The Government of B.C. has launched the Workplace Innovation Fund, a program focused on labour supply and inclusion, along with new ways of improving productivity and employee retention.

Part of the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan, the Workplace Innovation Fund aim to fund innovative projects to tackle the current labour shortage, better prepare employers and workers for the changing economy, and attract, hire and retain a diverse workforce.

“The Workplace Innovation Fund centres around developing sector-wide solutions that can help increase construction productivity and prepare a talented workforce for the challenges that lie ahead,” said Selina Robinson, minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “This fund is responding to address multiple workforce challenges, including developing technologies to increase productivity and supporting the hiring and retention of good people who have the skills required in construction as new technologies are developed.”

The Workplace Innovation Fund seeks to help address five critical areas in the construction industry where government can support workforce development:

• supporting industry to adopt new technologies and improve productivity;
• improving workplace culture and human resource practices to attract and retain workers, including under-represented and diverse workers;
• developing and supporting innovative training practices;
• elevating the prestige and awareness of the industry and a career in construction; and
• streamlining career pathways for newcomers.

Initial concept proposals are now open. The initial intake of proposals closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time) on Nov. 10, 2023. Grants up to $5 million per project are available. Eligible applicants include, but aren’t limited to:

• businesses and for-profit organizations, including Indigenous and First-Nation-owned enterprises;
• not-for-profit and/or social enterprise operations;
• labour organizations;
• local governments; and
• consortia or partnerships.