B.C. Youth in Manufacturing Initiative

Manufacturers across British Columbia are feeling the pressure of skills shortages while also looking for ways to bring new talent into their operations. The B.C. Youth in Manufacturing Initiative is designed to help bridge that gap by making it easier for manufacturers to hire and train young workers through paid, short-term placements. Delivered by the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) and supported by the Province of B.C.’s StrongerBC plan, the program encourages manufacturers to invest in the next generation while offsetting some of the costs involved.

Through this initiative, eligible manufacturing businesses can receive non-repayable funding of up to around $3,500 per youth placement to help cover wages, onboarding, and on-the-job training. The program supports youth typically between the ages of 16 and 24, including high school students and those outside formal education, and can fund multiple placements within the same company. In addition to wage support, participating employers gain access to structured online training for youth participants as well as mentorship training for an existing employee, helping strengthen supervision and knowledge transfer on the shop floor.

With applications accepted on an ongoing basis and a clear focus on practical skills development, the B.C. Youth in Manufacturing Initiative can be a smart option for manufacturers looking to build capacity while contributing to a stronger workforce pipeline. Reviewing the full program details can help determine how this opportunity fits your hiring and training plans.