Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
VICTORIA - Government is supporting B.C.'s skilled workforce by extending the BC Training Tax Credit program for an additional three years to the end of 2017, providing refundable income tax credits for B.C. apprentices and their employers.
Eligible apprentices enrolled in programs administered through the Industry Training Authority may qualify for up to $6,500 in tax credits over a four-year apprenticeship program. Employers may qualify for up to $13,500 in tax credits as their apprentice progresses.
"British Columbia's job market creates a strong demand for skilled workers," said Premier Christy Clark. "Extending these credits will provide long-lasting benefits for employers and skilled trades workers and help fuel the skilled workforce we need to keep B.C.'s economy moving."
To encourage First Nations participation in trades, individual and employer tax credits are enhanced by 50%. Persons with disabilities and their employers are also eligible for enhanced tax credits under this program.
The Training Tax Credit program is designed to attract people to apprenticeship programs in B.C. to gain the experience they need to qualify for skilled trades jobs. The program also provides employers with an incentive to hire and train apprentices so they can get the work experience they need to find the job they want to support themselves and their families.
"Since the program began in 2007, thousands of apprentices have enrolled and gone on to secure stable, well-paying jobs throughout B.C.," said Minister of Finance Michael de Jong. "These are the skilled tradespeople who are building our homes, our infrastructure and eventually supporting B.C.'s LNG industry.”