The Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Development in BC has launched the Workplace Training for Innovation Pilot Program that allows small business owners access to funding to support employee training, helping improve skills and productivity.

Available to employers in every community across BC, the program offers up to $1,500 per employee – to a maximum of $5,000 per employer. The funding will support training activities, which may be up to 6 months in duration, and can be offered offsite or in-house. Eligible employers must be a small organization of less than 50 employees, in good standing with the BC Corporate Registry and in existence for one year or more.

Eligible costs include training purchase costs, books and study materials. The program is designed to provide eligible employers with funding for employee training in order to:
· Improve productivity.
· Support the introduction of new technology, machinery or work processes.
· Enhance international competitiveness.
· Introduce innovative training to increase the long-term competitiveness of the organization and its workforce.

Applications are open until Jan. 31, 2011, and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be subject to available funding. 

The Shelfspace PEAK Training Program is an eligible training program for this funding.

For more information and to access the program visit the Workplace Training Website.