Media Contacts

Ministry of Attorney General

Media Relations
604-830-6285

Backgrounders

Apprenticeship grants background

ICBC is investing up to $13.3 million over four years in apprenticeship grants to help address labour shortages and strengthen B.C.’s collision repair industry.

Employers can receive up to $56,500 per four-year auto body and collision technician apprenticeship, and up to $29,500 per two-year automotive refinishing technician apprenticeship.

To encourage timely completion, full funding is available when an apprentice completes a training level within 12 months of their previous level completion date. If training extends beyond 12 months, the level grants and completion grant are reduced by 25%.

The total investment will vary based on the number of eligible applicants who apply for and receive grants between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2030.

Grant types and amounts:

  • Auto body and collision technician: up to $7,500 for each training level completed by an apprentice and up to $10,000 upon completion of Red Seal certification.
  • Automotive refinishing technician: up to $5,000 for each training level completed by an apprentice and up to $10,000 upon completion of Red Seal certification.
  • Indigenous and women in trades grant: $500 for each training level (or Red Seal certification) completed or challenged by an apprentice or technician who self-identifies as First Nations, Métis, Inuit or as a woman.
  • Out-of-town allowance: up to $3,000 per person, per level/exam, to assist with travel when it’s over 100 kilometres each way or ferry travel is required to complete training or challenge an exam.
  • Tool grant: one-time $2,000 payable directly to apprentices when they complete level one training to help offset the initial cost of trade tools.
  • Alternative pathways grants:
    • Challenge grant: $1,000 each time a technician successfully completes a level challenge exam or Red Seal certification.
    • Foundations grant: $1,000 payable for a level one apprentice who successfully completes and receives credit for a Foundations program.
    • Youth Train in Trades grant: $1,000 payable for a level one apprentice who completes and receives credit for a Youth Train in Trades program.