The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is committing $13.3 million over four years to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the province’s collision repair industry, targeting labour shortages that have contributed to longer vehicle repair times.
The grants are available to facilities in the ICBC Repair Network and cover a significant portion of employer costs for training automotive refinishing technicians and auto body and collision repair technicians. Up to $56,500 is available per apprenticeship for a four-year auto body and collision technician program.
“We’re making this investment to help repair facilities bring more apprentices into the trade and support them through training and certification,” said Jason McDaniel, president and chief executive officer of ICBC. “Over time, that will mean more skilled technicians — helping reduce repair wait times after a crash for customers while maintaining safe, high-quality repairs.”
ICBC announced the investment April 10 at Vancouver Community College alongside representatives from the Automotive Retailers Association and other industry partners.
Grant structure
The program is designed to reward timely progression through training. Full funding is available when an apprentice completes each training level within 12 months of completing the previous one. If training extends beyond that window, level grants and the completion grant are reduced by 25 per cent.
Funding is tied to each stage of training and to Red Seal certification. Individual grant amounts include:
- Auto body and collision technician: up to $7,500 per training level completed, plus up to $10,000 upon Red Seal certification
- Automotive refinishing technician: up to $5,000 per training level completed, plus up to $10,000 upon Red Seal certification
- Tool grant: a one-time $2,000 payment directly to apprentices upon completing level one training
- Out-of-town allowance: up to $3,000 per person, per level or exam, for apprentices who must travel more than 100 kilometres each way or use ferry service to access training
Workforce diversity and access
The program includes a $500 grant for each training level or Red Seal certification completed by apprentices who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, Inuit or as a woman. A separate out-of-town allowance is intended to reduce barriers for apprentices in rural communities who must travel to access training.
Attorney General Niki Sharma said the grants are aimed at building a more inclusive trades workforce.
“Reducing barriers to training opportunities is essential to building a fairer, stronger British Columbia. This investment helps support women and Indigenous apprentices and people living in rural communities access collision repair training and build rewarding careers.”
Alternative pathways
The program also funds non-traditional entry routes into the trade. A $1,000 challenge grant is available each time a technician successfully completes a level challenge exam or Red Seal certification. Separate $1,000 grants are available for apprentices who receive credit through a Foundations program or a Youth Train in Trades program.
Rick Hatswell, board chair of the Automotive Retailers Association and president of Craftsman Collision, said the investment comes as vehicle complexity is increasing demand for qualified technicians.
“These grants come at a critical time for the collision repair industry. As vehicles become more complex, the need for skilled technicians has never been greater. Apprentices are essential to ensuring safe, proper repairs and safer roads across British Columbia.”
The grant program runs from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2030. The total amount disbursed will depend on the number of eligible applicants who apply and qualify during that period.
