Workforce Development Agreement and Annual Reports

The Workforce Development Agreement (WDA) provides funding for labour market programming in B.C.

Under this agreement, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills works with service delivery agencies, employers, industry organizations and communities to deliver skills training programs and services, including:

  • B.C. Employer Training Grant – provides funding for B.C. employers to invest in skills training for their current or new employees.
  • BladeRunners – provides life skills training, job placements and industry-recognized certifications to help people aged 15 to 30 enter the workforce.
  • Community Workforce Response Grant – funds skills training projects that address labour market needs in B.C.’s communities and sectors.
  • Indigenous Skills Training and Education – provides funding to First Nations, Métis Nation BC and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres to deliver skills training and education programming consistent with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
  • SkilledTradesBC Pre-Apprenticeship Programs – helps people from groups under-represented in the trades to pursue apprenticeship and work towards employment.
  • Skills Training for Employment Program – provides skills training and wraparound supports for people facing barriers to employment.

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction delivers complementary WDA-funded programming to support employment of persons with disabilities, including:

  • Community and Employer Partnerships – funds projects that increase training and work experience opportunities for people in communities throughout B.C.
  • Community Living BC – provides employment services for adults who have a developmental disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
  • WorkBC Assistive Technology Services – provides equipment and devices for people who face a work-related barrier due to a disability or a functional limitation.
  • WorkBC Employment Services – helps people secure good jobs through employment services and supports provided virtually and in person at WorkBC Centres.

WDA funding also supports Mental Health and Substance Use Employment Support Programs, delivered by the Ministry of Health. These programs help people with severe mental health or substance use disorders build pre-employment, job, and social skills that build personal and financial independence.

B.C. is receiving $99.1 million in WDA funding for the 2025/26 fiscal year. 

Annual reports

The WDA requires that B.C. publish labour market program outcomes each fiscal year. These public reports highlight how B.C.’s investment in skills training programs and supports benefit people in British Columbia.

Access the reports below:

*In 2023/24, the scope of the annual report was broadened beyond the WDA to include results related to programs funded by the Labour Market Development Agreement and StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan. 

**The 2018/19 Rural Urban Report examined how WDA-funded programming helped people in both rural and urban areas improve their skills and gain sustainable employment.