You may be eligible for training support of up to $10,000!

The retraining fund has already supported Community Health Subsector workers in taking these courses:

  • Computer Skills and Software
  • Health Care Assistant
  • Community health worker
  • English as a Second Language
  • Skilled Trades – carpenter, electrician, machinist, power engineer, HVAC and refrigeration, welder etc.
  • Acute Care Skills for Home Support/ Resident Care Attendants
  • Administrative and Bookkeeping
  • Community Mental Health Worker
  • Activity or Recreation aid

And many, many more!

Who can apply to the fund?

Any member of a union covered by the Community Health Subsector collective agreement is eligible to apply. These include the BCGEU, UFCW, HEU, USW, CUPE, HSA and HEABC. Or you may be an employee of a health authority or an agency funded by a health authority.

What sorts of education and training are eligible for CHRF funding?

  • Full-time studies
  • Part-time studies
  • Online courses
  • Professional development
  • The fund will also consider applications for ELL training offered at public institutions in B.C. as listed here.

The education or training must be relevant to your current or future work in the community health care sector (Collective Agreement Schedule A) and offered at or through a public institution or provider in British Columbia.

Although the fund does not support full degree programs, relevant courses within a program may be eligible. You will need to make a reasonable case for us to consider your application. The Fund does not accept applications for Master's level courses.

Regrettably, the fund cannot reimburse payments that were made through Student Loans.

How much funding is available?

An applicant is eligible for up to a lifetime maximum of $10,000 in funding.

What does the funding cover?

  • Tuition
  • Textbooks
  • Required fees
  • Prerequisite courses and tests

What if I’ve already started or finished my course? Can I still apply for funding?

Yes, if your course started within the last 12 months or if you’ve registered or completed your training in the 12 months following your application, you can still apply for funding.