Training your team costs money. Courses, wages during training, and outside instructors add up fast. The good news is that Canada has dozens of programs that help employers pay for employee training and workforce development, including Productivité‑Compétences in Quebec and similar programs in other provinces.
Across Canada, governments fund training because skills shortages are a real economic issue. Most programs cover half to all training costs, depending on where your business is and what you do.
Employee training funding usually falls into three buckets: provincial training grants, sector or partnership programs, and employer‑driven workforce initiatives. Below are real, active programs Canadian employers use today.
Productivité‑Compétences is one of the most important workforce development programs in Quebec. It supports training projects that improve the skills of currently employed workers.
Key details
This program does not fund random or one-time courses. You need a structured training project with clear goals, outcomes, and budgets.
If your business operates in New Brunswick, the Labour Force Training program helps cover training tied to job performance and helping employees keep their jobs.
Key details
This program is often used for short-term skills gaps, especially when a role already exists.
Manitoba’s Workforce Training and Employment programs support employer-led training and help businesses adapt to changes.
Key details
These programs often work best when multiple employers or industry partners are involved.
The Workforce Expansion Program supports growing businesses that need to hire and train workers.
Key details
This is commonly paired with hiring plans rather than standalone training.
Visées helps employers cover employee wages during training.
Key details
This is useful when training would otherwise pull staff away from revenue-generating work.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter these programs by province, business size, and training type quickly.
Getting funding for employee training is easier when you’re prepared. Here are some steps to help your application stand out:
Build a clear training plan
List the training goals, who will attend, what skills they’ll learn, and how it will help your business.
Set a budget
Break down costs for tuition, materials, travel, and wages during training. Check which expenses are eligible.
Collect supporting documents
You may need business numbers, payroll records, or letters from partners.
Check deadlines and requirements
Some programs have set intake periods or require you to apply before training begins.
Show the impact
Explain how training will help your employees keep their jobs, grow your business, or fill skills gaps.
Applying without a training plan
Programs like Productivité‑Compétences require clear objectives, timelines, and outcomes. A vague course list is not enough.
Missing intake windows
Many training grants run on calls for proposals. If you miss the window, you may wait months for the next round.
Assuming all training costs are eligible
Some programs exclude travel, internal trainer wages, or software. Always check eligible expenses first.
Stacking funding incorrectly
Using multiple grants for the same costs can trigger clawbacks. Each program has stacking limits.
Q: Can I get funding to train existing employees?
Yes. Programs like Productivité‑Compétences and Labour Force Training are designed specifically for workers already on your payroll.
Q: Do training grants cover employee wages?
Sometimes. Programs like Visées cover up to 50% of salary costs during training, while others only fund course fees.
Q: Are workforce training grants taxable?
It depends on the program and how funds are used. Always confirm with your accountant before applying.
Q: Can small businesses apply for workforce development funding?
Yes. Many programs are open to SMEs, especially if the training addresses a documented skills gap.
Q: Are these grants competitive?
Some are ongoing, while others are competitive and scored. Productivité‑Compétences is competitive and project‑based.
Employee training funding exists in every province, but eligibility rules vary more than most business owners expect. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active training and workforce development programs across Canada and helps you see which ones fit your business profile before you invest time applying.
See also:
If workforce development is a priority this year, the right mix of training grants can lower your costs and strengthen your team at the same time.
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