StrongerBC future skills grant
About the StrongerBC future skills grant
The StrongerBC future skills grant (FSG) is open to British Columbians aged 19 years or older regardless of financial need. The grant covers up to a lifetime maximum of $3,500 per learner for eligible course costs associated with short-term skills training at public universities and colleges in BC.
We are pleased to confirm there is additional StrongerBC future skills grant funded programming available in the Fall (September) 2024 term. This funding will be available to new learners, as well as learners who have already accessed FSG funding, without reaching the lifetime maximum of $3,500.00.
The StrongerBC future skills grant is only applicable to the eligible TRU programs listed below with course start dates between September 2024 and February 2025.
Student Eligibility
To be eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant, you:
- Must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person entitled to study in Canada.
- Must be B.C. residents and currently live in BC.
- Must be 19 years or older or have graduated high school by the start of your course/program.
- Must provide consent for TRU to disclose your information to the Province.
- Must not be receiving duplicative and/or overlapping funding to cover eligible costs (i.e. grants, loans, scholarships, or other funding that covers the same program costs as the StrongerBC future skills grant)
You should also understand that:
- FSG benefits may have tax implications
- The FSG is subject to a lifetime maximum of $3,500
- Funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
- If you are receiving any federal or provincial benefit, such as Employment Insurance (EI) or BC Employment Assistance (BCEA), you must seek approval from the appropriate government body before participating in a program
- The amount of FSG funding you receive is subject to review and audit.
Eligible Programs
Accepting applications for:
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology and Service
Delivery: Blended, Practical component in Kamloops
The Electric Vehicle Technology and Service course prepares Automotive Service Technicians (AST) to safely diagnose, service and repair high-voltage electric vehicles. The course is designed for AST Red Seal Technicians or AST 3rd or 4th year apprentices to build upon their previous knowledge of conventional vehicle systems and develop the knowledge and skills required confidently work on the majority of electric vehicles on our roads. The course comprises a 6-hour online self-paced safety module that must be completed before an intensive 30-hour classroom/shop training period.
Management Skills for Supervisors
Delivery: Online
This course is a three-part certificate program for all supervisory levels. Managers are offered hands-on training and experience to equip them with the necessary skills and tools required to be an effective manager. These courses will be delivered virtually and fully instructor led.
- Part 1: Interpersonal Skills
- Part 2: Team Building Skills
- Part 3: Administrative Skills
Renewable Energy Fundamentals for Electricians
Delivery: Blended, Practical component in Kamloops
The School of Trades and Technology is pleased to offer a flexible delivery option of Renewable Energy Fundamentals for Electricians. This blended program will consist of 30 weeks of self-paced, self-directed online course curriculum and one week of on-site practical training providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to install and maintain Renewable Energy (RE) power generation systems and equipment. This program will cover industrial, commercial, institutional, power generation, and residential settings in compliance with appropriate codes, standards, and industry best practices.
Upon completion, all students will earn a Certificate of Completion from TRU, and qualified Electrical Red Seal students will be eligible to register for the CSA NOC 7241 Solar Installer exam, earning a nationally recognized certification.
Students taking this program will have a leading advantage in the growing renewable energy sector of the electrical industry. Canada’s RE industry is growing at exponential rates, exceeding 16% of Canada’s total energy supply, and over 60% of electricity generated, according to Natural Resources Canada.
The below programs have reached the limit for grant-funded seats.
Accounting Fundamentals Series - full
Accounting Fundamentals Series has reached its limit for grant-funded seats.
Students may still register and pay independently by visiting the Accounting Fundamentals Series webpage.
Authorized Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program - full
Authorized Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program has reached its limit for grant-funded seats.
Students may still register and pay independently by visiting the Authorized Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program webpage.
Certified Administrative Professional - full
Certified Administrative Professional has reached its limit for grant-funded seats.
Students may still register and pay independently by visiting the Certified Administrative Professional webpage.
CompTIA A+ Certification Training - full
CompTIA A+ Certification Training has reached its limit for grant-funded seats.
Students may still register and pay independently by visiting the CompTIA A+ Certification Training webpage.
Effective Business Writing - full
Effective Business Writing has reached its limit for grant-funded seats.
Students may still register and pay independently by visiting the Effective Business Writing webpage.
Field Safety Representative Class A/B/C - full
Field Safety Representative Class A/B/C has reached its limit for grant-funded seats.
Students may still register and pay independently by visiting the Field Safety Representative Class A/B/C webpage.
Field Safety Representative – Continuing Education Requirement A/B/C - full
Field Safety Representative – Continuing Education Requirement A/B/C has reached its limit for grant-funded seats.
Students may still register and pay independently by visiting the Field Safety Representative – Continuing Education Requirement A/B/C webpage.
Microsoft Excel 2019 Series - full
Microsoft Excel 2019 Series has reached its limit for grant-funded seats.
Students may still register and pay independently by visiting the Microsoft Excel 2019 Series webpage.
Proposal Writing and Grant Writing - full
Proposal Writing and Grant Writing has reached its limit for grant-funded seats.
Students may still register and pay independently by visiting the Proposal Writing and Grant Writing webpage.
The Complete Project Manager with CAPM and PMP Prep - full
The Complete Project Manager with CAPM and PMP Prep has reached its limit for grant-funded seats.
Students may still register and pay independently by visiting The Complete Project Manager with CAPM and PMP Prep webpage.
How to Apply
Please complete the web form below to apply to one of the FSG eligible programs.
Next Steps
After you submit your TRU application, you must apply for the StrongerBC future skills grant.
IMPORTANT: You must complete the TRU web application form prior to completing the StrongerBC future skills grant application.
After completing the StrongerBC future skills grant application, you can expect to hear from TRU within 5-10 business days with more information.
StrongerBC future skills grant and Program FAQs
I'm not sure if I am eligible to receive this funding. Who do I ask to find out?
You can email futureskillsgrant@gov.bc.ca to find out if you are eligible.
Are all TRU programs eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant?
No, only specified TRU programs are eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant.
Will these courses and programs appear on my official TRU transcript?
No, for fall 2024 and forward, all FSG funded courses and programs at TRU are within Community Education and Workforce Development, and result in a certificate of completion and may also include industry certification, but are not transcriptable.
What if my tuition and fees total more than my StrongerBC future skills grant lifetime maximum of $3,500?
If your tuition and fees total more than the StrongerBC future skills grant lifetime maximum of $3,500, you will be responsible for paying the remaining balance, in accordance with TRU tuition and fee payment deadlines. Once you have completed your future skills grant application, TRU will contact you with instructions about paying the remaining balance prior to registering you in your chosen program.
I have questions about the StrongerBC future skills grant and possible tax implications. Who do I contact?
You can email futureskillsgrant@gov.bc.ca and they will be able to assist you with specific questions about the future skills grant.
What if I need to withdraw from my program?
If you need to withdraw from a face-to-face course, you must do so one week (5 business days) before the start of the course to receive a refund. Online courses are non-refundable once accessed. Refunds of tuition and fees covered by the StrongerBC future skills grant will be returned to your lifetime maximum of $3,500. Withdrawal after the refund deadline will reduce your remaining lifetime FSG eligibility.
Is my course guaranteed to proceed once I am registered?
Times, dates, and course offerings are subject to change. Courses are checked three days before the start of each one, and if there are not enough registrants, the course will be canceled. If TRU cancels the course, a full refund will be issued.
Questions? We're here to help.
Email student@tru.ca
Call Enrolment Services at 250-852-7000 or 1-800-663-9711 (toll-free in Canada)
This project was funded by the Government of Canada through the Province of British Columbia.
