Up to $3,500 for short-term skills training available for eligible British Columbians
College of the Rockies Fernie Campus is holding a second intake of its popular Water Monitoring micro-credential, starting March 16, 2026.
“Our pilot intake for this micro-credential was very successful, and we’re excited to be able to offer it again this spring,” said Tim Schoahs, Fernie campus manager. “We have been able to refine the program for this second offering, but students will still leave the program equipped to provide water monitoring services within our region, across the province, and beyond.”
Developed in collaboration with industry specialists, the five-week Environmental Water Management micro-credential provides an intensive introduction to field work, water testing and monitoring, and prepares students for a variety of environment-related government and industry careers.
“This new micro-credential program at COTR is a prime example of how the future skills grant is supporting British Columbians to improve and expand their skills for employment,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “I am excited for people across the province to benefit as people apply these new skills towards building a stronger BC.”
The micro-credential consists of online and in-person lectures, complemented by hands-on training by industry experts and access to industry certifications, including:
- Basic First Aid
- WHMIS
- H2S Aware
- WildSafeBC
- Wildlife Awareness and Safety
- Swift Water Rescue Awareness
- CABIN (Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network) Field Technician
The Environmental Water Monitoring micro-credential is made possible through funding from the Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills and eligible students can apply for tuition assistance of up to $3,500 through the Stronger BC Future Skills Grant.
For more information, please go to cotr.bc.ca/water-monitoring
About the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant
As part of the StrongerBC Future Ready Action Plan, the provincial government introduced the Future Skills Grant to support British Columbians, aged 19 or older, in accessing up to $3,500 in short-term skills training, aligned with skills and labour market demands as identified in B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook.
First introduced in Fall 2023, over 7,000 people have accessed the Grant, helping people access training opportunities in industries like health care, firefighting, cybersecurity and construction.
The Grant will continue to play a pivotal role in equipping individuals for current and future job markets and contributing to the province’s economic resilience and global competitiveness.
About College of the Rockies
For 50 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industries, and businesses of our region. All our campuses are located on the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa people, which is also home to the Kinbasket people. We value our relationships with the four Ktunaxa bands, the Shuswap band, and the Kootenay Regional Office of the Métis Nation, BC. Each year, thousands of full-time and part-time students join us in a full range of programs, including skilled trades, university arts and sciences, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education, and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey. Learn more about College of the Rockies at cotr.bc.ca
Media Contact:
Darryl Dux
Communications Coordinator
College of the Rockies
ddux@cotr.bc.ca