Forest Sector Supports
Skills training and supports for people, employers and communities impacted by changes to the forest sector are available.
As part of StrongerBC’s Future Ready Action Plan, the Province of British Columbia is providing funding for specialized skills training programs under the Forest Worker & Community Support Programs (FWCS). These programs, offered by the ministries of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI), Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS), and Labour (LBR), support forestry workers, businesses, and communities affected by changes in the forest sector. This initiative is part of a comprehensive cross-ministry strategy to provide a suite of coordinated supports for forestry workers, businesses, and communities.
Employers and communities may apply for specialized grants that support skills training for their workforce.
For Employers
B.C. Employer Training Grant (ETG) provides access to funding for employers (including owners and operators) throughout B.C. to support skills training for their current or new employees. Employers can access funding to train workers to gain relevant skills for their existing or new jobs, to adapt to a new line of business, or to train and hire workers from another company when those workers are at risk of losing their jobs due to changes in the forest sector.
For Communities
The Community Workforce Response Grant (CWRG) supports communities impacted by forestry changes by funding short-term occupational skills training (under 52 weeks) for unemployed and precariously employed people, addressing emerging labour market needs.
Other Resources
In addition to skills training, other coordinated and comprehensive supports for those affected by changes to the forest sector are available. Find further programs and services tailored to meet your needs below.
- Explore the suite of Forest Worker and Community Supports (FWCS) programs.
- Find a WorkBC Centre.
- Find skills training programs.
