StrongerBC future skills grant
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 2025 Eligible Programs
Certified Administrative Professional – XSLF 0582 (Online, Self-paced) $3,350
To succeed as an administrative professional, you need a broad skill set to manage diverse workplace tasks and situations. The Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) course prepares you for the CAP exam from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and equips you with essential administrative skills.
You’ll gain practical knowledge in office and records management, organizational communication, human resources, and business writing. The course also covers document production and the use of information technology tools common in today’s workplace.
You'll develop event and project management skills, including coordinating virtual meetings, a valuable asset in modern work environments. Each module ends with a quiz to reinforce learning and track your progress.
This course is suitable for those pursuing careers in fields such as education, government, healthcare, and technology. Included in your training are IAAP membership, a CAP exam study guide, and an exam voucher covering the full exam fee.
CompTIA A+ Certification Training - XSLF 0584 (Online-Self Paced) $3,500
Prepare to earn your CompTIA A+ certification (220-1101 & 220-1102) and boost your resume with a globally recognized IT credential. This course equips you with the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed for entry-level roles such as help desk technician, technical support specialist, or field service technician.
You'll learn to maintain and troubleshoot multiple operating systems, diagnose standard hardware and software issues, and manage connectivity problems across various platforms. The CompTIA A+ certification is vendor-neutral, giving you flexibility to work with different technologies and pursue advanced certifications.
The training also covers core networking concepts, including protocols and troubleshooting techniques, and practical experience assembling and disassembling computer hardware. This well-rounded approach prepares you to build and maintain systems with confidence.
Upon completing the course, you'll receive exam vouchers for both certification tests, making you fully prepared and exam-ready for a successful start in IT.
Project Management Essentials with CAPM® Prep - XSLF 0588 (Online-Self Paced) $1,995
Project management career opportunities are growing as organizations aim to boost efficiency and productivity. Building in-demand project management skills can increase job prospects and offer flexibility across industries.
This certification course prepares you with the core knowledge and skills for project managers and project team members. Upon completion, you will meet or exceed the educational requirements for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI)®.
Course content aligns with internationally recognized project management standards and emphasizes key areas such as time, cost, risk, and communication management. Lessons are structured to focus on one topic at a time, allowing for better understanding and retention.
Whether you're starting a new career or advancing your current one, this course can help you build a strong foundation in project management and work toward CAPM® certification. Note: PMI®, CAPM®, and related marks are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute.
Field Safety Representative Class A/B/C - XELC 0632 (Online-Self Paced) $829
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) offers a comprehensive Field Safety Representative (FSR) certification program designed to prepare electricians for Technical Safety BC’s FSR exam.
TRU's self-paced, independent-study format provides flexibility for working professionals, with an option for a one-time course extension to support student success. This program is ideal for those seeking to advance their electrical careers with a recognized credential.
AIRS Basic Drone Training – XDRN 0100 (Classroom/Lab) $3,000
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.
How to Apply
Register nowRegistration will be confirmed by email once all required steps are complete. Please note, funded seats are limited.
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. 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 student@tru.ca
Call Enrolment Services at 250-852-7000 or 1-800-663-9711
(toll-free in Canada)
This project was funded by the Government of Canada through the Province of British Columbia.
