Emerging Priorities Stream

This stream supports communities experiencing workforce challenges or emerging opportunities that require occupational skills training to address. Some reasons for the shift may be a new economic development opportunity or an ongoing transition in the local labour market that has resulted from an industry closure or expansion, a natural disaster such as a forest fire or a flood, or other conditions that have impacted employment in the community.

Note: The Community Workforce Response Grant program is not intended to meet the same needs as the B.C. Employer Training Grant. Please carefully review the objective and criteria of the Community Workforce Response Grant program before applying. If you are an employer looking to train new or current employees, the Employer Training Grant program may be the right program for you. Please visit the Employer Training Grant website to learn more about this program.

The Community Workforce Response Grant is also not intended to meet the needs for those requiring adult upgrading, English language skills, literacy training and basic essential skills. Please visit WorkBC - Skills for Success and Literacy and Skills Training for Employment for resource and program information.

Eligible Applicants:

  • Non-profit service providers
  • Local governments
  • Unions certified to represent employees under the B.C. Labour Relations Code
  • Major employer in a community with a single resource economy

Please refer to the Emerging Priorities Stream Criteria for a complete list of eligibility requirements.

Funding:

  • The maximum funding per application is $300,000
  • The maximum funding per participant is $15,000 per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31)
    ​This amount is cumulative across Community Workforce Response Grant funded projects within the same fiscal year

Supported Activities:

  • Occupational skills training
  • Employment support services
  • Financial support for participants

Expected Outcome:

Unemployed, part-time, seasonal, casual, or precariously employed participants obtain sustainable employment.

Current Status*:

INTAKESSTATUSACCEPTING APPLICATIONSSKILLS TRAINING START DATES
2024/25 Intake 1ClosedMarch 25, 2024 –
May 17, 2024 (4:30pm)
April 1, 2024 – Aug 31, 2024
2024/25 Intake 2ClosedJune 3, 2024 –
August 1, 2024 (4:30pm)
Sept 3, 2024 – Dec 16, 2024
2024/25 Intake 3ClosedOct 7, 2024 – 
Dec 13, 2024 (4:30pm)
Jan 6, 2025 – Feb 17, 2025

*May be subject to change