ICBC has announced a major $13.3 million investment to support apprenticeships across B.C. Rick Hatswell (centre) and Jason McDaniel (right) was proud to be alongside for the milestone.
ICBC president and CEO Jason McDaniel is making workforce development in the collision repair industry an early priority, announcing a $13.3 million investment in apprenticeship grants aimed at helping address technician shortages across British Columbia.
The funding, announced April 10 at Vancouver Community College alongside Rick Hatswell, president and CEO of Craftsman Collision, will be distributed over the next four years to support apprenticeship opportunities at ICBC Repair Network facilities.
Th e initiative is designed to strengthen the long-term collision repair workforce, help reduce repair wait times and support safe, high-quality repairs as vehicle technology becomes increasingly complex.
Eligible repair facilities could receive up to $56,500 per apprentice for automotive refi nishing technicians and auto body and collision repair technicians, covering a substantial portion of apprenticeship and training costs.
The announcement comes as collision repair facilities across Canada continue to struggle with skilled labour shortages, while facing increased repair complexity tied to advanced driver assistance systems, EV technology and OEM repair procedures. Th e investment also aligns with broader federal government efforts to attract and retain workers in the skilled trades through apprenticeship incentives, training funding and workforce development initiatives aimed at addressing labour shortages nationwide. ICBC says the grants are structured to encourage apprentices to move through training and Red Seal certification in a timely manner, helping strengthen the workforce more quickly.
Additional grants will also be available to support women and Indigenous apprentices, while rural repair businesses will receive assistance covering travel costs for apprentices who must travel to access training opportunities.
“We’re making this investment to help repair facilities bring more apprentices into the trade and support them through training and certifi cation. Over time, that will mean more skilled technicians — helping reduce repair wait times aft er a crash for customers while maintaining safe, high-quality repairs,” said Jason McDaniel, president and CEO of ICBC.
B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma said the program is also focused on improving access and diversity within the trades. “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. By supporting apprentices, we’re creating a more inclusive workforce and helping more people succeed and build a future for themselves in the trades.”
Industry leaders say the support arrives at a critical time for collision repair businesses attempting to keep pace with vehicle technology and repair demand.
“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 Rick Hatswell, president and CEO of Craft sman Collision.
McDaniel is still relatively new to the role aft er offi cially being confi rmed as ICBC’s president and CEO by the corporation’s board of directors earlier this year following a period serving in the interim position beginning in June 2025.
A longtime ICBC executive, McDaniel fi rst joined the corporation in 2006 and has held several senior leadership positions, including vice-president of operations, chief legal offi cer and corporate secretary. According to ICBC board chair Catherine Holt, McDaniel played a key role in the corporation’s transition from a legal-based auto insurance model to Enhanced Care.
In comments released following his offi cial appointment, McDaniel said recent months spent meeting with customers, employees and stakeholders across British Columbia helped shape his priorities moving forward, including modernization of customer services and continued aff ordability.
He also pointed to the upcoming launch of ICBC’s new “My ICBC” customer portal, which will consolidate 23 services into a single digital platform.
collisionrepairmag.com/15822049
