Overview

Are you an unemployed or low-skilled individual looking to re-enter the labour force?  If so, we have the program for you!  The Employment Skills Access Program (ESA) is a Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA) funded program that aims to provide tuition-free skills training to unemployed individuals in need of assistance transitioning into a new job.  This government-sponsored program waives tuition and student fees for specific intensive training programs offered through 19 post-secondary institutions (all of which we’ve listed below).

The training programs that are offered through the ESA program are primarily focused on preparing individuals for entry-level employment in industries or occupations that are currently expecting or are projected to experience labour or skills shortages.  The programs’ length will vary, ranging anywhere from three weeks up to a maximum of 12 months, and will work to provide participants with the recognized credentials for their occupational choice.  Current training or certification standards will be met in each of the offered training programs.  The program may also cover costs for books, course materials, transportation, and childcare, provided certain eligibility requirements are met. 

As an ESA program participant you may receive the following:

• Essential skills prerequisites for successful employment
• Assistance with entry or re-entry into the labour force
• Training to improve basic qualifications
• Provincial and industry-recognized certification credentials
• Individual referrals and resources including ongoing support
• Information regarding your preferred trade or profession in BC and Canada
• Professional job search assistance

Eligibility Requirements

You must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

You cannot be a student at the time of enrolment.

If you're currently employed you must answer "No" to either one of the questions below to meet the required definition of Low-Skilled:

1. Do you have recognized certification (such as a trades certification, Class 1 Driver's Licence, Commercial Diver certificate, etc.) or some recognized post-secondary education toward a university degree?
2. Do you have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent?

If you're currently unemployed you must answer "No" to all four of the questions below in order to meet the required definition of a Non-EI Client:

1. Are you currently receiving EI benefits?
2. Have you received regular EI benefits in the past three years?
3. Have you received maternity or paternal EI benefits in the past five years?
4. Did you establish a regular EI claim in the past three years but did not receive benefits as the result of a disqualification?

If you met the definition requirements above for either a Low-Skilled or Non-EI Client, and you're legally entitled to work in Canada and not currently a student, then you are eligible to apply.
 

Post-Secondary Institutions

Listed below are all of the post-secondary institutions that accept ESA program participants.  Each link will take you to the specific ESA pages for each institution, except for Thompson Rivers and Kwantlen Polytechnic. 

Douglas College

Vancouver Island University

Selkirk College

Northwest Community College

Royal Roads University

Capilano University

Langara College

North Island College

Okanagan College

Northern Lights College

British Columbia Institute of Technology

College of New Caledonia

College of the Rockies

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Thompson Rivers University

University of Northern British Columbia

Vancouver Community College

Did you obtain employment through the Employment Skills Access program?  If so, please comment below and share your experience!