StrongerBC future skills grant
StrongerBC future skills grant for 2026 - 2027
The StrongerBC future skills grant (FSG) is open to British Columbians aged 19 years or older regardless of financial need. The grant covers up to a lifetime maximum of $3,500 per learner for eligible skills training at public post-secondary institutions in BC.
The overall funding available for TRU students is limited; therefore, we encourage you to apply for the program of your choice and the StrongerBC future skills grant as soon as possible.
About the StrongerBC future skills grant
The StrongerBC future skills grant (FSG) is open to British Columbians aged 19 years or older regardless of financial need. The grant covers up to a lifetime maximum of $3,500 per learner for eligible course costs associated with short-term skills training at public universities and colleges in BC.
Student Eligibility
To be eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant, you:
- Must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person entitled to study in Canada.
- Must be B.C. residents and currently live in BC.
- Must be 19 years or older or have graduated high school by the start of your course/program.
- Must provide consent for TRU to disclose your information to the Province.
- Must not be receiving duplicative and/or overlapping funding to cover eligible costs (i.e. grants, loans, scholarships, or other funding that covers the same program costs as the StrongerBC future skills grant)
You should also understand that:
- FSG benefits may have tax implications
- The FSG is subject to a lifetime maximum of $3,500
- Funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
- If you are receiving any federal or provincial benefit, such as Employment Insurance (EI) or BC Employment Assistance (BCEA), you must seek approval from the appropriate government body before participating in a program
- The amount of FSG funding you receive is subject to review and audit.
Fall 2026 Eligible Programs
AIRS Basic Drone Training – XDRN 0100 (Classroom/Lab)
AIRS™ Basic Training is a 40-hour immersive drone training program that blends classroom instruction with real-world flight experience. Developed to meet all Transport Canada requirements, the course covers drone regulations, safety protocols, flight planning, emergency procedures, and navigation. With hands-on joystick training in varied environments and weather conditions, learners gain the practical skills required to operate drones safely and effectively. The program emphasizes workforce readiness and includes guided preparation for the Transport Canada Basic Pilot Certificate, with the exam fee covered for the initial attempt. AIRS™ Basic actively encourages participation from underrepresented and marginalized communities, supporting diversity and inclusion in emerging industries. The skills developed are directly applicable to a range of sectors, including mining, where drones are increasingly used in mineral exploration, mapping, and resource extraction, wildfire and incident response, and geography information systems. This training creates equitable access to high-demand jobs and supports inclusive economic growth across British Columbia.
Prerequisite: Applicants must be at least 16 years old, have adequate vision and physical ability to operate a drone safely, and commit to active participation in both classroom and field training.
Required Materials: N/A
Course Format: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Locations: Lillooet and Kamloops
AIRS Drone GIS Training – XDRN 0302 (Classroom/Lab)
The GIS (Geographic Information System) training program introduces students to the fundamentals of geospatial data collection, mapping and drone-based remote sensing. This immersive course combines classroom instruction, hands-on computer lab work and field-based drone operations to deliver comprehensive learning experience. Students will learn to safely operate drones, capture georeferenced data and transform that data into professional-grade mapping products using industry-leading GIS software tools.
The course begins with foundational GIS concepts, including spatial thinking, data formats and coordinating systems. Students then advance to using GIS software such as QGIS and/or ArcGIS to visualize, analyze and produce maps. In the field, students receive basic drone pilot instruction covering flight planning and aerial data capture, including photos, video and GPS. The drone-collected data is processed and transformed into real-world mapping products, with a focus on applications relevant to Western Canada — such as wildfire analysis, Indigenous land management, forestry and flood mapping.
Prerequisite: Applicants must be at least 16 years old, be comfortable using computers and managing digital files, be able to participate in outdoor field work, including drone flights, and follow safety guidelines and Transport Canada rules during drone operations. Previous drone experience is an asset but not required.
Required Materials: N/A
Course Format: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Locations: Kamloops
Psychological First Aid – XOCH 0060 (Classroom/Lab)
This is a resiliency-based program for everyone, that offers prevention and coping strategies for dealing with different types of stress resulting from various types of trauma. You will learn the effects of stress, loss, trauma and grief on others, with emphasis on self-care and personal protection.
Prerequisite: Photo ID (a driver's license, BCID, or passport)
Required Materials: Enrollment includes textbook
Course Format: In-person (16 classroom learning hours)
Locations: Lillooet, Kamloops, 100 Mile House, Williams Lake
Full - Certified Administrative Professional – XSLF 0582 (Online, Self-paced)
The Certified Administrative Professional course is full and no longer accepting applications.
Full - CompTIA A+ Certification Training - XSLF 0584 (Online-Self Paced)
The CompTIA A+ Certification Training course is full and no longer accepting applications.
How to Apply
Register nowRegistration will be confirmed by email once all required steps are complete. Please note, funded seats are limited.
Questions? We're here to help.
Email csinfo@tru.ca
StrongerBC future skills grant and Program FAQs
I'm not sure if I am eligible to receive this funding. Who do I ask to find out?
You can email futureskillsgrant@gov.bc.ca to find out if you are eligible.
Are all TRU programs eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant?
No, only specified TRU programs are eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant.
Will these courses and programs appear on my official TRU transcript?
No, for fall 2024 and forward, all FSG funded courses and programs at TRU are within Community Education and Workforce Development, and result in a certificate of completion and may also include industry certification, but are not transcriptable.
What if my tuition and fees total more than my StrongerBC future skills grant lifetime maximum of $3,500?
If your tuition and fees total more than the StrongerBC future skills grant lifetime maximum of $3,500, you will be responsible for paying the remaining balance, in accordance with TRU tuition and fee payment deadlines. Once you have completed your future skills grant application, TRU will contact you with instructions about paying the remaining balance prior to registering you in your chosen program.
I have questions about the StrongerBC future skills grant and possible tax implications. Who do I contact?
You can email futureskillsgrant@gov.bc.ca and they will be able to assist you with specific questions about the future skills grant.
What if I need to withdraw from my program?
If you need to withdraw from a face-to-face course, you must do so one week (5 business days) before the start of the course to receive a refund. Online courses are non-refundable once accessed, and as of February 27, 2026, all online courses are non-refundable whether accessed or not. Refunds of tuition and fees covered by the StrongerBC future skills grant will be returned to your lifetime maximum of $3,500. Withdrawal after the refund deadline will reduce your remaining lifetime FSG eligibility.
Is my course guaranteed to proceed once I am registered?
Times, dates, and course offerings are subject to change. Courses are checked three days before the start of each one, and if there are not enough registrants, the course will be canceled. If TRU cancels the course, a full refund will be issued.
Questions? We're here to help.
Email csinfo@tru.ca
Call Community Education at 250-828-5106
This project was funded by the Government of Canada through the Province of British Columbia.
