Innovator Skills Initiative

The Innovator Skills Initiative provides up to $10,000 to help employers hire a new employee. The program helps under-represented people get their first job in B.C.’s tech sector and supports companies facing skills shortages to grow and expand.

Due to high demand, the program is currently at capacity. Applications received now will be waitlisted and we will contact you if additional spots become available. As the current review process unfolds, more spots may become available. Submitting an application now is encouraged so that your application is added in priority sequences as spots open up.

Employer Eligibility

• A B.C.-based technology business/organization hiring for a business or tech role
• A B.C.-based non-tech business/organization, including public body and Indigenous community, hiring for a tech role

Employee Eligibility

• Self-identifies as belonging to an under-represented group:
• Must be living in B.C. and be eligible to work in B.C.
• Must be a new hire on or after April 1, 2023
• Has completed training or education on or after December 1, 2019, whether at a post-secondary institute or through other recognized pathways.

Placement Eligibility

• Must be at minimum a 4-month period
• Must start no earlier than April 1, 2023 and end no later than October 31, 2023.
• Must be at minimum an average of 15 hours per week

Key Dates

• Application deadline: October 20, 2023
• Earliest hire date: April 1, 2023 
• Latest work placement end date: October 31, 2023