StrongerBC future skills grant supports more than 900 UBC learners across BC

The StrongerBC future skills grant has become an important part of how UBC contributes to workforce development and lifelong learning across British Columbia. By helping eligible BC residents access short-term, career-relevant training, the grant supports UBC’s Strategic Directions and creates more flexible pathways into learning for people at different stages of their personal and professional lives. 

 

What began as a provincial pilot has become an important way for UBC to open learning opportunities for more people across BC. Through the grant, thousands of British Columbians have been able to build new skills, advance their careers and connect with UBC learning in a way that is flexible, focused and accessible.  

 

The grant has supported short, non-credit offerings such as micro-credentials across UBC. These programs align with provincial labour market priorities in areas such as health care, construction and trades, and clean technology, while also supporting transferable skills that help learners adapt to a changing job market. Together, they show how UBC’s teaching and expertise can be mobilized to respond to workforce needs across the province. 

 

Provincial data indicate that roughly three-quarters of StrongerBC future skills grant recipients would not have enrolled without this support, underlining the grant’s role in reducing financial barriers rather than simply subsidizing existing demand. For many, it offers a more accessible entry point to UBC learning and a chance to benefit from the university’s strengths without following a traditional degree pathway. 

 

 

UBC Extended Learning acts as the institutional hub for the StrongerBC future skills grant, serving as UBC’s primary liaison with the provincial government and coordinating the university’s participation on behalf of all participating faculties. This role helps connect activity across campuses and units so UBC can participate in a major provincial initiative in a coordinated, university-wide way. 

 

The 2025/26 cycle marked the third year of the initial three-year pilot. The BC Ministry is expected to announce details of the 2026 StrongerBC future skills grant shortly. As we await the details for the 2026/27 program, UBC is well positioned to build on three years of strong results and continue expanding access to high-impact learning opportunities for people across British Columbia.