Who Should Apply and How to Apply

Program requirements

The SLMP program is designed to develop strategic and sustainable solutions that support workforce development and create long-term benefits. 

The program is deliverables-based and successful applicants will enter into a contract with the Province of B.C. Participants in the SLMP program are reimbursed for project costs once deliverables are submitted, reviewed and approved.

Eligibility 

The SLMP program requires that applicants meet the criteria outlined in this section. 

These types of organizations based in B.C. or offering services in B.C. are eligible to apply:

  • Not-for-profit organizations (e.g., industry/sector associations and labour organizations);
  • Indigenous organizations and First Nations;
  • Post-secondary institutions; and
  • Public sector organizations (e.g., Crown corporations, regional districts, and health authorities) may be eligible and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Please note that private businesses and municipal, provincial, and federal governments are not eligible. 

SLMP applications must demonstrate all of the following to be considered for funding:

  • Address a specified workforce development challenge at the sector/region/population level;
  • Demonstrate collaborative partnerships that represent a sector/region/population;  
  • Be distinct from the applicant’s day-to-day operations;
  • Must not duplicate existing work (proposed project must not duplicate work that has already received support from the Province through the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills or another ministry);
  • Be evidence-based;
  • Have identified project activities, deliverables, and start and end dates; and
  • Show in-kind contributions (defined as non-monetary resources – such as partner organizations’ time spent participating in the project or on the governance committee, equipment, and use of facilities – that are provided in support of the project).

Business development and core organizational activities related to regular operations are not eligible for funding. 

Governance 

All projects must be overseen by a governance committee, specific to that project, that is representative of the sector, population, and/or region that the project plans to address. Relevant government partner ministries frequently sit ex-officio on these committees to share their knowledge and subject matter expertise. 

Contact us

The SLMP program is open to exploring any workforce issues. Please contact the team at: LabourMarketPartnerships@gov.bc.ca to find out more. Response time for email inquiries is typically within five business days.

How to apply 

Applications are accepted year-round. For more information on the program, or for advice on how to initiate an application, please contact: LabourMarketPartnerships@gov.bc.ca 

The information requested in this form enables the SLMP program team to assess your proposed project and determine if your application can proceed to the negotiation stage of the application process. 

Application assessment

Each application is reviewed and assessed individually, based on alignment with the Program Priorities and Guiding Principles, as well as the elements described below.  We may contact other relevant partner ministries as part of our due diligence process to ensure the proposed application does not duplicate other work. If needed, a member of the SLMP program team may ask you for additional information. 

After your application assessment is complete, a team member will contact you with next steps.  

Successful applicants enter contract negotiations. 

If your application is declined, you may ask for feedback and are welcome to revise and resubmit.

Applications are assessed using the following elements, as provided in the Application Form: 

  • Purpose: What does the project intend to achieve? What are the potential outcomes? How will the project contribute to long-term solutions to address complex workforce development challenges?
  • Rationale: What factors show the need for the project? What are the documented workforce-related opportunities, challenges and/or knowledge gaps, and why is this organization best suited to lead the work?
  • Tactics: What activities will be undertaken to achieve the project’s purpose?
  • Objectives: How will the proposed project address one or more SLMP program priorities: Labour Market Imbalances; Skills Gaps; Economic Transformation; Reconciliation and Indigenous Workforce Priorities; other priorities identified in the B.C. labour market outlook or other labour market data.
  • Project Equity: How will project activities consider diverse perspectives and ensure an inclusive approach?
  • Reconciliation: How does the project consider reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples? How does it support the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and/or the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action?
  • Benefits: Who benefits directly from the project and how? Will any group benefit indirectly?
  • Collaborative Partnerships: Does the project’s proposed governance committee  include partners who are representative of the sector, region, and/or population and does it have appropriate subject matter expertise on the issue(s) being addressed?
  • In-Kind/Cash Support: Has the applicant secured in-kind and/or cash contributions to support the proposed activities? In-kind contributions are mandatory for all projects, but cash contributions are only required for implementation projects.

Contract development package

Following initial approval, successful applicants will receive a Contract Development Package requesting additional details on project partners, activities, and budget. The package contains guidelines on how to provide additional application details, information on deliverables, a budget template, and instructions. To complete this package, applicants must consult with any proposed subcontractors and governance committee members.

Funding is not confirmed until contract negotiations are complete and an agreement is signed.

Contact us

The SLMP team is happy to assist with the application process. If you have questions about the SLMP program or the application process, email: LabourMarketPartnerships@gov.bc.ca

To apply for SLMP program funding, please complete the Application Form and submit it to: SLMPapplications@gov.bc.ca 

Response time for email inquiries is typically within five business days.