Apprentices in the form of Grants, Loans and Employment Insurance can be found at Government of Canada Apprentice Support Programs.
Work BC
WorkBC: has created a comprehensive ‘one-stop shop’ where apprentices and their employers can learn about Apprentice Financial Supports available for them from Provincial and Federal sources.
Apprentice Job Seeker?
WorkBC offers a service where Apprentices and other Trades job seekers can register a profile and then create personalized alerts based on Occupation and Location preferences.
SKILLEDTRADESBC RESOURCES:
Equity in the Trades
SkilledTradesBC's Equity in the Trades initiative supports women, Indigenous peoples, youth, and other underrepresented groups with training programs and resources to explore and succeed in a skilled trades career across B.C.
Indigenous Peoples in Trades
With a focus on working with rural and urban communities, the Indigenous Initiatives Team through the formal Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) holders and Indigenous communities have a number of formal support resources for exploring trades. Please see these details here.
Financial Support for Apprentices
The Federal Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) program ended March 31, 2025. The Government of Canada continues to offer other financial supports for apprentices, including the Canada Apprentice Loan, tax credits, and Employment Insurance during technical training. Visit SkilledTradesBC for a full overview of current supports.
Student Resources:
For students already enrolled in a SkilledTradesBC-approved apprentice program that wish to apply to receive apprentice financial support via WorkBC, visit the Apprentice Services page to see if you’re eligible, learn how to apply, and access online supports.
The StrongerBC Future Skills Grant provides up to $3,500 for eligible BC residents aged 19+ to take short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions. It covers programs in fields like health care, clean energy, construction, mining, marine transportation, and the inclusive economy.
Students are encouraged to contact a training institution of interest where knowledgeable staff can answer your questions on financial aid, registration procedures and training options. Consortium member institutions are listed here.