The Insurance Corp. of British Columbia will invest $13.3 million over four years in apprenticeship grants for the collision repair sector in the province.
“We’re making this investment to help repair facilities bring more apprentices into the trade and support them through training and certification. Over time, that will mean more skilled technicians -- helping reduce repair wait times after a crash for customers while maintaining safe, high-quality repairs,” said Jason McDaniel, president and CEO of Crown corporation in a press statement.
The insurer made the announcement at Vancouver Community College alongside industry representatives, including Automotive Retailers Association board chair and president of Craftsman Collision, Rick Hatswell.
The funding will support apprenticeships for automotive refinishing technicians as well as auto body and collision repair technicians at ICBC Repair Network facilities. Eligible employers can receive up to $56,500 per apprentice to offset training costs.
The program is intended to increase the number of certified technicians and expand repair capacity across the province. The insurer links workforce shortages to longer repair timelines following collisions.
The grants also include targeted funding for women and Indigenous apprentices, along with travel support for those in rural and remote communities who must leave home to access training.
“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,” said Attorney General Niki Sharma. “By supporting apprentices, we’re creating a more inclusive workforce and helping more people succeed and build a future for themselves in the trades.”
Funding will be distributed across each stage of apprenticeship training and tied to Red Seal certification requirements, with the goal of accelerating completion rates.
“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,” said Hatswell.
