Workplace Training for Innovation (WTI) FAQ

Since WTI has been in the media there have been a lot of interest about the program.

This is part of Canada govt.’s action plan to stimulate the economy and increasing the skills of currently employed people. It is funded by our Tax money.

The money is a grant; it means you do not have to pay it back, if you follow the grant guideline.

You must use the fund to train your employees (strictly who are on payroll) or you will have to return it to BC Province.

The grant is maximum $5,000 per corporation or maximum $1,500 for each employee. It is available only to a BC Corporate Registered company in good standing.

The company must have trainable employees and is registered with the BC Corporation for a minimum of one year or more.

Also the corporation must certify that this training is needed for it employees skill development and without the grant money, the company would not be able to train them.

There are strict eligibility criteria about the kind of skill building training program can be funded by the grant money. If you pay for training with the grant money that is not approved by the grant guideline you will have to return the grant.

Training for business owner, operator, independent contractors (self employed), volunteer workers, realtors are not eligible for funding.

Only employees (who are on payroll) of a corporation, are eligible for this Tax dollar funded training program.

If you receive the grant funding, you must submit a complete grant Funding Reconciliation form within 30 days following the completion of the training.

You must keep all records regarding grant and training program you purchased to train your employees for at least seven years. Grant funding is also subject to audit and verification by the BC Province or its agent.

This is how the WTI is working.

Corporation Gets Grant…..

Employees get trained….

Trainer gets paid with the grant fund.

BC government is asking businesses to be cautious, when selecting training providers.

If you fail to follow the strict grant guideline, you might have to return the grant funding.

This program is scheduled to end Jan 31, 2011. So, there are lots of activity among training providers and businesses to secure this funding to train employees.

Contact me, if you have questions about WTI program.