People wanting in-demand, short-term skills training can get it at North Island College starting in the fall thanks to a StrongerBC future skills grant (FSG).
On July 24, the Provincial Government announced it will make up to $3,500 available per student at North Island College for eligible short-term skills training in Fall 2024 and Winter 2025. For the college as a whole, the funding means $384,655 is available, depending on enrolment.
"The $3,500 in future skills grant funding per student helps North Island College students boost their skills by getting the training they need for their current employment or to upgrade for a better-paying job," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. "This is an example of government removing financial barriers to success. I look forward to British Columbians taking advantage of this opportunity and building a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities."
The funded programs from StrongerBC typically happen over a short period of time and help people access high-quality, relevant training programs that help meet demands in the labour market.
"The StrongerBC future skills grant is great opportunity for NIC students who want to explore career options and learn new skills, while also helping to fill needs in the job market," said Kathleen Haggith, associate vice president, college experience.
This latest funding announcement covers 13 NIC programs:
- Advanced Digital Marketing with Generative AI Integration
- BC Wildfire Essentials
- Building Service Worker Comprehensive
- Drone to Map GIS
- EOS Arrow GPS and Field Maps
- Fundamentals of Forest Operations
- Fundamentals of GIS Mapping and Drone Operations
- Office and Clerical Training
- Principles of Ecological Monitoring
- Project Coordinator Foundations
- Small Business Fundamentals
- Timber Cruising I
- Timber Cruising II
The grant can cover a student's tuition, mandatory fees and course or program materials, up to a maximum of $3,500. Some expenses like childcare, living allowances and transportation are not eligible. Students need to apply through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC).
Application Process
- All FSG admissions will go through EPBC.
- Learner applies for program through EPBC.
- Learner applies for FSG funding through ministry website.
- The post-secondary institution (PSI) is notified of application by email.
- PSI logs into ministry website to confirm student funding.
- If a learner has partial funding, they are required to pay balance to PSI at the time of registration.
- All digital system (no paper claims or spreadsheets)
- FSG only sections (all learners registered are using all or partial funding to cover tuition)
FSG Eligibility
There are no changes to the eligibility criteria from 2023:
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (PR), or Protected Person entitled to study in Canada
- Must be a B.C. resident and currently live in B.C.
- Must be 19 years or older or have graduated high school by the start of the course or program
- Must provide consent for NIC to disclose learner information to the province
- Should not be receiving duplicate grants, loans, scholarships or other funding to cover the eligible costs
In May 2023, the provincial government announced it would fund several programs as part of its StrongerBC Future Ready Action Plan. These resulted in training opportunities in fields such as health care, firefighting, cybersecurity and construction.
For more grant information, see workbc.ca/futureskillsgrant.
