Training employees can be expensive. Many businesses in British Columbia don’t realize they can get most of these costs reimbursed by the province. The BC Employer Training Grant covers up to 80% of eligible training expenses.
This guide explains how the program works, who qualifies, and how to avoid common mistakes.
The BC Employer Training Grant (ETG) is a provincial program delivered through WorkBC. It reimburses employers after training starts, once eligibility and expenses are approved.
How much funding is available?
Employers must cover the remaining 20% of costs. All training expenses are paid upfront by the employer and reimbursed later.
The program supports training for:
At the time of application, participants must be either unemployed or employed by your business.
Eligible expenses include:
Training should help the employee get a new job, a promotion, or more job security. General interest courses or training with no job outcome are usually not approved.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your planned training meets provincial requirements.
Here is how to get reimbursed for employee training costs in British Columbia:
Most BC-based employers can apply. This includes small and medium-sized businesses. Training must support real job outcomes. There is no set minimum or maximum company size.
Before applying:
You must identify the training before submitting your application.
Submit your application and get approval before training begins. The program is ongoing, but funding is limited each fiscal year. Applying early is safer.
Employers pay all approved costs directly to the training provider. Reimbursement is not provided in advance.
Once training starts, submit claims with proof of payment and participant information. Approved expenses are reimbursed at up to 80%.
Starting training before approval
Costs paid before approval are usually not reimbursed.
Weak employment outcomes
Applications fail if the training does not clearly help an employee get a job, a promotion, or more job security.
Assuming all courses qualify
Hobby-style or general professional development courses often do not meet program rules.
Ignoring fiscal year limits
Funding resets on April 1. Waiting too long can mean missing out if annual caps are reached.
Q: Is the BC Employer Training Grant always open?
The program is ongoing, but approvals depend on available funding within the provincial fiscal year.
Q: Do employers have to pay training costs upfront?
Yes. Employers cover all costs first and receive reimbursement after training begins and claims are approved.
Q: How much does the BC Employer Training Grant reimburse?
The grant reimburses up to 80% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $10,000 per participant.
Q: Can I apply more than once in a year?
Yes. Employers can submit multiple applications, up to the $300,000 annual cap per fiscal year.
Q: Is the reimbursement taxable?
Grant funding is generally considered taxable income for employers. Speak with your accountant for advice specific to your business.
Q: Where can I find more grants or help with eligibility?
GrantHub helps Canadian employers find active training grants and check eligibility for programs like the BC Employer Training Grant.
If you want to get employee training costs reimbursed in British Columbia, timing and eligibility are key. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including both provincial and federal training funding. Reviewing which programs match your business profile can help you avoid missed opportunities and ineligible costs.
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