BC: Recently the Workplace Training for Innovation pilot program was launched to provide funding to small businesses intended to help improve training and skills and productivity.

Companies are eligible to receive up to $5,000 to help with employee training, with a maximum of $1,500 per employee trained. Federal Strategic Training and Transition Fund have allocated $15 million to the pilot program.

Eligible companies are those with fewer than 50 workers, in operation for over a year and in good standing with BC Corporate Registry.

Those trained under the program can do so for up to six months and may do so on or off company property. Costs of books, materials and purchase of training are covered.

The program helps small businesses to:

• Improve productivity;
• Implement new technology, machinery or work processes;
• Improve competitiveness overseas;
• Increase the long-term competitiveness of company.

Applications for the program are accepted until January 31, 2011, and are available to everyone on a first come basis, as long as funding is available.

More information is available at: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/workplace_training_program/welcome.htm.

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