Applications for the future skills grant are open for 2026-27, helping more people in British Columbia access affordable, short-term skills training and prepare for jobs.

Since launching in 2023, the future skills grant has supported more than 16,500 learners throughout the province. The program provides up to $3,500 for eligible short-term training at B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions, helping people build new skills, advance in their careers or transition into growing sectors.

The future skills grant is open to people 19 years and older who live in British Columbia. Learners can choose from more than 250 training programs that support provincial labour-market needs and prepare people for opportunities in sectors aligned with the province’s Look West strategy, including:

* clean energy, including training in clean-energy engineering, emissions management and forest health management;

* construction, including construction management, electrical trades and mass-timber construction-related training;

* health care, including health-care assistant, paramedic and nursing-related training;

* mining, including mineral exploration, mining technology and environmental monitoring training;

* maritime industry, including marine supply-chain management, naval architecture and marine technician training;

* life sciences, including biology, biotechnology and biomedical engineering.

“When British Columbians have access to affordable training, they have more opportunities to advance in their careers and contribute to B.C.’s growing economy,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “The future skills grant helps remove barriers so people can build the skills needed for in-demand jobs in sectors that support our Look West strategy and build B.C. strong.”

More than one million job openings are expected in British Columbia in the next decade. The future skills grant helps people prepare for these opportunities by reducing financial barriers to education and training, while supporting employers’ need for skilled workers, a Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills media release noted.

Aligned with the province’s Look West strategy, the grant supports workforce development in high-demand sectors that are critical to delivering major projects and supporting B.C.’s economic growth and resilience. By making skills training more affordable and accessible, the future skills grant helps ensure people in British Columbia are prepared for rewarding careers.

Find more information about the future skills grant.

e-KNOW

Article Share