The construction industry in BC is facing a skilled workforce shortage at a time that there is a high demand for construction services. The BC Construction Association (BCAA) is working with the Canadian government’s Apprenticeship Service to help small and medium construction employers overcome the financial barriers to hire and train first year apprentices by providing up to $40,000 to hire and register first-year apprentices in 39 Red Seal Trades.
If your business operates in the BC construction industry and you have fewer than 500 employees, you could be eligible for the grant. Starting September 27, 202, $5,000 can be received for registering or hiring a new 1st year apprentice in any one of the 39 Red Seal Trades, as well as an additional $5,000 if the worker identifies as a new Canadian, Female, Indigenous, LGBTQ2S+, a person with a disability or a visible minority. Employers can register up to two 1st year apprenticeship positions per year for the two years the drive is operating to a maximum of $40,000 per employer.
Employers can promote existing employees into 1st year apprenticeship positions, creating a valuable opportunity for the employee, or register a new hire. An existing apprentice or journeyperson can be registered into a different Red Seal trade as a first-year apprentice as well.
Employers are given full discretion as to how they spend the funds. Money could be used for hiring bonuses, raises for staff, purchase of safety equipment or work apparel, professional development, or training costs.
The drive runs from Sept 2022 – March 2024. For more information, or to apply for the grant, visit the BCCA’s site.